About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “The Taker,” a poignant track from his 1971 album Silver Tongued Devil and I, is a masterful exploration of complex human relationships. Kristofferson, a renowned country music singer-songwriter, paints a vivid picture of a man who is both a giver and a taker, a complex character that resonates deeply with listeners.
The song’s narrative unfolds around a man who offers his attention, support, and assistance to a woman who needs it. He’s a constant presence in her life, helping her to navigate challenges and achieve her goals. However, as the song progresses, we realize that his actions are driven not solely by altruism but also by a desire for connection and a sense of fulfillment.
Kristofferson’s lyrics are as evocative as ever, delving into the nuances of human emotion. He captures the delicate balance between giving and taking, love and neediness, with a sensitivity that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The line, “He’s a giver, he’ll give her/The kind of attention that she’s never known,” perfectly encapsulates the man’s dual nature.
Musically, “The Taker” is a classic country ballad, characterized by Kristofferson’s distinctive, weathered vocals and a simple, yet effective arrangement. The melody is both melancholic and uplifting, mirroring the song’s complex themes. The instrumentation, including acoustic guitar and pedal steel, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws the listener in.
Released in the early 1970s, a time of significant social and cultural change, “The Taker” offers a timeless perspective on human relationships. Its themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human nature continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kris Kristofferson or new to his music, “The Taker” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Would you like me to focus on any particular aspect of the song, such as its historical context, lyrical analysis, or musical elements? Perhaps you’d like me to compare it to other songs by Kristofferson or other artists in the country genre.
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Lyrics
He’s a giver, he’ll give her the kind
Of attention that she’s never known
He’s a helper, he’ll help her to open
The doors that she can’t on her own.
He’s a lover and he’ll love her in ways
That she’s never been loved before
He’s a getter, he’ll get her by gettin’ her
Into the world she’s been hungerin’ for.
He’s a charmer, he’ll charm her with money
And manners that I never learned
He’s a leader, he’ll lead her across
Pretty bridges he’s plannin’ to burn.
He’s a talker, he’ll talk her right off of her feet
But he won’t talk for long
‘Cause he’s a doer, and he’ll do her the way
That I’d never, damned if he won’t do her wrong.
He’s a taker, he’ll take her to places
And make her fly higher than she’s ever dared to
He’ll take his time before takin’ advantage
Takin’ her easy and slow.
And after he’s taken the body and soul
She gives him he’ll take her for granted
Take off and leave her taken all of her
Pride when he goes.
He’s a taker, he’ll take her to places
And make her fly higher than she’s ever dared to
He’ll take his time before takin’ advantage
Takin’ her easy and slow