Everything I Own

"Everything I Own" is a popular song written by David Gates. Originally recorded by Gates' band Bread for their 1972 album "Baby, I'm a Want You" the song quickly became a popular standard recorded by (among others) The Connells, Jack Jones, Ken Boothe, Olivia Newton-John, Georgie Fame, Boy George, 'N Sync, Jude, Rod Stewart, Nicole Scherzinger and Chrissie Hynde. Although the song is frequently interpreted as a romantic love song, Gates actually wrote the song as a tribute to his father after his father died.

The original hit number five on the American Billboard Hot 100. The version by Ken Boothe reached number one on the UK singles chart for three weeks in October 1974. Boothe's version actually has the title line sung as "..."any"thing I own...". The version by Boy George reached number one on the UK singles chart for two weeks in March 1987 becoming his first hit as a solo artist. Owing more to the Ken Boothe version, the sweet reggae style was reminiscent of his earlier debut hit with Culture Club, "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?". Coming at the time of his arrest for possession of heroin it provided a major boost to his career.