Rita MacNeil, (born May 28, 1944 - April 16, 2013) is a Canadian country an… Read Full Bio ↴Rita MacNeil, (born May 28, 1944 - April 16, 2013) is a Canadian country and folk singer from the community of Big Pond on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island. Her biggest hit, "Flying On Your Own", was a crossover Top 40 hit in 1987 and was covered by Anne Murray the following year, although she has had hits on the country charts throughout her career. In the United Kingdom, MacNeil's song "Working Man" was a #11 hit in 1990.
In 1990, she was the bestselling country artist in Canada, outselling even Garth Brooks and Clint Black. She is also the only female singer ever to have three separate albums chart in the same year in Australia.

A native of Big Pond, Cape Breton County, MacNeil first performed on stage in 1971, and recorded her first album, Born a Woman, in 1975. She performed at folk festivals throughout the 1970s and 1980s, culminating in her major label debut and pop breakthrough in 1987.

MacNeil hosted a CBC Television variety show, Rita and Friends, from 1994 to 1997. The show won a Gemini Award in 1996. She also runs a tea room in her hometown of Big Pond, which has become one of Cape Breton Island's most popular tourist attractions.

She was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1992 and was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia in 2005.
MacNeil wrote her memoirs On A Personal Note with Anne Simpson in 1998, which was published by Key Porter Books.

Flying On Her Own, a play based on MacNeil's life and featuring many of her songs, premiered at Live Bait Theatre in Sackville, NB in 2000. Written by Canadian playwright Charlie Rhindress, it was subsequently produced by Neptune Theatre in Halifax, NS in 2002 and published by Playwrights Canada Press in 2008.

The Gift Of Love
Rita MacNeil Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You ask me what I want.
You ask me what I need.
It's nothing you can buy.
My heart's not ruled by greed.
I don't love a diamond.
Diamond's you see through.
I want you to hold me.
I want you to be true.

Give me the gift of love.
Look me in the eyes.
Say I'm the one you're dreamin' of.
That'd be the best surprise.
Give me the gift of your sweet love
In the light of the day,
In the dark of night.

Like the colors of the sun,
The feelings in your heart.
It's all I want from you.
And when the sky is dark
I'll have you beside me.
Who could ask for more?
I'll just wear a smile
When you walk in the door.

Give me the gift of love.
Look me in the eyes.
Say I'm the one you're dreamin' of.
That'd be the best surprise.
Give me the gift of your sweet love
In the light of the day,
In the dark of night.

Give me the gift of love.
Look me in the eyes.
Say I'm the one you're dreamin' of.
That'd be the best surprise.
Give me the gift of your sweet love
In the light of the day,
In the dark of night.

Give me the gift of love.
Look me in the eyes.
Say I'm the one.
That'd be the best surprise.
Give me the gift of your sweet love
In the light of the day,

In the dark of night.
Always. Oooooh.

Overall Meaning

In "The Gift of Love," Rita MacNeil expresses her desire for the intangible but invaluable present of love. She lists out all the material gifts she could receive but concludes that none of them hold a candle to the gift of love. The lyrics convey her clear preference for a relationship immersed in trust and affection rather than one based on status and possessions. She desires comfort and security with the person she loves, rather than being blinded by expensive baubles. The chorus emphasizes her longing for heartfelt promises and attention that can be shown in simple ways like eye contact and being close to each other. She does not need grand gestures, but small acts of genuine love.

"The Gift of Love" touches on the universal theme of the importance of real love over material possessions. MacNeil's simple yet powerful sentiments resonate with many people who crave true connection in their relationships. The song highlights how providing emotional support is more important than anything that can be bought with money. It is an inspiring message that can guide people to prioritize their emotional needs in their romantic pursuits.

Line by Line Meaning

You ask me what I want.
I'm thinking about the intangible things, not material possessions.

You ask me what I need.
I'm considering what would truly make me happy.

It's nothing you can buy.
Money can't buy what I'm looking for.

My heart's not ruled by greed.
My desires are not driven by avarice.

I don't love a diamond.
I'm not impressed by superficial items.

Diamond's you see through.
Diamonds don't have real value to me.

I want you to hold me.
What I really desire is the feeling of being held and comforted.

I want you to be true.
I'm looking for genuine feelings and honesty from you.

Give me the gift of love.
What I want from you most of all is your love.

Look me in the eyes.
Make a real connection with me.

Say I'm the one you're dreamin' of.
Express that you have a heartfelt desire for me.