1) The Relativ… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name, including:
1) The Relatives is an American rock band.
2) The Relatives is an American gospel/soul band from Dallas, TX, than began in 1970.
3) The Relatives was a British active in the 2000s.
4) The Relatives was a 70s British DIY band.
1) The Relatives is an American rock band. The band released their debut album in 1999.
2) The Relatives was a 70s American gospel/soul band from Dallas, TX. Brothers Reverend Gean West and Reverend Tommie West formed the band in 1970, remained active until 1980, and reunited in 2009.
3) The Relatives was a British rock band active in the 2000s. The band released "Now or Ever" in 2002.
4) The Relatives was a 70s British DIY band.
With or Without You
The Relatives Lyrics
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See the thorn twist in your side
I'll wait for you
Slight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you
With or without you
Through the storm, we reach the shore
You gave it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you
With or without you
With or without you, oh, oh
I can't live with or without you
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give, and you give
And you give yourself away
My hands are tied, my body bruised
She got me with nothing left to win
And nothing left to lose
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give, and you give
And you give yourself away
With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you
Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh
With or without you
Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh
With or without you
With or without you, oh, oh
With or without you
With or without you, oh, oh
The lyrics to "With or Without You" by The Relatives are that of a love song that describes a tumultuous relationship. The first two lines in the song, "See the stone set in your eyes, See the thorn twist in your side" could mean that the person is dealing with some sort of internal turmoil or struggle, and the singer sees that pain in their expression. The line "On a bed of nails she makes me wait" suggests that the relationship is not easy and that there is a great deal of strain that comes with it, and for the most part, the singer is forced to suffer in their lack of control.
The chorus, "With or without you, I can't live with or without you" is the most notable part of the song as it highlights the dramatic nature of the relationship. It's a plea for someone to stay by the singer's side but also acknowledges that this person may be just as in need of the singer as the singer is of them. The phrase "And you give yourself away" could be interpreted as the person compromising their values or priorities to save the relationship.
Overall, the song serves as a powerful showcase of the complexities that come with love and the intense emotions that are often involved. It's a relatable track that can be enjoyed by anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of love.
Line by Line Meaning
See the stone set in your eyes
I can see the pain and hurt in your eyes.
See the thorn twist in your side
I can see the struggles and hardships you go through.
I'll wait for you
I will be here for you through whatever you are going through.
Slight of hand and twist of fate
Life is unpredictable and unexpected things can happen.
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
Waiting for something painful and uncomfortable to happen.
And I wait without you, with or without you
Waiting for someone to join me on this journey, but I will continue with or without them.
Through the storm, we reach the shore
Despite the hardships that come our way, we will overcome them together.
You gave it all but I want more
You have done so much for me, but I can't help but want more.
And you give yourself away
You sacrifice so much for others, leaving little left for yourself.
My hands are tied, my body bruised
Feeling trapped and physically/emotionally hurt.
She got me with nothing left to win
What I am fighting for is no longer worth it.
And you give yourself away
You selflessly give to others even when it hurts you.
With or without you, I can't live with or without you
As much as I want to be with you, I can't continue living like this.
Oh
A vocalization expressing deep emotion.
With or without you
Continuing on with or without someone by my side.
Writer(s): Dave Evans, Adam Clayton, Paul David Hewson, Larry Mullen
Contributed by Hudson M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.