Can't Give You Anything But My Love
The Stylistics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dress you like a queen
And in a chauffeured limousine
We'd look so fine
But I'm an ordinary guy
And my pockets are empty
Just an ordinary guy
But I'm yours till I die
I can't give you anything
But my love, but my love
I can't give you anything
But my love, but my love
I cannot promise you the world
Can't afford any fancy things
I cannot buy you diamond rings
No string of pearls
But my devotion I will give all my life
Just to you girl
My devotion I will give for as long as I live
I can't give you anything
But my love, but my love
The Stylistics' song "Can't Give You Anything But My Love” is about a man who is crazy in love and entirely committed to his partner, but lacks the financial resources to provide an extravagant lifestyle. The lyrics begin with the singer expressing his desire to shower his lover with luxuries if he had the money. However, he is an ordinary person with limited financial resources who cannot afford fancy clothes, jewelry, or cars. He asserts that despite his financial limitations, his love for her is all he can offer, and he is willing to devote himself to her for the rest of his life.
The song implies that material things are irrelevant when it comes to love, and a genuinely devoted partner is priceless. The character emphasises that his love is the fundamental reason for his relationship and assures his partner that she will always have his love, despite their lack of financial resources. The Chorus of the song echoes this sentiment, with the words "I can't give you anything, but my love, but my love” being repeated over and over.
The song's intent, with its memorable melody, beautiful falsetto vocals, and an overall romantic feel, speaks well to the enduring call of love that has resonated with many audiences over the years. Even though it was released in 1975, the song still enjoys occasional airplay on the radio today, proving its timelessness.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had money I'd go wild buy you furs
If I were wealthy, I would go all-in to spoil you with luxurious outfits and accessories
Dress you like a queen
I would treat you like royalty and make you feel special
And in a chauffeured limousine
We'd ride in a fancy car driven by a chauffeur
We'd look so fine
We would appear elegant and sophisticated
But I'm an ordinary guy
I'm just a regular guy
And my pockets are empty
I don't have any money
Just an ordinary guy
I'm just an average person
But I'm yours till I die
I'm completely devoted to you, and I always will be
I can't give you anything
I'm not able to provide you with material things
But my love, but my love
However, I can offer you my love, which is genuine and true
I cannot promise you the world
I can't guarantee you everything you desire
Can't afford any fancy things
I don't have the means to purchase any extravagant items
I cannot buy you diamond rings
I'm unable to buy you expensive jewelry
No string of pearls
I can't get you elegant pearls to adorn yourself with
But my devotion I will give all my life
I will dedicate my life to being devoted to you
Just to you girl
This devotion is exclusively for you
My devotion I will give for as long as I live
This level of devotion will continue for the rest of my life
I can't give you anything
I still cannot provide any tangible items
But my love, but my love
However, my love for you surpasses any material possessions
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: GEORGE DAVID WEISS, HUGO E PERETTI, LUIGI CREATORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dianebarnaby-watler6877
I would give anything to bring back these Groups of yesteryear. The songs they sang had meaning. They had style and charisma. They had it all. Most of all very entertaining. These songs are timeless. Kudos to the songwriters and all who were involved to make these beautiful songs. 🙂🙂🙂
@yington
Which song are you on about?
@andersoncleyton5916
Músicas, que nos faz voltar ao passado e fazer tudo diferente. Mas nem tudo podemos mudar!!! ❤️🎶
@luanova2022
Eu vou amar esses caras para sempre!🍎
@20079037
Yo tengo 20 años pero esta canción me ENCANTA! creo que mi generación se esta criando sin grandes bandas como THE STYLISTIC, THE PLATTERS y muchas mas de los años 50's, 60's y 70's !!!! eso es muy penoso ahora las producciones musicales son muy descartables! Esta canción tiene todos los ingredientes que la transforman en LEYENDA E INOLVIDABLE. ESTO SI QUE ES MÚSICA!
@nigelbeaumont1109
JOSE BRINGAS ..... this is America..., we speak English.
@caroljoclark9643
One of the most beautiful loves songs ever written.
@sampono1962
Written by Van McCoy?
@bobbywall172
Carol Jo Clark oh yes!! Saw them in Winston Salem a few years ago,!sang every song, the crowd was wild!!!!
@paulkmetko6979
These singers are good i like the oldies are the best.