Whitney Houston’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You” is a love ballad with bittersweet undertones. At the surface, the song tells the story of a woman who is leaving a man she loves because she knows she isn’t what he needs. The opening lines “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” tell us that she is leaving him to let him live his life without her, but she knows that he’ll be on her mind every day. The repeated chorus line “And I will always love you” emphasizes that even though they can’t be together, her love for him will always remain.

The verses that follow make it clear that the woman knows she needs to leave, as she is not what the man needs in his life. She acknowledges that they both know this, and says her goodbyes: “Bittersweet memories, that is all I’m taking with me. So goodbye, please don’t cry. We both know I’m not what you need.” These lyrics showcase not only the selflessness of the woman but also the pain she feels at having to leave someone she loves.

The last verse brings the song to a hopeful end. The woman tells the man that she hopes for happiness and love for him, even if it’s not with her. “I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of. And I wish to you joy and happiness, but above all this, I wish you love.” The final chorus lines “I will always love you” emphasize that her love for him will always remain, even if they can’t be together.