About the song
Bread‘s “Everything I Own” is a poignant ballad that exemplifies the band’s soft rock style and their talent for crafting deeply emotional songs. Released in 1972 as part of their album Baby I’m-a Want You, this track has become one of Bread‘s most beloved hits, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody.
Written by the band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, David Gates, “Everything I Own” is a song that expresses profound gratitude and love. Although often interpreted as a romantic love song, Gates revealed that it was actually written in tribute to his father, who had recently passed away. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of loss and appreciation, capturing the universal experience of cherishing the memories and sacrifices of a loved one. The poignant refrain, “I would give everything I own / Just to have you back again,” encapsulates the longing and deep emotional connection the narrator feels.
Musically, “Everything I Own” is characterized by its gentle, melodic arrangement. The song features a soft acoustic guitar, delicate piano, and a subtle rhythm section that together create a calming, introspective atmosphere. Gates’s tender vocal delivery enhances the song’s emotional resonance, bringing sincerity and warmth to the lyrics. The simplicity of the instrumentation allows the heartfelt message of the song to take center stage, making it a deeply moving listening experience.
Upon its release, “Everything I Own” was a commercial success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also charted internationally, cementing Bread‘s status as one of the leading soft rock bands of the early 1970s. The song’s success was indicative of the broader appeal of the band’s gentle, melodic sound and the emotional depth of Gates’s songwriting.
“Everything I Own” has since become a timeless classic, covered by numerous artists across various genres. Notably, reggae artist Ken Boothe released a version in 1974 that became a hit in the UK, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s universal themes of love, loss, and appreciation continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its place in the canon of classic pop and rock music.
In conclusion, Bread‘s “Everything I Own” is a beautifully crafted song that captures the essence of love and loss with simplicity and sincerity. The track’s gentle melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Gates’s expressive vocal performance make it a timeless piece that continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
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Lyrics
“Everything I Own”
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
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
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
You’re 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
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