She sang backing vocals on the Van Halen song "Could This Be Magic?" and on Neil Young's recording of Ian Tyson's folk classic "Four Strong Winds".
Born in Helena, Montana, Larson got her start singing with Hoyt Axton's band and Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. She worked as a session vocalist for Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Neil Young, Christopher Cross, Little Feat, Mary Kay Place, The Dirt Band, The Beach Boys and The Doobie Brothers. In 1979, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She also had a minor role in the 1988 film Twins.
In December 1997, she died in Los Angeles from complications arising from a cerebral edema at the age of 45. She was survived by her husband Russell Kunkel and her daughter Elsie May Larson-Kunkel (born 1990), who has also found some entertainment experience.
Larson is buried in Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Give a Little
Nicolette Larson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What have you got to lose?
It's better that singing the blues
It's your share, waiting everywhere
I'm really trying to tell you the news
Give a little, care a lot
Try to use the love you've got
Waiting for someone to care
Won't you try
See what you can do
You see I'm talking to you
There's so much more
Why are you waiting?
It's about time
That you started to give
Give a little, care a lot
Try to use the love you've got
Someone's waiting over there
Waiting for someone to share their love
See what you're giving
For once in a life don't be driven
To hide it away
Give a little, care a lot
Try to use the love you've got
Someone's waiting over there
Waiting for someone to care
Give a little, care a lot
Try to use the love you've got
Someone's waiting over there
Waiting for someone to care
In "Give a Little," Nicolette Larson encourages listeners to take a chance and give a little of themselves to the people around them. Larson sings that there's nothing to lose by sharing love and care, and that it's better than being weighed down by sadness and sorrow. She reminds listeners that someone out there is waiting for someone to show they care, and that love is something worth sharing.
The lyrics of "Give a Little" serve as a reminder of the importance of being compassionate and empathetic towards others. It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and problems, but we should always be willing to extend a helping hand to those around us. Larson's use of the phrase "give a little, care a lot" is a beautiful encapsulation of this sentiment. By giving just a little bit of ourselves to others, we can make a big difference in someone's life and spread positivity and kindness.
Additionally, the song encourages listeners not to hide their love away. This can be interpreted as a call to be vulnerable and open with our emotions. Sometimes, we may feel hesitant to express our feelings, but Larson urges us to take a chance and share our love with the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a chance
Try something new
What have you got to lose?
You have nothing to lose
It's better that singing the blues
It's better than feeling sad
It's your share, waiting everywhere
It's your opportunity that is waiting for you everywhere
I'm really trying to tell you the news
I am sharing good news with you
Give a little, care a lot
Show a little generosity and care a lot
Try to use the love you've got
Use the love you have within yourself
Someone's waiting over there
There is someone out there waiting for your love
Waiting for someone to care
Waiting for someone to show them love and care
Won't you try
Can you attempt it?
See what you can do
Find out what you are capable of
You see I'm talking to you
I am speaking to you directly
There's so much more
There is a lot more to experience
Why are you waiting?
Why are you not taking action?
It's about time
It is long overdue
That you started to give
You should start giving back
See what you're giving
Be mindful of what you are giving
For once in a life don't be driven
Don't be compelled by external forces
To hide it away
Keep your feelings and emotions hidden from others
Waiting for someone to share their love
Waiting for someone to express their love
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FRANCES B PAYNE, WILLIAM H PAYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vicki Zimmerman
I heard this song as I was driving back from the desert to the beach and I heard the lyrics for the first time in a new way. What a lovely song with Nicolette Larson’s beautiful voice. "Give a little. Care a lot. Try to use the love you've got. Someone's waiting over there, waiting for someone to care." I think the world could use these sentiments.
Ada Martinez
Me encanta esta canción, tell me You love y lotta love
Norma Williams
LOVE LOVE LOVE this woman and her talent. What a loss for all of us who really love music.
Toby Sheets
So many greats die way too young!
elbashir64 aljurjani
Was 14/15 years old when i heard Nicolette with this song for the first time. Overwhelmed by her voice and the music. And it still does in 2020. Timeless. Great !!!!!
Beth Banks
Beautiful song 🎵 ❤ 😍. Wish Nicolette Larson was still around. A talented voice.
Durwood Day
Me too. Such a beautiful and humble lady
David Val
Her voice is a blend of pop country jazz and soul.. really unique.
Bridget Nolan
Nicolette learned from the best especially Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Neil Young.
Don Fraser
@Bridget Nolan Comander Cody was the first stuff I heard her on, amazing talent long ago, she is a natural.. she taught them, as much as they taught her. miss her