A Song for You
Willie Nelson & Family Lyrics


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Well I've been a lot places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs and I've made some bad rhymes
I acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching
Now we're alone and I am singing my song for you

And I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly but darling can't you see
There's no one more important to me
So darling can't you please see through me
'Cause we're alone now and I'm singin' my song for you

Well you taught me precious secrets of a truth, withholdin' nothin'
You came out in front but I was hiding
And now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Just listen to the melody for my love's in there hiding

And I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life, you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you

Well you taught me precious secrets of a truth, withholdin' nothin'
You came out in front but I was hiding
And now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody for my love is in there hiding

And I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I've loved you for my life, you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together




We were alone and I was singin' my song for you
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you

Overall Meaning

Willie Nelson's "A Song for You" is a poignant and heartfelt ballad about the power of music and love. The opening line of the song, "Well I've been a lot places in my life and time," sets the tone for a reflective piece that takes the listener on a journey through the singer's past experiences. The song speaks to the loneliness that can come with a life in the spotlight, and the comfort that can be found in the cherished relationships that bring joy and meaning to life.


Throughout the song, Nelson reflects on his relationship with someone who has been there for him through it all, even during the difficult times when he has acted out or treated them unfairly. He acknowledges that his image may not always reflect the person he truly is, but he assures his loved one that they are the most important person in his life and that he is singing his heart out for them. He also looks back on the lessons this person has taught him, and how their love has helped him become a better person.


The final lines of the song are particularly moving, as Nelson speaks of a love that transcends time and space. He sings, "And I love you in a place where there's no space or time / I love you for my life, you are a friend of mine / And when my life is over, remember when we were together / We were alone and I was singin' my song for you." These words serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and music, and the ways in which they can bring us together even when we are apart.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I've been a lot places in my life and time
I've been around a lot and experienced many things


I've sung a lot of songs and I've made some bad rhymes
I've written and performed many songs, even if some weren't good


I acted out my life in stages
My life has been like a performance on a stage


With ten thousand people watching
Many people have watched and scrutinized my every move


Now we're alone and I am singing my song for you
I am now singing for you, with no one else around


And I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I want to be the person you see me as


I've treated you unkindly but darling can't you see
I haven't always treated you well, but I hope you understand


There's no one more important to me
You are the most important person in my life


So darling can't you please see through me
I hope you can see past my flaws and understand who I really am


'Cause we're alone now and I'm singin' my song for you
Now that we're alone together, I can express my true feelings for you


Well you taught me precious secrets of a truth, withholdin' nothin'
You have shared important truths with me, holding nothing back


You came out in front but I was hiding
You were more open while I was more guarded


And now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
I've improved because of you, and if I don't express myself well


Just listen to the melody for my love's in there hiding
Just listen to the music and feel the love I have for you


And I love you in a place where there's no space or time
My love for you transcends space and time


I love you for my life, you are a friend of mine
I love you for everything you bring to my life and see you as a friend


And when my life is over, remember when we were together
When I pass away, remember the time we spent together


We were alone and I was singin' my song for you
We shared a special moment together when I sang this song for you


We were alone and I was singin' my song for you
Again, we shared a moment when I sang this song just for you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leon Russell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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