Though best known for their instrumental hit "Pick Up the Pieces," the band's strength lies in their consistently accomplished songwriting, stretching across several gold-selling albums and multi-Grammy nominations for Atlantic Records. Despite their Scottish roots, the six-piece band developed their own "authentic" sound influenced by R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and Donny Hathaway, which was eagerly adopted by black audiences in the US and elsewhere.
Many of the band's cuts, such as "Cut The Cake" and "Let's Go 'Round Again," attracted chart action as hit singles, while album tracks like "Schoolboy Crush" and "Person to Person" became much-sampled "rare" grooves. Other tunes like "Cloudy," "A Love Of Your Own," and "Nothing You Can Do" stand alongside some of the finest soul album tracks ever recorded.
The current lineup of the band, with noted US musicians alongside founding members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre, continues to delight audiences and critics alike in its wide-ranging touring. The musical energy and trademark sound are remarkably true to the original, and with constant revisitation and re-workings of AWB's, and others' classics in the mix, it is no surprise that the Average White Band is now a multi-generational attraction and a perennial fixture with many of the top music venues.
I Just Can't Give You Up
Average White Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I met you keepin'
My distance was the plan
But hey, I never thought you'd get to me this
Way
I got you - and that's good
I was so scared that I
Holding back with my love just trying to
Gain your trust
But now I'm not ashamed to say that
You've got my
Love in your pocket
And I'm hooked - can't you see
I just
Can't give you up
'Cause I got you in my blood
I just can't give
You up
'Cause I got you n my blood
I got to let you know
That you really
Got a hold on me
I'm hooked can't you see
I just can't give you up
'Cause I got you n my blood
I
Just can't give you up
'Cause I got you in my blood
The song "I Just Can't Give You Up" by Average White Band is about a man who initially tries to keep his distance from a woman he met, but eventually finds himself falling for her. The lyrics express the man's fear of falling in love, and his reluctance to show his feelings in the beginning. However, he eventually opens up to the woman and admits that she has captured his heart. He is hooked on her and cannot give her up, as she has become a part of him.
The chorus emphasizes the powerful effect the woman has on the man, as she is now a part of his bloodstream. He cannot let her go, even though he initially tried to keep his distance. The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has fallen in love unexpectedly and finds it hard to let go of that person.
Overall, "I Just Can't Give You Up" is a heartfelt song that captures the emotions of falling in love and being unable to let go of someone. The catchy chorus and soulful melody make this song a classic in the R&B genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a message here that I hope you'll understand
I have something to say that is important and I hope you will listen.
When I met you keepin' my distance was the plan
When we first met, I was trying to stay aloof and not let myself get too close to you.
But hey, I never thought you'd get to me this way
I never expected to fall for you, but you've captured my heart in a way I couldn't have imagined.
I got you - and that's good
I have you by my side, and that's all I need to feel content and happy.
I was so scared that I would fall for you at first
In the beginning, I felt nervous and hesitant about getting involved with you.
Holding back with my love just trying to gain your trust
I didn't want to reveal my feelings too quickly, so I held back and tried to earn your confidence first.
But now I'm not ashamed to say that you've got my love in your pocket
I'm not afraid to admit that I've fallen for you completely and my heart is in your hands.
And I'm hooked - can't you see
I am deeply and completely in love with you, and I can't let go.
I just can't give you up
I can't let go of you, no matter how hard I try.
'Cause I got you in my blood
My love for you runs through my veins and is a part of who I am.
I got to let you know that you really got a hold on me
I want to confess that you have a powerful grip on my heart and emotions.
I'm hooked can't you see
I am completely and utterly in love with you, and I can't break free from that feeling.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: HAMISH STUART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind