About the song
“Everything I Own” stands as a poignant anthem of love, loss, and enduring memory, originally penned by David Gates, the creative force behind the soft rock band Bread. Released in 1972 as part of their album *Baby I’m-a Want You*, the song resonated deeply with audiences, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Initially perceived as a ballad reflecting on a romantic relationship, the song’s true inspiration lies in a much more personal realm. David Gates later revealed that “Everything I Own” was a tribute to his father, who had passed away before witnessing his son’s rise to fame. The lyrics, laden with emotion and gratitude, convey a profound sense of loss and remembrance: “You sheltered me from harm, kept me warm, you gave my life to me, set me free.”
The song’s universal themes and Gates’s soulful delivery struck a chord beyond borders. In 1974, Jamaican artist Ken Boothe reimagined the song in a reggae rendition that soared to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, captivating a new audience with its heartfelt message. Over a decade later, in 1987, Boy George’s cover version topped charts across several countries, solidifying the song’s timeless appeal and earning Boy George his first solo No. 1 hit in the UK.
Beyond its commercial success, “Everything I Own” found its way into popular culture, enriching narratives in various mediums. It graced the soundtrack of significant productions like the 2011 miniseries *This Is England ’88* and the 2023 film *Beau Is Afraid*, where its emotive strains underscored pivotal moments of loss and reflection.
David Gates’s composition transcends its origins as a mere pop ballad; it serves as a profound testament to familial love and the enduring impact of cherished memories. As Gates himself attested, the song’s genesis from personal loss to public adoration exemplifies its ability to resonate deeply with listeners, offering solace and catharsis through its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody.
“Everything I Own” remains a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion, provoke introspection, and connect individuals across generations—a legacy upheld by its enduring popularity and heartfelt sentiment.
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Lyrics
You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you
And I would give anything I own
I’d give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
You taught me how to love
What it’s of, what it’s of
You never said too much
But still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can’t let go
And I would give anything I own
I’d give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Is there someone you know
Your loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don’t hear the words you long to say
I would give anything I own
I’d give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Just to touch you once again