Not Given Lightly
Chris Knox
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Hello my friend It's morning, time to wake now Your body and mine entwined will have to break now I want your flesh, your warmth to stay beside me Oh, how I wish you could be deep inside me Show me your eyes, your love, most tender feeling And I'll give you mine, be truthful and revealing 'Cause it's you that I love And it's true that I love It's love not given lightly But I knew this was love And it's you that I love And it's more than what it might be When we're alone I cannot always face you Maybe my mood won't let these arms embrace you That doesn't mean my love's somehow diminished Give me the time to show our love's unfinished 'Cause it's you that I love And it's true that I love And it's love not given lightly But I knew this was love And it's you that I love And it's more than what it might be I need your body, your mind and your emotions Shed me your tears till I drown in your oceans 'Cause it's you that I love And it's true that I love It's love not given lightly But I knew this was love And it's you that I love And it's more than what it might be And every word I sing is true What can I say the words destroy all meaning There's only cliche to get across this feeling That it's you that I love And it's true that I love And it's love not given lightly But I knew this was love And it's you that I love And it's more than what it might be And every word I sing's for you 'Cause it's you that I love And it's true that I love And it's love not given lightly But I knew this was love And it's you that I love And it's more than what it might be This is a love song to John and Leisha's mother This isn't easy I might not write another But it's you that I love And it's true that I love And it's more than what it might be But I knew this was love And it's you that I love And it's love not given lightly 'Cause it's you that I love And it's true that I love And it's love not given lightly But I knew this was love And it's you that I love And it's more than what it might be
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Written by: CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER KNOX
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist BackgroundChris Knox, the artist behind the song, is a New Zealand rock and roll musician and cartoonist. He is well-known for his influence on the 1980s indie rock scene.
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Release and Album"Not Given Lightly" was released in 1989 as part of Chris Knox's album "Seizure". Despite the fact that this album may not have been a huge commercial success, Knox’s reputation began to resound globally through it.
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Inspirational SongThis song has turned out to be one of Knox's most well-known works, often interpreted as a love song. However, it was written for his partner, Barbara Ward, and their two children, so it is indeed more of a dedication than a traditional love song.
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Recognition and InfluenceIn 2001, the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) ranked "Not Given Lightly" as the 13th best New Zealand song of all time. Knox’s DIY songwriting ethic has been a significant influence on many artists and bands.
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Covers and AdaptationsSeveral artists, including New Zealand musician Boh Runga, have covered the track. Furthermore, independent British band Frente! made a bit hit with their cover version, taking it to the top of the Australian charts in the early 1990s.
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Licensing for CausesIn 2009, the license to a cover version of "Not Given Lightly" was granted for a compilation album by New Zealand artists to raise funds for Knox's recovery and rehabilitation following a stroke.
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Charity Record SalesThe charity record, named "Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox" was a great success, with artists such as Jeff Mangum, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, The Mountain Goats, and many more covering Chris Knox’s songs.
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Signature SongDespite having a prolific career with bands like Toy Love and Tall Dwarfs, "Not Given Lightly" is often seen as Knox's signature song. His performances of this track were always highly anticipated and well-received.
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Cultural InfluenceThis track has become a cultural reference point in New Zealand, with its lyrics being used as the basis for a New Zealand Tourism campaign. The campaign was titled ‘Don't leave town until you've seen the country’ and was derived from a lyric of the song: 'Don't leave town 'til you've seen the country'.
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Music VideoThe music video features scenes from Knox's daily life, including shots of him making breakfast, shaving, and playing with his children. This, alongside the powerful but simple song, brings a sense of authenticity and innocence that viewers and listeners deeply appreciate.
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Citation
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"Not Given Lightly Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6780199/Chris+Knox/Not+Given+Lightly>.
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