eWhat You Give Away
Vince Gill Feat. Sheryl Crow 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

The song "What You Give Away" by Vince Gill (featuring guest vocalist Sheryl Crow) is a poignant reminder about the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need. The lyrics touch upon the theme of material possessions and the illusion that they bring happiness and fulfillment. The first verse highlights the contrast between those who have achieved monetary success and those who struggle to make ends meet. The bridge poses the question of whether those who are successful ever stop to think about the bigger picture and whether their actions will have consequences on a grander scale. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the only thing that truly matters in the end is what you give away and how you have impacted the lives of others.


The second verse brings attention to the plight of the less fortunate and how they are often dismissed or overlooked by those who are more privileged. The song encourages listeners to extend a helping hand and to follow the example of those who have made a difference in the world. The bridge repeats the idea that there will be a judgment day, and that it is important to think about our actions and their impact on others. The final repetition of the chorus declares that it is not too late to make a change and to give back for the greater good.


Overall, the song is a call to action for people to stop focusing on personal success and material possessions, and to start focusing on how they can give back to the community and help those in need. It's a reminder that the legacy we leave behind isn't about what we accumulate, but rather, it's about how we've impacted the world around us.


Line by Line Meaning

You read the business page
You pay attention to your financial success


See how you did today
You keep track of your progress and are driven to succeed


You live up on the hill
You are financially secure and live in a privileged area


You've got a view that kills
You enjoy the luxuries that money can buy


Never wonder why
You don't question the imbalance of wealth and don't consider those less fortunate


After you've counted everything you saved
After you tally up your material gains


Do you ever hit your knees and pray?
Do you ever take a moment to reflect and be grateful?


You know there's gonna be a judgment day
You are aware that there will come a time for accountability


So what will you say?
What will your response be when asked about your contributions to society and those in need?


No matter what you make
Regardless of your income level


All that you can take
You can only physically possess a limited amount


Is what you give away
What you donate or share with others is what truly matters


There's people on the street
There are individuals who are homeless and struggling to make ends meet


Ain't got enough to eat
They don't have access to proper nutrition


You just shake your head
You are unperturbed by their plight


The measure of a man is one who lends a hand
A person's true character is revealed by their willingness to help those in need


That's what my father said
This lesson was passed down to the artist from their father and has left a lasting impact on them


You know it's not too late
It's still possible to make a positive impact, no matter how small


It's all for Heaven's sake
The ultimate goal is to do good and make a difference in the world


What you give away
Your charity and kindness towards others is what truly counts in life


What you give away
Your donations and acts of generosity shape your legacy


What you give away
This is the ultimate message of the song




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALAN GORDON ANDERSON, VINCE GILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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