Not Given Lightly

Chris Knox

About Not Given Lightly

"Not Given Lightly" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Chris Knox. It was released in 1989 and is among Knox's best known songs. While the song did not chart when originally released in 1989, it has since become well known from its use in New Zealand film and television productions, especially in a television advertisement for Vogel's bread in 2007. In 2001 the song was placed in 13th in the APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time list, as voted by New Zealand members of the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). The song then featured on the Nature's Best album of the top 30 tracks. 


Year:
2002
55 
#2

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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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Chris Knox

Chris Knox (born 2 September 1952) is a New Zealand rock and roll musician, cartoonist, and DVD reviewer who emerged during the punk rock era with his bands The Enemy and Toy Love. After Toy Love disbanded in the early 1980s, he formed the group Tall Dwarfs with guitarist Alec Bathgate, much loved for their honest, unpolished sound and intense live shows. His 4-track machine was used to record most of the early Flying Nun singles. more »

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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 Background
Chris 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.
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.
Inspirational Song
This 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.
Recognition and Influence
In 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.
Covers and Adaptations
Several 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.
Licensing for Causes
In 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.
Charity Record Sales
The 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.
Signature Song
Despite 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.
Cultural Influence
This 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'.
Music Video
The 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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