Dolly Parton – The Giving and the Taking

About the song

Background

• Released in 1967 on Dolly Parton’s debut album “Hello, I’m Dolly.”
• Written by Bill Owens.
• One of Parton’s earliest recordings, showcasing her signature style with a blend of country and pop influences.

Themes

• The song explores the concept of reciprocity in relationships.
• It highlights the importance of balance between giving and taking in love and life.
• The lyrics touch on themes of fairness, commitment, and the potential consequences of one-sided devotion.

Lyrics

While I can’t provide the full lyrics here due to copyright restrictions, here are some key excerpts that illustrate the themes:

• “There’s a time for takin’ and a time for givin'” (Introduces the central theme of balance)
• “Love’s a two-way street, gotta give and take” (Emphasizes reciprocity)
• “If you keep on takin’ and never give nothin’ back / You don’t deserve the good things in life on the right track” (Warns against one-sided relationships)
• “There’s nothin’ wrong with takin’ a little time / To show someone you love them, and make their heart chime” (Encourages acts of love and appreciation)

Overall

“The Giving and the Taking” is a simple yet profound song that captures the essence of healthy relationships. It’s a reminder that love thrives on mutual effort, understanding, and a willingness to give as much as you receive.

For the full listening experience, you can find the song on various music streaming platforms.

Video

Lyrics