«All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)» is a song written by Dallas Frazier and A.L. «Doodle» Owens, and recorded by American country music artist Charley Pride. It was released in June 1969 as the first single from his compilation album The Best of Charley Pride.
The song, released that June, reached the top of the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart that August, and in doing so it was Charley Pride’s first No. 1 song. It also accomplished a feat not done in 25 years: an African American entertainer having a No. 1 hit on the Billboard country chart. The last song by a black performer to reach the summit was «Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby» by Louis Jordan, in July 1944. Pride became the third black singer to have a No. 1 country hit (the Nat King Cole-led King Cole Trio had a No. 1 hit earlier in 1944).
From the album The Best of Charley Pride
Released June 1969 (U.S.)
Recorded 1969
Genre Country
Length 3:00
Label RCA
Songwriter(s) Dallas Frazier and A.L. «Doodle» Owens
Producer(s) Chet Atkins Jack Clement Bob Ferguson Felton Jarvis
Charley Pride – All I Have To Offer You (Is Me) lyrics
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
There’ll be no mansion 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
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
