Roger Daltrey - Giving It All Away

Studio version from the album, "Daltrey" (1973).

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, well, I know better now
I know better now
Giving it all away

Ooh, well, I know better now
I know better now
Giving 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

Sail away, sail away
Ooh, well, I know better now
I know better now
Giving it all away

Ooh, well, I know better now
I know better now
Giving it all away

Ooh, yeah, I know better now
I know better now
Giving it all away

Ooh, yeah, I know better now
I know better now
Giving 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

[richardclarke]

What an incredible song and I well remember when I first heard it on Radio One - it was a ground breaking moment for

[walterfechter]

For some reason, this tune has always reminded me of a character out of a novel by Charles Dickens. This tune has remained fixed within my mind since 1973. Thanks Leo Sayer, Roger Daltrey and accompanying musicians. Wow -- what a tune!

[markhorton]

At the tender age of 53, I know exactly what this song means. Innocence, youth, idealism, health, self respect and hope. All gone. The only things left are cynicism and bitterness.

[rjnuzzi]

Gorgeous production... great Leo Sayer song given a big voice rendition by the legendary Roger Daltrey... great stuff from the early 70's

[rockdinosaur]

Takes me back to the end of primary school when I was just getting into The Who. Beautiful song by one of the best voices in rock.

[christinacapstick]

Beautiful timeless classic love the who still lisening 2020 x

[philipjones]

Wow, I knew the Leo Sayer version fore the Just A Boy album but I had never heard this until today. what an amazing voice!

[bigdancd]

The first time I heard this when it came out it literally blew me away. What an awesome song! I bought the LP immediately.

[evabirchall]

There's been so many times this song was made me cry

[markoutram]

'Lost opportunities' encapsulated, huh ? Don't mean to sound cynical cos there's tears in my eyes hearing this one again after so many years. Awesome song (written by Leo Sayer & Dave Courtney - respec' is due). One thing I think a lot of people find easy to ignore - especially with the distractions of The Who about - is how much of 'a salt' Roger Daltrey was/is. You know, a talented bloke himself who had enough decency and humility to recognise what was going on in The Who on the creative side of it and let Pete Townsend get on with it rather than interfering too much. Believe me, THAT capacity is EXTREMELY rare amongst 'lead men', especially one as obviously 'Alpha' as Daltrey. AND you try and sing the songs he does in THOSE keys and you will pretty soon recognise how unusual/unique and powerful his voice was/is. The man deserves much more respect than he generally gets ... This one performance just serves to underline it. God bless you, Rog - more strength to yer arm (but mebbe not the one you belted Townsend with during 'Quadrophenia' !). Thanks for posting.

[krisscanlon]

time say goodbye completely...the circle is connected...learned my lesson. tough but im heading back home. u wake up and shut the door on the past. I know better now.

[stephenphillips]

How has this classic got so few views and comments.

[zeilbootman]

long thime ago that i heard this beautifull song straight from the hart.

[vinceewing]

Thank you Leo sayer for writing that song

[antoniodias]

great!!and the composer Leo Sayer has also a great cover....