Anita Baker – Giving You The Best That I Got: Lyrics and Music Video
Giving You The Best That I Got by Anita Baker lyrics and music video. You can sing while listening to the song Giving You The Best That I Got performed by Anita Baker. Hope you like the music video and song lyrics for Giving You The Best That I Got.
About the Song
Anita Baker - Giving You the Best That I Got: Song Overview
Anita Baker's *Giving You the Best That I Got* (1988) is a timeless R&B-jazz ballad from her Grammy-winning album of the same name. Known for its lush arrangements and Baker’s velvety vocals, the track became her signature hit, blending romantic sincerity with sophisticated musicality during the peak of her career.
Release and Chart Performance
- Released in October 1988 as the album’s lead single.
- Peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
- Helped the album go 3x Platinum in the US, selling over 3 million copies.
Musical Style and Themes
The song combines:
- Jazz-infused R&B instrumentation, including piano, saxophone, and Baker’s signature contralto vocals.
- Lyrics celebrating unwavering love and devotion, immortalized by the chorus:
“Giving you the best that I got / Baby, that’s a lot, for love.”
Legacy and Cultural Impact
- Won the 1989 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song and earned a nomination for Record of the Year.
- A staple of 1980s R&B, amassing 100+ million streams and remaining a wedding and romantic playlist favorite.
- Featured in films like The Five Heartbeats (1991) and TV shows like Moesha, reinforcing its enduring appeal.
Songwriting Credits
Written by Anita Baker, Skip Scarborough, and Randy Holland, with production by Baker and Michael J. Powell. The track’s polished elegance reflects Baker’s hands-on artistry.
Summary
*Giving You the Best That I Got* epitomizes Anita Baker’s mastery of soulful balladry—a Grammy-winning ode to love that dominated 1980s R&B. Its chart success, critical acclaim, and timeless elegance secure its place as a defining classic of sophisticated soul music.
Keywords
- Anita Baker Giving You the Best That I Got lyrics
- 80s R&B love ballads
- Grammy-winning R&B songs
- Best Anita Baker tracks
- Michael J. Powell productions
Anita Baker: Giving You The Best That I Got Lyrics
In exchange for everything you give to me
Read my mind and make me feel just fine
When I think my peace of mind is out
Of reach
The scales are sometimes unbalanced
And you bear the weight of all that has to be
I hope you see that you can lean on me
And together we can calm a stormy sea
We love so strong and so unselfishly
And I tell you now that I made a vow
I’m giving you the best that I got, baby
Yes I tell you now, that I made a vow
I’m giving you the best that I got, honey
Everybody’s got opinions
‘Bout the way they think our story’s gonna end
Some folks feel it’s just a superficial thrill
Everybody’s gonna have to think again
We love so strong and so unselfishly
They don’t bother me so I’m gonna keep on
Giving you the best that I got, baby
They don’t bother me, said I’m gonna keep on
Giving you the best that I got, listen baby
Somebody understands me
Somebody gave his heart to me
I stumbled my whole life long
Always on my own, now I’m home
My weary mind is rested
And I feel as if my home is in your arms
Fears are all gone, I like the sound of your song
And I think I want to sing it forever
We love so strong and so unselfishly
And I made a vow so I tell you now
I’m giving you the best that I got, baby
I bet everything on my wedding ring
I’m giving you the best that I got
Givin’ it to you baby
