About the song
“All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” is a heartfelt country ballad written by Dallas Frazier and A.L. “Doodle” Owens, and it was recorded by the esteemed Charley Pride. Released in June 1969, this song marked a significant milestone in Pride’s career, being the first single from his compilation album *The Best of Charley Pride*. While Charley Pride’s rendition is the most well-known, Johnny Bush was the first artist to record the song in 1968, featuring it on his album *Undo the Right*.
Charley Pride’s version achieved remarkable success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in August 1969. This achievement was historic, as Pride became the first African American artist to top the country charts in 25 years. The last African American entertainer to reach number one before him was Louis Jordan with “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” in 1944. This made Pride not only a pioneer but also a symbol of breaking barriers in country music. “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” became the first of 29 number one hits for Pride, showcasing his enduring impact on the genre.
The song’s lyrics reflect a sincere and genuine offer of love, with the narrator telling his future wife that while he may not offer wealth or luxury, he promises his unwavering love and commitment. The essence of the song lies in the promise of heartfelt affection rather than material possessions.
In addition to Charley Pride’s classic version, the song has been covered by several other artists over the years, including Conway Twitty, The Statler Brothers, and Tammy Wynette with George Jones. Each artist brings their own interpretation to this timeless song, further cementing its place in country music history.
Overall, “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” remains a cherished piece of Charley Pride’s legacy and a significant milestone in the evolution of country music.
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Lyrics
Before you take another step there’s something you should know
About the years ahead and how they’ll be
You’ll be living in a world where roses hardly ever grow
‘Cause all I have to offer you is me
There’ll be no mansions waiting on the hill with crystal chandeliers
And there’ll be no fancy clothes for you to wear
Everything I have is standing here in front of you to see
All I have to offer you is me
Sweetheart, I’ll give you all my love in every way I can
But make sure that’s what you want while you’re still free
The only gold I have for you is in this wedding band
‘Cause all I have to offer you is me
There’ll be no mansions waiting on the hill with crystal chandeliers
And there’ll be no fancy clothes for you to wear
Everything I have is standing here in front of you to see
All I have to offer you is me
All I have to offer you is me