Give It Up
Hensley Lyrics
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One long crisis day after day
Hidden secrets and empty words
Without any truth to light the way
Is that what love is
Is that what love is
You say you're looking but you still can't see
You throw the cards and you read the stars
But only love can make it what you want it to be
Because
You know what love is
You know what love is
You know what love is
You know what love is
It's up to you
Only you can make it grow
It's up to you
Hold on tight, don't let it go, oh, no!
You think you're somewhere but you're going nowhere
It's all an illusion, or that's what you say
There's always a risk in an affair of the heart
If depends on the price you're prepared to pay
I know what love is
I know what love is
I know what love is
I know what love is
It's up to you
Only you can make it grow
It's up to you
Hold on tight, don't let it go, oh, no!...
The lyrics of Ken Hensley's song "Give It Up" delve deeply into the complex and sometimes tumultuous nature of love. The opening lines paint a picture of disillusionment and heartache, with "twisted images and broken promises" and "hidden secrets and empty words" creating a sense of despair and confusion. The repeated question of "Is that what love is?" suggests that the singer is grappling with the idea of what love truly means, and whether it is worth pursuing at all.
The second verse sees the singer continue to struggle with the challenges of love, with the lines "You won't stop trying but you can't stop crying" conveying a sense of frustration and helplessness. Despite searching for answers through various means – from throwing cards to reading stars – the singer ultimately comes to the realization that only love can make things right. This sentiment is echoed in the chorus, where the repeated statement "You know what love is" suggests that the singer has finally found clarity.
The final verse acknowledges the risks and uncertainties inherent in any romantic relationship, but ultimately affirms the power of love to overcome these obstacles. The lines "It's up to you / Only you can make it grow" and "Hold on tight, don't let it go" suggest a sense of determination and commitment, as the singer resolves to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work.
Overall, "Give It Up" is a poignant and introspective song that wrestles with the complexities of love, from the disillusionment and heartache of the early stages to the triumphs and challenges of a lasting relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Twisted images and broken promises
Memories of damaged relationships and unfulfilled hopes lead to emotional turmoil
One long crisis day after day
An ongoing struggle with personal problems and inner turmoil
Hidden secrets and empty words
Distrust in communication with partners and friends
Without any truth to light the way
Confusion in relationships and feeling lost
Is that what love is
Questioning if love truly exists in these circumstances
Is that what love is
Continuing to question the validity of love in a trying situation
You won't stop trying but you can't stop crying
Despite wanting to move forward with life, emotions are overwhelming and prevent progress
You say you're looking but you still can't see
Despite searching for answers, they are unable to find resolution
You throw the cards and you read the stars
Attempting to find guidance through unconventional means
But only love can make it what you want it to be
Love is the only key to unlocking the path to a desired outcome
Because
The following statements are true because of the above circumstances and emotions
You know what love is
Despite the difficulties, you understand the true meaning of love
You know what love is
Reinforcing that you truly understand the power of love
You know what love is
A final reminder that despite the hardships, love is understood
You know what love is
A repetition of the previous statement for added emphasis
It's up to you
The power to decide how to proceed with love is within oneself
Only you can make it grow
Individual effort is necessary to cultivate a stronger and deeper relationship
It's up to you
Reinforcing the importance of individual effort
Hold on tight, don't let it go, oh, no!
Urging the listener to hold onto love despite the difficulties
You think you're somewhere but you're going nowhere
Feeling like progress is being made, but ultimately, no forward motion is taking place
It's all an illusion, or that's what you say
Questioning the validity of progress by stating it may not actually be happening
There's always a risk in an affair of the heart
Recognizing that love is always a risk and can lead to heartbreak
If depends on the price you're prepared to pay
The outcome of love and relationships depends on the effort and sacrifices one is willing to make
I know what love is
Personal understanding of the concept of love
I know what love is
Reinforcement of one's understanding and knowledge of love
I know what love is
Final reminder of one's understanding of love
I know what love is
Repetition of the previous statement for emphasis
It's up to you
The individual holds the power to make choices about love
Only you can make it grow
Individual effort is essential to foster a deeper love
It's up to you
Emphasizing the importance of personal effort
Hold on tight, don't let it go, oh, no!
Urging the listener to hold onto love despite the hardships
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: KEN HENSLEY, KENNETH WILLIAM DAVID HENSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind