If I Ain't Got You
A.I.P. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live just to play the game

Some people think that the physical things define what's within
And I've been there before, and that life's a bore
So full of the superficial

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah

Some people search for a fountain
That promises forever young
Some people need three dozen roses
And that's the only way to prove you love them

Hand me the world on a silver platter
And what good would it be
With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah

If I ain't got you with me baby




So nothing in this whole wide world don't mean a thing
If I ain't got you with me baby

Overall Meaning

In A.I.P.'s "If I Ain't Got You," the lyrics explore the idea that material possessions cannot bring true happiness without a meaningful relationship. The first verse sets up the contrast between those who pursue fame, fortune, and power and those who play the game of life with genuine connections. The second verse illustrates the idea that physical things cannot truly define a person's worth and that life can be empty if it is focused solely on superficiality. The chorus brings together the central theme of the song: the idea that nothing is truly important without a loving partner. The bridge drives this message home, emphasizing that even the world itself would not be enough without someone to share it with.


One of the interesting aspects of the song is that it was actually written and performed by Alicia Keys, who is one of the most successful R&B artists of all time. Her original version was released on her second studio album, "The Diary of Alicia Keys," in 2003, and A.I.P.'s version became popular as a cover. Another interesting fact is that the song has been covered by many other artists, including John Legend, Maroon 5, and Taylor Swift. In addition, it has been used in multiple TV shows and movies, such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "Sex and the City 2."


The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and winning multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Additionally, the music video for the song was directed by Diane Martel and features A.I.P. performing the song in a dimly lit studio.


The chords for "If I Ain't Got You" are as follows:


Verse: Am, F, C, G


Chorus: F, G, Am, F, G, C


Bridge: Dm, F, G, C


Overall, the song's message is one of love, reminding listeners that the things that truly matter cannot be bought with money or achieved through fame or power. The lyrics and melody combine to create a soulful ballad that has resonated with audiences for years.


Line by Line Meaning

Some people live for the fortune
There are individuals who view wealth as the primary objective in their lives.


Some people live just for the fame
Some individuals prioritize acquiring status and recognition within their community above everything else.


Some people live for the power, yeah
There are those who see power as the ultimate goal in their existence.


Some people live just to play the game
Certain individuals take pleasure in the process of competing and winning at everything they do, regardless of whether it serves any higher objective.


Some people think that the physical things define what's within
There are some people who believe an individual's worth is dictated by their possessions and physical attributes.


And I've been there before, and that life's a bore
The singer has previously been caught up in the mindset that material possessions are everything and has found that existence unfulfilling.


So full of the superficial
The singer views the focus on physical possessions and appearances alone as lacking depth or substance.


Some people want it all
There are individuals who aspire to possess everything they can


But I don't want nothing at all
The artist does not have the same ambition and instead values something else above material wealth.


If it ain't you baby
The artist's happiness and fulfillment depend on the presence of their significant other.


Some people want diamond rings
Some individuals consider expensive or valuable items, like diamond rings, as symbols of their worth or success.


Some just want everything
Other people desire to attain everything they possibly can, regardless of whether or not it will bring them true happiness or fulfillment.


But everything means nothing
Material possessions, regardless of their value, are not as important to the singer as their significant other.


If I ain't got you, yeah
The singer's happiness is determined solely by the presence of their significant other.


Some people search for a fountain
There are individuals who are always seeking something that will keep them young and vital.


That promises forever young
Some people think eternal youth is a possibility and look for ways to maintain their youthfulness.


Some people need three dozen roses
Some people believe that the more lavish the gift is, the more it communicates their love and devotion.


And that's the only way to prove you love them
The individuals who require grand gestures to feel loved do not believe affection can be expressed through smaller, more simple actions.


Hand me the world on a silver platter
The singer is emphasizing the point that material possessions and wealth do not hold any value or worth to them.


And what good would it be
The artist doesn't see any value in obtaining wealth or status without their significant other to share it with.


With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me
Without their partner to share their life with, the artist does not feel loved or fulfilled regardless of their material success.


If I ain't got you with me baby
The artist's happiness and well-being depend entirely on the presence of their significant other.


So nothing in this whole wide world don't mean a thing
The singer feels that material possessions and achievements lack value and significance without their partner.


If I ain't got you with me baby
The artist is emphasizing the point that their happiness is entirely dependent on the presence of their significant other.




Contributed by London S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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