A Song For You
Hathaway Donny Lyrics


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I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs
I've made some bad rhymes
I've acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching

But we're alone now
And I'm singing this song to you

I know your image of me
Is what I hoped to be
I treated you unkindly
But darling, can't you see?
There's no one more important to me
Baby, can't you see through me?

'Cause we're alone now
And I'm singing this song to you

You taught me precious secrets
Of a true love withholding nothing
You came out in front when I was hiding
Now I'm so much better
And if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody
'Cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place
Where there's no space or time
I love you for my life
You're a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together

We were alone
And I was singing this song to you

I love you in a place
Where there's no space or time
I love you for my life
You're a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together

We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone




And I was singing this song, mm
Singing this song to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Donny Hathaway's song "A Song For You" convey a heartfelt expression of love and reflection. The opening lines suggest that the singer has experienced a lot in life, performing on various stages and entertaining large audiences. However, in this moment, they find themselves alone and vulnerable, expressing their true feelings through music.


The singer acknowledges that the person they are singing to may have an idealized image of them, and they may have treated that person unkindly in the past. Despite this, they implore their loved one to see beyond their flaws and recognize that they hold a special place in their heart. The lines "You taught me precious secrets, of a true love withholding nothing" indicate that the loved one has played a significant role in helping the singer grow and become a better person.


The song goes on to describe a love that transcends time and space, a love that exists beyond physical boundaries. The singer emphasizes the deep connection they share and the unconditional love they feel for their loved one, referring to them as a true friend. The closing lines imply that even after their life is over, they want their loved one to remember the moments they spent together, cherishing the intimate experience of the singer singing this song to them.


Overall, "A Song For You" showcases the singer's vulnerability, gratitude, and profound love for their significant other. It explores the power of music as a means of expressing emotions and carrying a message of love beyond the limitations of words.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been so many places in my life and time
I have experienced a wide range of situations and locations throughout my existence


I've sung a lot of songs
I have expressed myself through numerous musical compositions


I've made some bad rhymes
I have created verses that were not well-crafted or refined


I've acted out my life in stages
I have performed and presented different aspects of my life to observers


With ten thousand people watching
In the presence of a large audience witnessing my actions


But we're alone now
However, at this moment, there is only you and me


And I'm singing this song to you
And I am conveying my feelings and thoughts through this melody specifically dedicated to you


I know your image of me
I understand the perception you have of me


Is what I hoped to be
It aligns with the ideal version of myself that I desired to embody


I treated you unkindly
I did not handle our relationship with kindness or consideration


But darling, can't you see?
But my dear, can't you perceive?


There's no one more important to me
No one holds a greater significance in my life


Baby, can't you see through me?
My love, can't you see into the depths of my being?


'Cause we're alone now
Because at this moment, it is just the two of us


And I'm singing this song to you
And I am sharing this heartfelt composition directly with you


You taught me precious secrets
You imparted valuable and intimate knowledge to me


Of a true love withholding nothing
Regarding a genuine affection that holds nothing back


You came out in front when I was hiding
You emerged and supported me when I was concealing myself


Now I'm so much better
Now, I have significantly improved and developed as an individual


And if my words don't come together
And even if my expressions may seem disorganized or incoherent


Listen to the melody
Pay attention to the harmonies and rhythms


'Cause my love is in there hiding
Because my affection is concealed within the music


I love you in a place
I have deep affection for you in a realm


Where there's no space or time
Devoid of spatial or temporal limitations


I love you for my life
I adore you throughout the entirety of my existence


You're a friend of mine
You are someone I consider a close companion


And when my life is over
And when my time on this Earth concludes


Remember when we were together
Recall the moments we shared as a pair


We were alone
There was just the two of us


And I was singing this song to you
And I was serenading you with this melody


We were alone
There was just the two of us


And I was singing this song to you
And I was performing this piece dedicated solely to you


We were alone
There was just the two of us


And I was singing this song, mm
While I was presenting this composition, mm


Singing this song to you
Singing this heartfelt tune especially for you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Leon Russell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@pamelamoore2782

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and recorded.

@shannonwamsley3761

Sad and idk, not glad, but it's talent displayed in brilliant fashion.
Like frickin' magic!
Ya gotta love that!!

@shirleybeyah3976

Preach!❤

@thisdamnguyagain4450

it was written by leon russel but IMO donnie sang the best version of it tho many artist covered it

@tynachilds3027

❤I ABSOLUTELY AGREE! 100%

@iraidushka

@@thisdamnguyagain4450Incredibly moving and deeply emotional. Absolutely love it!

10 More Replies...

@dricklorenz9340

Few songs can penetrate as deep in your soul as this one.

@margaretcarmelatocchio8991

So perfectly stated…. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

@lisdejong

So very true

@jamesa.whitesr.8438

Very few. Thanks.

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