Giving It All Away

Leo Sayer

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:
1999
3:54
106 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I paid all my dues
So I picked up my shoes
I got up and walked away
Oh, I was just a boy
Giving it all away
I didn't know how to play
I've 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, well I know better now,
I know better now
Giving it all away
Oh oh, I now better now,
I know better now
I've given it all away
Went out in the world
Too much for my nerves
Well, only myself to blame
See, I was just a boy
And there was 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, yeah sail away
Oh, I know better now,
I know better now
Ain't gonna give it all away
Oh oh, yeah yeah, I now better now,
I know better now
Ain't gonna give it all away
Ooh, I know better now
I know better now
I've given it all away
See I was just a boy
Giving it all away
I was just a boy
Giving it all away
Oh, I know better now
Giving it all away
I was just a boy

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Leo Sayer

Leo Sayer (born Gerard Hugh Sayer on 21 May 1948) is a British singer-songwriter, musician, and entertainer whose singing career has spanned four decades. Sayer became a naturalised Australian citizen in 2009. Sayer was a top singles and album act on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1970s. His first seven hit singles in the United Kingdom all reached the Top 10 – a feat first registered by his one-time manager, Adam Faith. more »

3 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.

Discuss the Giving It All Away Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Giving It All Away Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4721901/Leo+Sayer/Giving+It+All+Away>.

    Missing lyrics by Leo Sayer?

    Know any other songs by Leo Sayer? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Giving It All Away

    60,059
    460     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Oh here she comes, watch out boy she'll chew you up, Oh here she comes, she's a ________".
    A mad creature
    B a cheater
    C man eater
    D real beater

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Leo Sayer's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    • Tue • Oct 15 • 7:00 PM
      The London Palladium, London
    Leo Sayer tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!