Wolf didn't get her recording career going until the mid-'70s, by which time she was well into her thirties. Prior to emerging as a solo artist, she had headed the band Wildwood Flower (who backed her on her first two albums), and organized folk concerts and festivals in Northern California. Very much a self-starter, her first two albums were released on her own Owl label; thereafter, her catalog was handled by Kaleidoscope.
Over the next few years, Wolf built a strong following on the folk circuit with a series of fairly similar but remarkably consistent albums. Her recordings always benefited from first-rate instrumental support from various small bands; guitarist Nina Gerber was her most important associate in this regard.
She was still at her peak when her life was tragically cut short by leukemia in 1986.
The Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival has been celebrating her music for many years now in northern California.
Give Yourself To Love
Kate Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That what brings us together here has blessed us all today.
Love has made a circle that holds us all inside.
Where strangers are as family, loneliness can't hide.
You must give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
I've walked these mountains in the rain and learned to love the wind;
I've been up before the sunrise to watch the day begin.
I've always knew I'd find you, though I never did know how;
Like sunshine on a cloudy day stand before me now.
So give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Love is born in fire; it's planted like a seed.
Love can't give you everything, but it gives you what you need.
And love comes when you're ready, love comes when you're afraid;
It'll be your greatest teacher, the best friend you have made.
So give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love
"Give Yourself to Love" by Kate Wolf is a song about the transformative nature of love. The lyrics revolve around how love can bring people together and break down barriers between strangers. The first stanza speaks to the power of love to bring people together, regardless of their differences. The lyrics create a sense that people who might not have otherwise crossed paths are brought together through the gift of love, forming a close and loving community where no one feels left out.
The second and third stanzas of the song reflect on the journey that the singer has gone through in order to find love. Her journey has been one of self-reflection and a deepening appreciation of nature. She speaks of walking in the mountains and learning to love the wind. The bridge of the song is a call to action: 'give yourself to love, if love is what you're after.' It encourages listeners to open their hearts to the possibility of love, to embrace the joyful moments and to weather through the tough times knowing that love is worth it in the end.
Overall, the song is a reminder that love can transcend divides and that the path to love is often a journey of self-discovery. The song encourages listeners to keep an open heart and be willing to take risks in order to find true love.
Line by Line Meaning
Kind friends all gathered 'round, there's something I would say:
I have something to share with all of you, my dear people.
That what brings us together here has blessed us all today.
The occasion that brought us together today has brought us immense joy.
Love has made a circle that holds us all inside.
Love has created a bond that unifies us together.
Where strangers are as family, loneliness can't hide.
In this circle of love, there is no space for loneliness even if we are surrounded by strangers.
You must give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
If you seek love, you must open your heart and dedicate yourself to it.
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
Accept love wholeheartedly, including all the joy and sorrow it brings.
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Embrace love with open arms.
I've walked these mountains in the rain and learned to love the wind;
I have experienced the beauty of nature and have grown to love it.
I've been up before the sunrise to watch the day begin.
I have witnessed the beginning of new days and appreciate its significance.
I've always knew I'd find you, though I never did know how;
I was certain about finding you, but I was unaware of the journey ahead.
Like sunshine on a cloudy day stand before me now.
You bring brightness to my life, even on the gloomiest days.
Love is born in fire; it's planted like a seed.
Love ignites and grows within us, just like a seed needs to be planted and nourished to grow.
Love can't give you everything, but it gives you what you need.
Love may not fulfill all your desires, but it provides what is essential for you to thrive.
And love comes when you're ready, love comes when you're afraid;
Love arrives when you are prepared to receive it, even in challenging times.
It'll be your greatest teacher, the best friend you have made.
Love teaches us the importance of compassion, forgiveness and helps us grow as individuals.
So give yourself to love if love is what you're after;
If you seek love, be willing to dedicate yourself to it.
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
Be willing to accept the ups and downs of love.
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Wholeheartedly embrace love and give yourself to it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KATE WOLF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind