I Will Always Love You
Dolly Parton & Vince Gill Lyrics


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If I should stay
Well, I would only be in your way
And so I'll go, but yet I know
That I'll think of you each step of my way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
Bitter-sweet memories
That's all I have, and all I'm taking with me
Good-bye, oh, please don't cry
Cause we both know that I'm not
What you need

I will always love you
I will always love you

And I hope life, will treat you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
Oh, I do wish you joy
And I wish you happiness
But above all this
I wish you love
I love you, I will always love

I, I will always, always love you
I will always love you




I will always love you
I will always love you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dolly Parton and Vince Gill's song "I Will" are a powerful statement about unconditional love that transcends time and distance. The song starts with the singer acknowledging that they would only be in the way of the person they love if they stayed. However, they will always love that person no matter where life and destiny take them. The singer then wishes nothing but the best for the person they love, including a life filled with joy, happiness, and most importantly, love.


The lyrics can be interpreted as a farewell message from someone who knows they cannot be with the person they love anymore, but who still holds that person close to their heart. The song is a message of unconditional love that transcends time and boundaries. It is also about selflessness and the ability to let go of someone you love if it's for the greater good.


Line by Line Meaning

If I should stay
If I choose to remain with you,


Well, I would only be in your way
It would only impede your progress,


And so I'll go, but yet I know
So I will leave, but still understand


That I'll think of you each step of my way
That you will often come to mind on my journey


And I will always love you
And my love for you will never waver


I will always love you
I will always love you


Bitter-sweet memories
Memories, both good and bad,


That's all I have, and all I'm taking with me
Are all I have, and what I am taking with me,


Good-bye, oh, please don't cry
Farewell, please do not cry


Cause we both know that I'm not
As we both know, I am not


What you need
What you require


And I hope life, will treat you kind
I hope life will treat you kindly


And I hope that you have all
I hope that you have everything


That you ever dreamed of
That you have ever dreamed of


Oh, I do wish you joy
Oh, I sincerely hope for your joy


And I wish you happiness
And I desire your happiness


But above all this
But beyond all of these desires


I wish you love
I hope that you experience love


I love you, I will always love
I love you, and I always will


I, I will always, always love you
I will constantly have love for you


I will always love you
I will always love you


I will always love you
I will always love you


I will always love you
I will always love you




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dolly Parton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

brucifer790

This is probably my favorite version of this song.

Claire Amer

Mine too

Teresa Jimenez

It doesn’t get better than this

Jeanette Wilson

THIS is the BEST version of this song

Jim Ollison

This song was playing on the radio as I held my mother’s hand when she slipped away losing the fight to Cancer in 97’. That afternoon is forever etched into my memory.

Mike Wheatley

It makes you cry. I remember my mom passing at home. It hurts so bad that I bury it in my mind. Then comes along this song on the radio this morning. And then see what you wrote. I hope we both see our mothers again. Take it easy.

Juliana Adams

What a voice, Vince! What a voice, Dolly! Magnificent! I've got chills.

Az Ashburn

My favourite version of this song. This is the best breakup song ever composed. When you know that the relationship has met the dead end and there is nothing that can be done to rectify the situation, the best thing to do is to let them go and wish them all the best. That's unconditional love. Very soothing yet emotionally intense at the same time.

Adam White

And it'll haunt you the rest of your life and that right there is an indisputable verdict

Helen Peirce

My late husband was the "Love of my life"..
The words in this beautiful song mean so much to me.
I had it played as we left the church after his funeral..πŸ’

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