Released in July of 2006, this poignant ballad marked the lead single from his album, It Just Comes Natural. Now, Strait is a country music titan – a true legend with a voice that’s as smooth as Texas two-step. But “Give It Away” transcends the genre, offering a universally relatable story of heartbreak amidst the wreckage of a dissolving relationship.
Background
The song itself is a fascinating collaboration. The songwriting trio behind it boasts some serious country music pedigree. Jamey Johnson, a rising star at the time, poured his own recent divorce experience into the lyrics. Paired with the veteran wisdom of Bill Anderson and the production muscle of Buddy Cannon, “Give It Away” found a perfect balance between raw emotion and classic country storytelling.
The introduction itself is a masterclass in understatement. A gentle strum of the acoustic guitar sets the scene, a melancholic melody that lingers in the air. Strait’s voice enters, a familiar baritone that’s weathered yet comforting. The opening lines paint a picture of domestic discord: “Thought I heard the screen door slam, figured you just went outside” – a seemingly innocuous detail that hints at a deeper tension.
But it’s the next line that truly sets the hook: “She said, ‘Give it away, just give it all away’ “ This blunt command, delivered without preamble, throws us headfirst into the emotional turmoil. We don’t get the fight, the accusations, the tears. Strait simply presents the aftermath – a wife leaving, a life uprooted, and a husband left grappling with the wreckage.
“Give It Away” is a slow burn, a song that unfolds with quiet desperation. The lyrics delve into the protagonist’s confusion and regret. He’s left with the material possessions – “a furnished house, a diamond ring” – but the true loss is far more profound: “a lonely broken heart full of love” Here, Strait’s voice cracks slightly, betraying the raw pain beneath the stoic facade.
This interplay between the tangible and the intangible is a cornerstone of the song’s power. The man can give away the house, the ring, anything – but the love he still holds for his wife remains. It’s a sentiment that transcends age, background, and genre. It’s the universality of heartbreak, bottled up in a simple yet profound request: “And I can’t even give it away.”
So, as the song progresses, prepare to be drawn into a world of quiet contemplation. “Give It Away” may not be a barn burner, but it’s a song that lingers long after the final note fades. It’s a testament to Strait’s enduring legacy, his ability to deliver a simple story with such depth and emotional resonance.
Harley