One of the finest of the Stax/Volt soul artists, he was, like Otis Redding, able to tell a story with great sincerity and flawless musicality. His song "You Don't Miss Your Water ('Til Your Well Runs Dry)" is a Memphis masterpiece.
Share What You Got
William Bell Lyrics
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i'd leave a job to do a favor any old time
but i won't share my baby
she's not part of a good deed
share what you got
but keep what you need
if you can't pay your rent
i'm your friend
I need my baby
can't let her go
friend don't aske for her
i'd just have to tell you no
that's why
share what you got
keep what you need
The lyrics to William Bell's song Share What You Got describe a paradoxical situation where the singer is willing to share everything he has with his friends and acquaintances, but he draws the line when it comes to his girlfriend - the one thing he truly "needs" and cannot do without. The song is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the conflicting emotions that arise when we try to balance our own needs with those of others. The lyrics suggest that while sharing what we have is a noble and commendable thing to do, we should always be mindful of our own limits and boundaries and not let others take advantage of our generosity.
The first verse of the song sets the stage for the paradoxical situation described in the chorus. The singer boasts of his willingness to give his friends his last dime and do them favors without even thinking twice, but he draws the line when it comes to his girlfriend. The line "she's not part of a good deed" suggests that his relationship with her is different and deeper than any other relationship he has. In the second verse, the singer extends his offer of generosity to anyone who is down on their luck and can't pay their rent. He tells them to come home with him and he'll take care of them because he is their friend. However, he immediately reverts to his possessive self in the bridge, declaring that he cannot let his girlfriend go and that he would have to refuse any request for her. The song ends with a reiteration of the chorus, driving home the message that while sharing what we have is a good thing, we should also be mindful of our own needs and boundaries.
Overall, the lyrics of Share What You Got is a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving too much of ourselves and losing our sense of self in the process. It reminds us that while being generous and helpful is a virtue, we should also be aware of our own limitations and not let others take advantage of our kindness.
Line by Line Meaning
i'll give a friend my last dime
I'm always willing to help out a friend financially, even if it means giving them all the money I have left.
i'd leave a job to do a favor any old time
I'm the kind of person who prioritizes doing good deeds over work, and I'd gladly help out a friend with any task they need.
but i won't share my baby
While I'm always willing to help out a friend, my significant other is different - she's not just a material possession I can share.
she's not part of a good deed
I don't view sharing my significant other as something that can count as a good deed - it's someone I love and cherish deeply.
share what you got
Despite my reluctance to share my significant other, I believe in helping others and sharing what you have in general.
but keep what you need
At the same time, I think it's important to balance that generosity with a focus on taking care of yourself and only sharing what you can give away.
if you can't pay your rent
If you're really struggling with paying a crucial bill like rent, I'll go the extra mile to help you out.
come on home with me
I'm willing to offer you a place to stay if you need it - I want to make sure my loved ones are taken care of.
i need my baby
Despite my general attitude of generosity, there are some things and people that are just too important to share - my significant other is one of them.
can't let her go
I love and care about my significant other too much to ever be willing to share her with someone else.
friend don't ask for her
While I want to be there for my friends and help them out when they need it, I have to draw the line at sharing my significant other.
i'd just have to tell you no
If you were to ask me to share my significant other with you, I'd have to refuse - she means too much to me.
that's why share what you got, keep what you need
Overall, my philosophy is to give what you can to help others, but always prioritize keeping the things - and people - that are most important to you close to your heart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVE CROPPER, DAVID PORTER, AL BELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Laughing Stock
It doesn't get any better than this. Absolutely stellar. Perfect in every way, particularly in the economy of the arrangement - nothing is included without a reason: result - space, air, life. Amazing!
JLScott3178
CONCUR
Peter Orleman
Just listened to American Top 40 from 1977 and Casey called William Bell a "newcomer" . How sad that people, especially those in the industry, have no knowledge of Stax and 60's soul music in general