I Will Always Love You
RIMES LEANN Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I'll go
But I know
I'll think of you every step of the way

And I will always love you
I will always love you, you

My darling, mmm
Bittersweet memories
That is all I'm taking with me
So goodbye
Please don't cry
For we both know
I'm not what you need

And I will always love you
I will always love you

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you 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
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you, you




Darling, I love you always
I will always love you

Overall Meaning

"I Will Always Love You" is a ballad written and originally performed by Dolly Parton in 1974. LeAnn Rimes’ version of the song in the early 2000s was very successful and critically acclaimed due to its emotional rendition and well-executed vocals. In the song, the singer addresses a lover who has decided to end their romantic relationship. Despite feeling intense love and not wanting to leave, the singer understands that letting go is necessary for the well-being of both parties. They express that they will always love the person, even though they can't stay together anymore.


The first stanza of the song shows the singer's acceptance of the situation, and that they recognize that the person walking away from them is doing what is best for them. They know that if they were to stay, it would only make things worse for their former lover, therefore putting their happiness before their own. This is commendable and shows the noble and selfless nature of the singer. They want their former partner to be happy and have a fulfilling life, even if it means they can't be together.


In the second half of the song, the singer expresses their desire for their former lover’s happiness and well-being. They express their hope that their ex-lover will achieve all their dreams and desires in life, and they even add that they hope the recipient finds true love. Despite the separation, the singer vows to always love their former partner and keep them in their thoughts. This section shows the singer's love for their former lover is unconditional, and even though they can't be together in a romantic way, their love still persists.


Line by Line Meaning

If should stay
If I were to stay, I would only hinder your progress in life.


I would only get in your way
My presence would be an obstacle for you in achieving your goals.


So I'll go
Therefore, I will leave and not cause any more difficulties.


But I know
Despite leaving, I am aware that...


I'll think of you every step of the way
...I will always remember you, cherish the memories we had together and hold you dear in my heart.


And I will always love you
I promise that my love for you will never falter or die out.


My darling, mmm
A term of endearment, expressing fondness and care.


Bittersweet memories
Moments that bring both joy and sadness, which evoke emotions and nostalgia.


That is all I'm taking with me
The only things I'm keeping are the memories of us together.


So goodbye
I bid you farewell.


Please don't cry
I don't want to see you sad or hurt.


For we both know
Because we are aware that...


I'm not what you need
...I am not the right person for you, and you deserve better.


An I will always love you
Nonetheless, I will always hold a deep, abiding love for you.


I hope life treats you kind
I wish nothing but the best for you, and that life treats you well.


And I hope you have all you dreamed of
I hope that you attain everything you ever wished for in life.


And I wish you joy and happiness
I hope that your life is filled with joy, happiness, and contentment.


But above all this I wish you love.
But ultimately, my greatest wish for you is to experience love, for it is the greatest gift of all.


I will always love you
As previously stated, I vow to always love you, no matter where life takes us.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dolly Parton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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