First It Giveth
Queens of the Stone Age Lyrics
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I can't tell
You're so cruel, more than me
It is true (that's right)
Loyal to only you, up your sleeve
I want some (come on, take it)
Of all of you (it's yours)
Trickin' me
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
I would beg and I would plead
I would shake
On a hook, dangling, wide awake
I'm so young
And beautiful (that's right, I'm slick)
I'm no fool
Time goes by, tables turn
All I know
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
First it giveth, then it taketh away
Away, away
In "First It Giveth," Queens of the Stone Age lead singer Josh Homme sings of being caught up in a toxic relationship. The opening lyrics "I'm in you, You're in me, I can't tell" suggest that the singer has lost his sense of self and become enmeshed with his partner. The next lines "You're so cruel, More than me, It is true" suggests that the partner is manipulative and possibly abusive. The lyrics "Loyal to, Only you, Up your sleeve, I want some" show that despite the cruelty, the singer is still drawn to this partner and perhaps seeking their approval. The lines "Trickin' me, First it give'th, Then it take'th away" shows that the partner is unpredictable, sometimes giving love or affection, and sometimes taking it away.
The chorus, which features the repetition of "First it give'th, Then it take'th away," is a mantra that captures the emotional roller-coaster of such a relationship. The rest of the lyrics describe the singer's willingness to endure the emotional pain inflicted by his partner, even to the point of begging, pleading, or being "on a hook," all while convinced of his youth and beauty. The final lines, "Time goes by, Tables turn, Now I know" suggests that the singer has finally recognized the toxicity of the relationship and may be ready to move on.
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in you
I am deeply connected to you
You're in me
You too feel the connection between us
I can't tell
I am not sure whether the connection is mutual or one-sided
You're so cruel
You are harsher than I am
More than me
In comparison to me
It is true
That is a fact
That's right
I am confident that what I am saying is accurate
Loyal to
Dedicated and committed to
Only you
Exclusively to you
Up your sleeve
Keeping something hidden or secret
I want some (come on, take it)
I desire something from you and I am urging you to give it to me
Of all of you (it's yours)
I want all of your attention or affection and it belongs to me
Trickin' me
Deceiving or playing games with me
First it give'th
Initially, it provides or grants
Then it take'th away
But at a later time, it withdraws or removes what it gave
I would beg
I would humbly request
I would plead
I would earnestly appeal
I would shake
I would quiver or tremble with fear or anxiety
On a hook
Trapped or caught in a disadvantageous position
Dangling
Suspended or hanging loosely
By the way
Incidentally or by chance
I'm so young
I am inexperienced and naive
And beautiful
But I hold a certain allure or attractiveness
(That's right)
And that is an indisputable fact
(I'm slick)
I am a smooth and cunning operator
I'm no fool
I may be young and beautiful, but I am not easily tricked
Time goes by
As time passes
Tables turn
The situation can completely reverse
Now I know
I have gained some insight and understanding
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cristián Venegas
I'm in you
You're in me
I can't tell
You're so cruel
More than me
It is true
That's right
Loyal to
Only you
Up your sleeve
I want some (come on, take it)
of all of you (it's yours)
Trickin me
First it giveth
Then it taketh away
I would beg
I would plead
I would shake
On a hook
Dangling
By the way
I'm so young
And beautiful
(That's right)
(I'm slick)
I'm no fool
Time goes by
Tables turn
Now I know
First it giveth
Then it taketh away
Ricardo Mephistto
LYRICS
I'm in you
You're in me
I can't tell
You're so cruel
More than me
It is true
That's right
Loyal to
Only you
Up your sleeve
I want some (come on, take it)
Of all of you (it's yours)
Trickin' me
First it give'th
Then it take'th away
I would beg
I would plead
I would shake
On a hook
Dangling
By the way
I'm so young
And beautiful
(That's right)
(I'm slick)
I'm no fool
Time goes by
Tables turn
Now I know
First it give'th
Then it take'th away
Lisa Robinson
Lyrics ~
I'm in you
You're in me
I can't tell
You're so cruel
More than me
It is true
That's right
Loyal to
Only you
Up your sleeve
I want some (come on, take it)
Of all of you (it's yours)
Trickin' me
First it give'th
Then it take'th away
I would beg
I would plead
I would shake
On a hook
Dangling
By the way
I'm so young
And beautiful
(That's right)
(I'm slick)
I'm no fool
Time goes by
Tables turn
Now I know
First it give'th
Then it take'th away
Blue Jay
I was at a Metallica concert last night and this song is one of the songs that played over the speakers before they came out. Out of all the songs Metallica sang, this is the song I remember the most and they didn’t even sing it. I think it was the chorus that made me remember this song. I never heard it before and I wanted to know what it was so I looked on the internet for about an hour that night (last night) and finally found it.
VolutedMetal85
I'm seeing Metallica a week from now! It would be absolutely killer if this was played over the PA! I would absolutely lose my shit hearing this!
Matheus
This is another proof that Metallica sucks
MessyGamez
You need to hear the whole album man! It's simply amazing.
speed kingLTHL1882
@Matheus first four albums were tight. Then they sold out. Simple
Vicho
@speed kingLTHL1882 how lmao
Dom
One of the best rock choruses ever
MyInferno13
yup.
Michael Graham
your profile pic is from an awesome album.
Dom
+Michael Graham pretty much