Giving It All Away

Roger Daltrey

About Giving It All Away

"'Giving It All Away'" was a 1973 single release by Roger Daltrey, the lead singer of The Who. The song was written by the then unknown Leo Sayer with David Courtney. Adam Faith produced the track. The song was the first single from the album Daltrey, it reached number five in the UK Singles Chart but failed to chart in the US. Daltrey would never beat this chart position in the UK throughout his whole solo career. The British release, with considerable airplay of "Giving It All Away", (first lines "I paid all my dues so I picked up my shoes, I got up and walked away") coincided with news reports of the Who being sued for unpaid damage to their hotel on a recent tour, including a TV set being thrown out of the window. Daltrey performed the song on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1973. Sayer later recorded his own version of the song for his second album Just a Boy, along with another track from Daltrey, "One Man Band". 


Year:
1982
3:29
71 
#1

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I paid all my dues so I picked up my shoes,
I got up and walked away.
Oh, I was just a boy,
I didn't no how to play.

Worked hard and failed
now all I can say is
I threw it all away.
Oh, I was just a boy
giving it all away... 

sail away, sail away,
ooh, I know better now, I know better now
giving it all away 

ooh, I know better now, I know better now
I've given it all away... 

Went out in the world too much for my nerves
only myself to blame.
oh, I was just a boy
nobody else to blame... 

I've done all I can, now it's out of my hands
stand on my head and say
oh, I was just a boy
giving it all away...

sail away, sail away,
ooh, I know better now, I know better now
giving it all away

ooh, I know better now, I know better now
given it all away..

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Roger Daltrey

Roger Harry Daltrey, CBE (born 1 March 1944), is an English singer, musician, songwriter and actor, best known as the founder and lead singer of English rock band The Who. He has maintained a musical career as a solo artist and has also worked in the film industry, acting in films, theatre and television roles and also producing films. In 2008 he was ranked number 61 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest singers of all time. more »

2 fans

Written by: DAVID ALEXANDER COURTNEY, LEO SAYER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Giving It All Away" was written by the duo David Courtney and Leo Sayer. David Courtney had collaborated with Sayer on his early works, while Sayer is an internationally recognized singer-songwriter.
First Release
The song was initially recorded by Leo Sayer himself for his debut album "Silverbird" in 1973. At that time, Sayer was not as well-known as he is now.
Recomposed by Roger Daltrey
Later that same year, the song was covered by Roger Daltrey, who was primarily known as the lead vocalist for the rock band The Who. His rendition was the first single from his debut solo album "Daltrey."
Achieving Chart Success
"Giving It All Away," in Daltrey's version, became a significant hit. It reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and was also a top 20 hit in several European countries.
Public Opinion
Despite the song's success, Roger Daltrey stated that he felt it did not suit him. In a 1998 interview, he said, "It was too much the 'poor little me.' I had to sing it, because the office would not release anything else unless I did."
Usage in Advertisements
Leo Sayer's version of "Giving It All Away" was featured in a 2009 UK advertisement for Specsavers, a British optical retail chain.
Cover Versions
Aside from Daltrey, the song has been covered by several other artists, including American singer Barry Manilow and UK pop duo Robson & Jerome.
Notable Mention
"Giving It All Away" was included in NME's list of "100 Greatest Singles of All Time" in 1974.
Deep Meaning
The lyrics tell a story of a man who has lost everything and is unsure about the future. It's a melancholic ballad that speaks to the uncertainties of life.
Track Placement
On Daltrey's solo album, the song takes the opening slot, setting a strong and emotional tone for the rest of the record.

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    "Giving It All Away Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35613/Roger+Daltrey/Giving+It+All+Away>.

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    Giving It All Away

    55,619
    462     17

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #83


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