What You Give Away
Vince Gill Lyrics


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You read the business page
See how you did today
You live up on the hill
You've got a view that kills
Never wonder why

[Bridge]
After you've counted everything you saved
Do you ever hit your knees and pray?
You know there's gonna be a judgment day
So what will you say?

[Chorus]
No matter what you make
All that you can take
Is what you give away
What you give away

There's people on the street
Ain't got enough to eat
You just shake your head
The measure of a man is one who lends a hand
That's what my father said

After you've counted everything you saved
Do you ever hit your knees and pray?
You know there's gonna be a judgment day
So what will you say?

[Chorus]

It's what you give away

After you've counted everything you saved




Do you ever hit your knees and pray?
You know there's gonna be a judgment day
So what will you say?

No matter what you make
All that you can take
Is what you give away

You know it's not too late
It's all for Heaven's sake
What you give away
What you give away
What you give away

Overall Meaning

Vince Gill's song "What You Give Away" is an introspective ballad about the value of generosity and compassion. The lyrics describe someone who is financially successful, living on a hill with a great view, but who doesn't seem to show much concern for those who are less fortunate. The chorus speaks to the idea that the only thing we can truly take with us when we leave this world is the goodwill and kindness we've extended to others. The song encourages listeners to think about what they're giving away and how they can help those in need.


The bridge poses a moral question to the listener: after you've counted your money and possessions, do you ever take a moment to think about the bigger picture? There will be a day of reckoning, and what will you say when it comes to what you've done to make the world a better place? This line sets up the chorus, where the repeated refrain "what you give away" takes on a deeper meaning. The measure of a person's worth is not in how much money they've made, but in how much they've given to others.


The song also references the advice given by the singer's father, who espoused the value of lending a helping hand. This line serves as a reminder that generosity and compassion are not just abstract concepts, but values that are handed down from generation to generation. Overall, "What You Give Away" is a poignant reminder that our actions have consequences beyond our own personal gain.


Line by Line Meaning

You read the business page
You keep track of your financial success


See how you did today
You value your daily earnings and profits


You live up on the hill
You reside in a luxurious setting


You've got a view that kills
You have a beautiful and breathtaking view from your residence


Never wonder why
You take it for granted and don't question your fortunate life


After you've counted everything you saved
Once you've tallied your financial gains


Do you ever hit your knees and pray?
Do you reflect on your blessings and express gratitude?


You know there's gonna be a judgment day
You acknowledge the accountability of your actions


So what will you say?
What will be your justification?


No matter what you make
Regardless of your financial gains


All that you can take
You cannot take anything with you when you die


Is what you give away
You are remembered for your charitable acts


There's people on the street
Some people are homeless and struggling


Ain't got enough to eat
Some people don't have access to food


You just shake your head
You express minimal sympathy for their situation


The measure of a man is one who lends a hand
The true value of a person is their willingness to help others


That's what my father said
This was a lesson taught by the artist's father


It's what you give away
The legacy you leave is based on your charitable contributions


You know it's not too late
It's never too late to begin giving back


It's all for Heaven's sake
Giving back is a means of expressing faith and spirituality


What you give away
The importance of generosity


What you give away
Charitable acts define a person's character


What you give away
The true measure of a person's success




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALAN GORDON ANDERSON, VINCE GILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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