I Will Always Love You
D. Parton Lyrics

Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" is a ballad that represents the purest form of love. The opening lines of the song, "If I should stay, I would only be in your way, and so I'll go," reveal that the singer is leaving in order to let her loved one reach their full potential without hindrance. The lyrics, "And yet I know, I'll think of you each step of the way," imply that the singer will never forget their love for the person they are leaving. The chorus "I will always love you" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the enduring nature of love even after separation.

The second verse of the song, "Bitter-sweet memories, that's all I'm taking with me" reveals that no matter where the singer goes, they will carry memories of their love with them. The lyrics, "Good-bye, please don't cry, 'cause we both know that I'm not what you need," indicate that the singer knows that their departure is necessary for the well-being of their loved one, symbolizing the selflessness of love.

The final verse of "I Will Always Love You" is a message of hope for the future of the person whom the singer is leaving. The lyrics, "And I hope life will treat you kind, and I hope that you have all that you ever dreamed of," imply that despite the separation, the singer still wishes the best for their loved one. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, "I will always love you," emphasizing the depth and timeless nature of true love.