Intro: What is Sacrifice?
Sacrifice and Dedication. Anyone who’s spoken to me longer than 5 minutes knows I am a big fan of The Weeknd. I made it to his top 1% of listeners after a few months of switching from Apple Music to Spotify. I can still remember hearing Wicked Games on the radio for the first time as a kid and being mesmerized by the lyrics and sounds of what is now described as woozy drugged out RnB. Singing “Get me off of this, I need confidence in myself” as an early teen waiting to catch the bus for school in the morning.
So, needless to say, he’s been an inspiration for me to follow my dreams as a writer and performer for much of my life. Today I want to talk about one of his more pop-oriented songs from his most recent album Dawn FM.
Songs For Today: Sacrifice, I Want To Thank You, I’d Do Anything For You
First, let’s talk about track 5, “Sacrifice”. I’ll save you the boring stuff you can find from google and get right into why I want to talk about it. Sacrifice samples two popular songs from the 1980s. One, Alicia Myer’s 1981’s “I Want to Thank You” from her self titled debut solo album (she was formerly a member of the band One Way). The song has been sampled by numerous artists throughout the years. And “I’ll Do Anything For You” by Denroy Morgan’s 1982 album of the same name (“I’ll Do Anything For You”).
Second, all three very danceable disco songs touch upon the emotional aspects of love, describing how the presence of a loved one brings joy, strength, and a sense of purpose. They reflect on the emotional highs and lows experienced within a romantic relationship. “I’ll Do Anything for You” and “I Want to Thank You” take a more positive and celebratory approach, focusing on the joy and fulfillment found in love. Both of these tracks are devotional in nature.
However, The Weeknd’s “Sacrifice” introduces a nuanced perspective by acknowledging the challenges and trade-offs involved in pursuing personal desires over love. The big sacrifice between success or love. (La La Land) I think this matches the contemporary culture of love and relationships that many millennials and Gen-Z folks feel. Consequently, as a result of the current economic and political climate. But that’s not what PlanetDarris is for.
So, first I’ll attach the lyrics to all three songs. Then, I’ll do a deeper analysis of the lyrics of each song and finally I’ll synthesize how they all work together to really enhance The Weeknd’s “Sacrifice” because that’s why we’re here.
I Want to Thank You – Alicia Myers
Lyrics:
I want to thank you
Heavenly Father for shining your light on me
You sent me someone who really loves me
And not just my body
He keeps me happy so very happy
And he loves me
I don’t know how to be
It’s been a long time since I had someone who loves me
I owe my thanks to Thee
I know it could not happen without your love
Ooh without your love
It took a long time for it to happen
But I knew those nights I prayed
That you would send me someone who’s real
And not no one for play
I kept the faith
And didn’t worry
My nights grew longer than the days
Until one day
It really happen
Sent true love my way
I know it couldn’t have happened without you
Ooh without you
When the time is right
He’ll fill your life with love and care
Believe
And He’ll be there
Just do all right
Don’t do no wrong
And the keep the faith
The Lord will shine his light your way
Thank you Father
For shining your light on me
I prayed long time
For it to happen
I did because I believe
He makes me happy
So very happy
I don’t know how to be
It’s been a long time
Since I had someone who love me
I owe my thanks to Thee
I know it couldn’t have happened without you
Ooh without you
I know it couldn’t have happened without your love
Ooh without your love
I’ll Do Anything For You – Denroy Morgan
Nothing in the world that I won’t do
I’ll give the world to you if you want me to
I’ll do anything
Ah, nothing in the world that I won’t do
I’ll give the world to you if you want me to
I’ll do anything
I’ll do anything for you
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to
I’ll do anything for you
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to
They think I’m a fool
‘Cause I do so many things (for you)
But they don’t know the reason
Why I do all the things I do (for you)
Maybe they’ll never see, the things you do for me
The way you make me strong
Whenever things go wrong
When you stand by my side
How you relax my mind and show me what to do
To make my dreams come true
Anything you want me to
(I’ll do anything)
There’s nothing in this world that I won’t do
(For you)
I’ll do anything for you
Anything you want me to
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to (yes, I do)
I’ll do anything for you (yes, I will)
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to
I hope very soon
You’ll see all the love I have (for you)
I’ve been holding some inside
‘Cause I thought it was too much (for you)
The love I have inside, I will no longer hide
Because I trust in you
Stay right by my side, ’cause you relax my mind
And show me what to do to make my dreams come true
There’s nothing in this world that I won’t do (for you)
Chorus
I will do anything for you
Anything you want me to
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to (yes, I do)
I’ll do anything for you
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to
I’ll do, I’ll do anything x2
I’ll do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Anything for you
I’ll do (I’ll do anything) x2
I’ll do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Anything for you
For you
Do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do-do, do it baby
For you
Nothing in the world that I won’t do
I’ll give my world to you if you want me to
I’ll do anything x2 for you
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to
I’ will do anything for you
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to
I’ll do (I’ll do anything) x2
I’ll do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Anything for you
I’ll do (I’ll do anything)
Sacrifice – The Weeknd
Lyrics:
I was born in a city
Where the winter nights don’t ever sleep
So this life’s always with me
The ice inside my veins will never bleed
My, ooh
My, ooh
Uh, every time you try to fix me
I know you’ll never find that missing piece
When you cry and say you miss me
I’ll lie and tell you that I’ll never leave
But I sacrificed (sacrificed)
Your love for more of the night (of the night)
I try to put up a fight (up a fight)
Can’t tie me down (down)
I don’t wanna sacrifice
For your love, I try
I don’t wanna sacrifice
But I love my time
My, ooh
My, ooh
I hold you through the toughest parts
When you feel like it’s the end
‘Cause life is still worth living
Yeah, this life is still worth living
I can break you down and pick you up
And fuck like we are friends
But don’t be catching feelings
Don’t be out here catching feelings ’cause
I sacrificed (sacrificed)
Your love for more of the night (of the night)
I try to put up a fight (up a fight)
Can’t tie me down (down, down)
I don’t wanna sacrifice
For your love, I try
I don’t wanna sacrifice
But I love my time
I don’t wanna sacrifice
For your love, I try
I don’t wanna sacrifice
But I love my time (my, ooh)
Oh, baby
I hope you know that I, I tried
Oh, baby (baby)
I hope you know I love my time, oh
I don’t wanna sacrifice
I don’t wanna (woo), I try (hey)
I don’t wanna sacrifice
But I love my, my time
My, ooh
My, ooh
Lyrical Analysis
Firstly, “I Want To Thank You” by Alicia Myers is a soulful and heartfelt song expressing gratitude to a higher power, God, for sending genuine love and happiness into her life. In her song she gives thanks to God for her sacrifice of prayer to him to be delivered a true lover but also God itself for providing a feeling of internal and eternal satisfaction, “I want to thank you heavenly father, for shining your light on me”. The song’s piano, drums, and guitar are very gospel-esque and choral. Almost feels like a song that could be sung at church.
1. Gratitude and Thankfulness:
Again, the song begins with a strong expression of gratitude towards the Heavenly Father for bringing love into her life. The lyrics convey the Myer’s appreciation for being blessed with someone who loves them genuinely and for more than just physical reasons. “You sent me someone who really loves me /And not just my body”
2. A Longing for True (Long Lasting) Love:
Throughout the song, there’s a sense of longing and patience expressed in the lyrics. Myer sings about waiting for a long time, praying and hoping for genuine love, someone who is real and not just playing games. This reflects the desire for authentic and meaningful connections, highlighting the importance of patience and faith in the process of finding true love.
3. Faith and Belief:
Furthermore, the lyrics emphasize an unwavering faith and belief in the power of prayer and trust in divine intervention. There’s a strong sense of hope and conviction that if one keeps the faith, does right, and trusts, eventually love and happiness will come their way. I’m not a very religious person but listening to this song even has the power to move me toward that idea that faith in something larger than myself can provide a satisfying outcome.
4. Emotional Impact and Happiness:
Additionally, the song’s emotional impact lies in the repeated assertion of the joy and happiness the singer experiences now that they have found someone who truly loves and cares for them. It highlights the transformative effect of love on their life after a prolonged period of waiting and hoping.
5. Acknowledgment of Divine Influence:
Furthermore, the lyrics attribute the arrival of true love and happiness directly to the intervention and grace of a higher power. This acknowledgment underlines the belief that the love and happiness received were gifts bestowed upon them. This song reflects a deep sense of gratitude, faith, and contentment for the fulfillment of a long-awaited desire for genuine love. The lyrics express appreciation for the blessing they have received and emphasize the importance of faith and patience in waiting for love to manifest in one’s life.
“I’ll Do Anything for You” by Denroy Morgan, released in 1982, is a classic love song that expresses deep devotion and a willingness to go to great lengths for the one he loves. Let’s analyze the lyrics:
1. Unconditional Love and Sacrifice:
Next, the lyrics convey a sense of unwavering love and dedication. The repeated lines “I’ll do anything for you” and “I’ll give the world to you if you want me to” emphasize the Morgan’s commitment to the person they love. The lyrics speak to the sacrifices he is willing to make for a loved one. Lines like “They think I’m a fool ’cause I do so many things for you” suggest that Morgan is willing to endure judgment or criticism for the sake of love.
2. Trust and Confidence:
Continuously, the song expresses a strong sense of trust and confidence in the relationship. The lines “Because I trust in you, stay right by my side” convey a sense of reliance on the partner and a belief that being together will lead to a stronger connection.The lyrics touch upon the emotional impact of the relationship, describing how the loved one relaxes their mind, stands by their side during difficult times, and makes them strong when things go wrong.
3. Optimism and Hope:
Moreover, the song carries an optimistic tone, expressing hope for the future. The lines “I hope very soon you’ll see all the love I have” suggest a belief that, over time, the depth of the singer’s love will become apparent to the partner. Almost like the faith shown in Myers song. The repetition of phrases like “I’ll do anything for you” and “I’ll give the world to you” serves to emphasize the central theme of the song, underlining the singer’s readiness to go to any lengths to express love and devotion.
In summary, “I’ll Do Anything for You” encapsulates themes of unconditional love, sacrifice, trust, and optimism. The repetitive and affirmative nature of the lyrics, coupled with the dancy disco beat, creates a heartfelt expression of deep emotional connection and commitment.
However, things are a little different when we get to The Weeknd’s song Sacrifice. The song opens with a reflection on the artist’s upbringing in a city where the winter nights seem endless, symbolizing a sense of eternal darkness or emotional coldness. He seems to have embodied this personification of the environment as well. This setting serves as a metaphor for the emotional detachment or numbness that The Weeknd experiences and sings about. (see, most of his songs)
1. Emotionally Detached and Disconnected:
First, the lyrics show a sense of emotional detachment and a reluctance to connect deeply with someone. There’s a consistent portrayal of a guarded persona who remains elusive and unwilling to be emotionally tied down. No sacrifices to be given or made except to the nightlife or parties and clubbing and brief romantic (and mostly likely physical) connections.
2. Reluctance Towards Commitment:
So, despite the longing of The Weeknd’s current romantic partner and their expressions of missing him, he sings about a reluctance to fully commit. The Weeknd acknowledges the attempts made to fix things, but at the same time, he expresses an unwillingness to be “tied down” or sacrifice their freedom for the sake of love.
3. Conflicting Desires:
Likewise, the chorus reveals a conflict between the desire for love and intimacy and the desire to maintain personal freedom and independence. The repetition of not wanting to sacrifice hints at the internal struggle between these conflicting desires.
Furthermore, he wants to make a sacrifice but the proper sacrifice to the right thing, the two struggles being his love and his personal life. The lyrics emphasize valuing personal time and freedom over committing fully to a relationship. Despite acknowledging care for the other person, there’s a clear assertion of the singer’s priorities and boundaries.
4. Ambivalence and Attempts at Reassurance:
Again, the song portrays a sense of ambivalence and self-protection, yet it also features moments of attempting reassurance and consolation towards the other person, hoping they understand the singer’s stance.
Overall, “Sacrifice” by The Weeknd reflects a narrative of inner conflict, portraying a persona hesitant to fully commit to a relationship due to a strong desire for personal freedom and an aversion to sacrifice.
Now, let’s compare the lyrical themes and content of “Sacrifice” by The Weeknd with “I Want To Thank You” by Alicia Myers and “I’ll Do Anything For You” by Denroy Morgan.
Theme of Love and Sacrifice:
So, “I Want To Thank You” and “I’ll Do Anything For You” are expressions of deep gratitude for the blessing of genuine love received. The lyrics express thankfulness and appreciation for the love brought into the singer’s life by a higher power.
Conversely, “Sacrifice” by The Weeknd explores a conflicted perspective on love and sacrifice. The lyrics convey a reluctance to fully commit to a relationship due to a strong desire for personal freedom. The Weeknd expresses a struggle between embracing love and valuing their independence, not wanting to sacrifice their autonomy for the sake of a relationship.
Finally, Alicia Myers’ song portrays a positive and hopeful perspective on love, emphasizing the transformative power of genuine love and the joy it brings.
Moreover, The Weeknd’s song, by contrast, reflects a more guarded and reserved perspective on relationships, highlighting the conflict between personal freedom and emotional commitment. The Weeknd’s decision to sample “I Want To Thank You” by Alicia Myers may underscore the contrast between the themes of gratitude and emotional fulfillment expressed in the original track and the conflicted, guarded approach to love and sacrifice portrayed in “Sacrifice.” Sampling these songs might highlight the divergence in perspectives on love and relationships between the two songs, showcasing the artist’s introspection and the complexities of personal emotions regarding commitment and sacrifice.
Thank you for reading. You can find more music stuff I wrote at PlanetDarris