Bill Anderson – My Life (I Throw It Away If I Want To)

“My Life (Throw it Away If I Want To)” is an American country music song written and recorded by Bill Anderson.

Originally released in March 1969, the song was Anderson’s fourth solo No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart late that spring, and soon became one of his signature songs.

Despite spending just two weeks atop the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, “My Life (Throw it Away If I Want To)” was named the No. 1 song of 1969. Several other songs – most notably Johnny Cash’s “Daddy Sang Bass” and “A Boy Named Sue,” and Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” – had longer runs at No. 1.

From the album My Life/But You Know I Love You
Released March 1969 (U.S.)
Recorded 1969
Genre Country
Length 2:44
Label Decca
Songwriter(s) Bill Anderson
Producer(s) Owen Bradley

Bill Anderson – My Life (I Throw It Away If I Want To) Lyrics

You don’t understand the pattern of my life because my life has got no pattern
You don’t see and you can’t feel the wind
That’s blowing at my back and saying move boy
You think this burning fever in my heart is just a folly
And I’m throwin’ away my happiness by leaving you
Well it’s my life throw it away if I want to
I’ve tried my best to plant my feet and stay with you but all I feel is roots grow
And what man wants a woman who won’t satisfy his heart and soothe his ego
I sleep all day and run all night and you tell me that that ain’t right
That ain’t what the husbands of your friends do
But it’s my life throw it away if I want to
[ harmonica ]
You try to make me think my nonconforming life has colored me some evil shade
You delight and filling up my mind with a little bits of guilt you think I oughta feel
Well I’m tired of feeling guilty and I’m tired of having nothing
And I’m throwin’ away this life you’ve had me shackled to
It’s my life throw it away if I want to
I’ve tried my best …