I Will Always Love You
Parton Dolly [Composer/Author] Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would only be in your way
So I'll go, and yet I know
I'll think of you each step of the way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
That's all I have, and I'm taking with me
Goodbye, please don't you cry
'Cause we both know, I'm not what you need
But, I will always love you
I will always love you
I hope life (I hope life)
Treats you kind (treats you kind)
And I hope you have all you dream of
I wish you joy (I wish you joy)
And happiness (and happiness)
But above all this, I wish you love, oh
And I will always love you
I will always love you
Yes, I will always love you
I will always love you
In Dolly Parton's iconic song "I Will Always Love You", the singer is grappling with the decision to leave a relationship. Despite her love for her partner, she acknowledges that staying would only hold him back and cause him pain. She plans to leave but promises to always cherish memories of their time together and to love him from a distance.
The lyrics "If I should stay, I would only be in your way" and "we both know, I'm not what you need" convey a sense of selflessness and sacrifice. The singer understands that walking away is the best course of action for both her and her partner's well-being. The final verse expresses well wishes for the future, filled with love, happiness, and fulfillment for the person she is leaving behind.
Interestingly, Parton wrote this song in 1974 for her former singing partner, Porter Wagoner, when she decided to pursue a solo career. The song became an instant hit and has since been covered by many renowned artists, including Whitney Houston. In fact, Houston's version, recorded for the 1992 movie "The Bodyguard", became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
If I should stay
In the situation that I choose to remain, it might just end up impeding the path that you're trying to take.
I would only be in your way
It might be that I am nothing but an obstacle to your success.
So I'll go, and yet I know
I understand that even though I am leaving now, your thoughts will follow me as I take my steps.
I'll think of you each step of the way
I will have you in my thoughts as I move on.
And I will always love you
I have nothing but love for you, and will always have it.
Bittersweet memories
The memories I have of you and I are both happy and sad.
That's all I have, and I'm taking with me
These memories are all that I have left, and I am taking them with me as I go.
Goodbye, please don't you cry
Even though it is tough to let go, I wish that you don't let tears mar our goodbye.
'Cause we both know, I'm not what you need
We both are aware that I'm not the requirement that you need to accomplish your aims.
But, I will always love you
Even so, I will always cherish you with all my heart.
I hope life (I hope life)
I wish for you (I hope life)
Treats you kind (treats you kind)
That you are treated with kindness
And I hope you have all you dream of
I wish that all your dreams come to fruition.
I wish you joy (I wish you joy)
I hope that happiness is your constant companion.
And happiness (and happiness)
That you find contentment in every area of your life.
But above all this, I wish you love, oh
But most importantly, I want you to experience the love that you deserve.
Yes, I will always love you
Certainly, my feelings for you will never die out.
I will always love you
My love for you will always continue, and you will always be in my heart.
Contributed by Hailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@tabeijunko9362
If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you each step of the way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
Bittersweet memories
That's all I'm taking with me
Goodbye, please don't cry
We both know that I'm not what you need
But I will always love you
I will always love you
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
And I wish you joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love
And I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
@mc14m33
Listen to Dolly's original version when your heart is breaking, listen to Whitney's version when you're ready to move on. I don't know why, but you can feel the difference.
@laitesiu612
This makes TOTAL sense.
@MotiVibes1137
Man, you nailed it
@auntsissy45
Bootiful both ways
@marissamares8318
Completely agree❤️
@elginhehe8919
this was well said
@sigissigis3174
She wrote this and 'Jolene' on the same day...
@fockingreat1125
Love was def going through it that day lmao
@purplepuzzlemo556
she was in her feelings lol
@jackspiegel4
That is called a good day.