I Can't Give You Anything But Love
A Love Beyond Riches: Judy Garland's Birthday Serenade
Lyrics
Now that it's your birthday, I don't know what to do
Expressing uncertainty on what to do for the listener's birthday.
Can't give you a Thunderbird, or a penthouse with a view
Unable to provide extravagant gifts like a Thunderbird or a penthouse.
Can't even buy a little present
Highlighting financial constraints preventing the purchase of a gift.
I'm much to broke, I find
Acknowledging personal financial difficulties.
But there is one way I may save the day
Suggesting a potential solution to save the day despite limited means.
And I sure hope you don't mind that
Expressing hope that the proposed solution is acceptable to the listener.
I can't give you anything but love, baby
Stating the inability to offer material possessions other than love.
That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby
Emphasizing that love is the abundant and significant gift.
Dream a while, scheme a while
Encouraging the listener to dream and scheme for happiness.
You're sure to find happiness
Assuring that happiness will be found through dreaming and scheming.
And I guess all those things you've always pined for
Referring to the listener's longed-for desires and dreams.
Gee, I'd like to see you looking swell, baby
Expressing a desire to see the listener looking impressive or elegant.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby
Mentioning a specific type of valuable item not affordable at Woolworth.
'Til that lucky day, you know darn well, baby
Anticipating a fortunate day in the future when better gifts can be given.
I can't give you anything but love
Reiterating the limitation to offering love as the primary gift.
Gee, I'd like to see you looking swell, baby
Repeating the desire to see the listener looking impressive or elegant.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby
Reiterating the unaffordability of a specific type of valuable item.
'Til that lucky day, you know darn well, baby
Repeating the anticipation of a fortunate day in the future.
I can't give you anything, I can't give you anything
Emphasizing the inability to provide anything other than love.
I can't give you anything but love
Repeating the conclusion that the only gift offered is love.
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