I can’t sing it, but “I’ll Always Love You” has to be one of the greatest lyrics of all time. When I listen to this song, I don’t think of it as just a romantic ballad. To me, it’s a powerful message about expectations in relationships.

Lines like “I’m not what you need” and “I’ll only be in your way” capture the idea that we often limit people with our own desires and assumptions. When someone wants something so badly, they look right past the real person standing in front of them. And being stuck in that kind of one-sided arrangement is a sad waste of life.

The courageous thing is to be able to give someone what they truly need, even if that means letting them go. Seeing beyond your own craving to what’s best for the other person. When you realize you have to let go of expectations and really see someone. When you make that selfless choice, the relationship transforms from grasping to allowing….giving.

Dolly Parton just boils down so much truth about life and love into simple but poetic lyrics. 🙂

Lyrics by the incomparable #DollyParton

[Verse 1]
If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I’ll go, but I know
I’ll think of you every step of the way

[Chorus]
And I will always love you
I will always love you

[Post-Chorus]
You
My darling, you
Mm, mm

[Verse 2]
Bittersweet memories
That is all I’m taking with me
So goodbye, please, don’t cry
We both know I’m not what you, you need

[Chorus]
And I will always love you
I will always love you
You

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of
And I wish to you joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love

[Chorus]
And I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you, I
I will always love you, you

[Outro]
Darling, I love you
Ooh, I’ll always, I’ll always love you