Throw It Away
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics

The song Throw It Away by Abbey Lincoln is a poetic reflection upon the obstacles and priorities of life. The first verse portrays the sense of fragility of human existence that makes the singer question their choices and decisions. The reference to a "figure made of clay" further emphasizes their feeling of being vulnerable and easily destructible. The line "And think about the things I lost, the things I gave away" indicates the singer may have regrets over the things they have let go of or wish they could have kept.

However, the second verse introduces a glimmer of hope and empowerment. The singer discovers a "magic book" that contains the words "throw it away." This phrase becomes the refrain of the song and takes on a different meaning each time it is repeated. Essentially, it urges the listener to give away the negative thoughts and emotions that weigh them down and instead focus on giving love and living life. The subsequent lines encourage the listener to keep their hand wide open and let the sun shine through, indicating a sense of receptiveness and gratitude towards life. The final repetition of "You can never ever lose a thing if it belongs to you" takes on a more profound meaning that suggests that the things that truly belong to us cannot be lost because they are inherent to our being.

Overall, the song presents a message of self-discovery, letting go, and embracing life with open arms. It urges the listener to find the courage to let go of the negative past and focus on the present moment, full of love and promise.