I Can't Give You Anything But Love
Willie Nelson & Family Lyrics


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I can't give you anything but love, baby
That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby
Dream a while, scheme a while
You're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for

Now, gee I love to see you looking' swell, baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby
Till that lucky day, you know darn well, baby
I can't give you anything but love

Gee, I love to see you looking' swell, baby.
Look like you just came up out of the wishing well, baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile and you're sure happiness and
ALL those things you been looking' for baby.
Gee, I love to see you looking' swell, baby
Diamond rings, bracelets, gold watches 'n' everything, baby.
Until that lucky day, honey, you know good 'n' doggone well, honey,
I can't give you anything but love.

Now, I can't give you anything but love, baby
That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby
Dream a while, scheme a while
You're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for
Now, gee I love to see you looking' swell, baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby




Till that lucky day, you know darn well, baby
I can't give you anything but love

Overall Meaning

The song "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" is a romantic tune that celebrates the idea of love, despite the singer's financial limitations. The first verse explains that the only thing that the singer can offer is love. He invites the listener to dream and scheme, saying that she is sure to find happiness and all those things she has been pining for. The second verse discusses the singer's admiration for the listener's beauty, saying that he loves to see her looking swell. He lists items beyond his reach, such as diamond bracelets, and acknowledges that until the "lucky day," he can only give her love.


The song is a testament to the idea that love can conquer all, even material wealth. The singer is honest about his financial status, admitting that he cannot give the listener the material things she may desire. However, he maintains that they can still be happy together with love being enough. The song is a classic example of the Great American Songbook and has been recorded by various artists over the years.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't give you anything but love, baby
I have no material possessions to offer you, my dear


That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby
But if there is one thing I have in abundance, it is love


Dream a while, scheme a while
Take some time to dream and plan, my sweet


You're sure to find happiness and I guess all those things you've always pined for
In this pursuit, you will undoubtedly find joy and perhaps the things you have always longed for


Now, gee I love to see you looking' swell, baby
It brings me great joy to see you looking so lovely, my dear


Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby
Your beauty is priceless, my love


Till that lucky day, you know darn well, baby
But until fate brings us better circumstances, you understand I cannot give you those things


I can't give you anything but love
My heart is all I have to give you, my dear




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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