George Strait – Give It Away

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.

“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.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

She was stormin’ through the house that day
And I could tell she was leavin’
And I thought, “Aw, she’ll be back”
‘Til she turned around and pointed at the wall and said

“That picture from our honeymoon
That night in ‘Frisco Bay
Just give it away”
She said, “Give it away”

“And that big four poster king sized bed
Where so much love was made
Just give it away”
She said, “Just give it away”

Just give it away
There ain’t nothing in this house worth fightin’ over
Oh, and we’re both tired of fightin’ anyway
So just give it away

So I tried to move on
But I found that each woman I held
Just reminded me of that day, hmm

When that front door swung wide open
She flung her diamond ring
Said, “Give it away
Just give it away”