“‘Giving It All Away’ marks Roger Daltrey’s first solo release, composed by then-unknown Leo Sayer and David Courtney. Produced by Adam Faith and David Courtney, it emerged as the lead track from the 1973 album ‘Daltrey.’ The song secured a UK Singles Chart rank of five but didn’t chart in the US, holding Daltrey’s highest UK solo ranking. Record World praised its moving melody and refined production.
The UK release coincided with news of The Who’s lawsuit for hotel damage, aligning with the song’s lyrics. Daltrey presented it on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1973. In 2022, he revived the track during his UK tour. Leo Sayer covered the song on his album ‘Just a Boy’ (1974), along with another Daltrey track, ‘One Man Band.’”
Giving It All Away Lyrics
I paid all my dues so I picked up my shoes
I got up and walked away
Oh, I was just a boy
I didn’t know how to play
Worked hard and failed
Now all I can say is
I threw it all away
Oh, I was just a boy
Giving it all away…
Sail away, sail away
Ooh, I know better now, I know better now
Giving it all away
Ooh, I know better now, I know better now
I’ve given it all away…
Went out in the world too much for my nerves
Only myself to blame
Oh, I was just a boy
Nobody else to blame…
I’ve done all I can, now it’s out of my hands
Stand on my head and say
Oh, I was just a boy
Giving it all away…
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Sail away, sail away
Ooh, I know better now, I know better now
Giving it all away
Ooh, I know better now, I know better now
Given it all away…
Just a boy, giving it all away
Just a boy, giving it all away
I was just a boy, giving it all away
Just a boy…
