I Will Always Love You

by

Whitney Houston

Album: The Bodyguard Soundtrack     Released: 1992

US Chart: 1      UK Chart: 1

Get the Ringtone  Get Song @ Amazon
Get the Sheet Music

Send "I Will Always Love You" Ringtone to your Cell

Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

Dolly Parton wrote this and did the original version in 1974, which went to #1 on the Country charts that year. She recorded another version for the 1982 movie The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, which also hit #1 on the Country charts. She wrote the song after the breakup of the musical partnership she had with Country singer Porter Wagoner. They were never romantically involved. (thanks - Katie, Nashville, TN)

The lyrics are sad in the sense that the singer will always love the person she is singing to, yet she knows they are not right for each other and must let him go. It is often misinterpreted as a song about people who will be together forever, and even gets played at some weddings.

This was featured in the movie The Bodyguard, which Houston starred in with Kevin Costner. Houston played a famous singer and Costner her bodyguard. Of course, they fall in love. Costner picked it for the movie.

Parton's version was a Country ballad. Houston's had more lavish production and became a Pop, Soul, and Adult Contemporary hit. The tremendous crossover appeal meant that radio stations of many different formats played this, giving it a huge audience.

This stayed at US #1 for 14 weeks, which was a record at the time.

This was second only to "We Are The World" as the biggest-selling single ever. It was bumped to #3 n 1997, when Elton John's new version of "Candle In The Wind" became the biggest.

Houston performed this at the Grammys in 1993. It won for Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

This won the 1992 Soul Train Music Award for R&B Song Of The Year.

The Bodyguard is the best-selling soundtrack of all time.

In 2002, while the US was preparing to go to war with Iraq, Saddam Hussein ran TV and radio ads using this song as he prepared to be re-elected. Houston's record label filed a complaint with the Iraqi mission to the United Nations.

Elvis Presley wanted to record this song but demanded half the publishing rights. Dolly Parton refused and was vindicated when years later Whitney Houston's version earned her $6 million. Parton commented to Observer Music Monthly April 2008: "'I think stories like that are the reason why younger female artists say I've influenced them."

Send "I Will Always Love You" Ringtone to your Cell

Comments:

I love Dolly Partons version, its beautiful and sweet sounding. But Whitney's vocal performance in her version is incomparable. So amazing:)
- Gennette , Seattle, WA

I'm sorry, but I don't like WH's version; it sounds more threatening than bittersweet..."I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!!!" No, Dolly's original version is simply better...period.
- Karen , Manchester, NH

IMHO, the greatest vocal recording ever made. Not even Barbra can match this.
- Guy , Woodinville, WA

I heard Whitney sing this song in person at a concert in Long Island, NY. She blew me away. Still, Fan for life. She's still a Diva, with a capital "D"
- Stacy , Bergenfield, NJ

by far the best song of all time bar none
- katie , orange county, CA

for as much as they played it on the radio, it was still way better than that aweful Titanic celine Dion song
- Susan , Westchestertonfieldville, VA

It is said jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum did the sax solo.
- robert , san francisco, CA

She was originally supposed to sing "What becomes of the Brokenhearted" for the The Bodyguard instead of this song, but at the last minute asked her to sing this song.
- Paul , Savannah, GA

This is the most beautiful and romanic song of all time. Whitney has the most beautiful voice even better than Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. I cant wait for her to have a big comeback, this is my most favorite ballad, she certainly has a gift and a huge power voice.
- keriah , naples, FL

There were actually two versions of this song that whitney done, the first vesion is found at the end of the movie "The Bodyguard" the other featured on the soundtrack. Both of which were great vocals.
- Nathaniel , London, England

such a sad song. but whitney is a really good singer
- Caitlin , Upper Township, NJ

Letting go of someone who is not good to you or for you and who has made great effort to hurt you is never easy to do. After the hurt and anger and once you put God back in your life, only then can you say to that person (and actually mean it) that I will always love you and truly wish you joy and peace. This song literally speaks volumns and is one for the ages and all occasions.
- John-Martin , Silver Creek, MS

Sorry Stephen, this song was first sang in 1972 (a hit then, for the 1st time) as a "tribute" to Porter Wagoner, when Dolly left his show. Dolly's husband's name is Carl Dean. Making her intials, DRD, or in some circles, she is DD, for her bra size. =) The song is wonderfully performed by Houston, as a powerhosue torch song, but Dolly's "Whorehouse" version is my favorite. it give the subtle loving touch the songs needs. There is no tear-catch in Whitney's voice, Dolly allows that to come through in her versions (except the one with Vince Gill in the 90's)... she lived this song. She IS this song!
- Joshua , Leavenworth, KS

I just hope I never have the occasion to hear this song in the proximity of a bridge, because I will surely hurl myself off of it.
- Ash , Charleston, WV

This song has appeared in at least three movies: In addition to "The Bodyguard", the original Dolly Parton version was featured in Scorcese's "Alice Doesn't Love Here Anymore" from 1974 (played in the background while Ellen Burnstyn and Harvey Kitel talked in a bar), and it later was featured in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" in 1982.
- MARK , Boston, MA

Thank you, Angie!!! People alwasy say that they end up together in the movie, as well. Maybe people just hear the "love you" and assume all is well. I guess they hear what they want.
- ANDY , COLUMBUS, OH

Too true, Angie! I think this song belongs in the "commonly misinterpreted songs" category, alongside fellow inappropriate wedding song "Every Breath You Take".
- Fiona , Napier, New Zealand

I prefer the Urban Pop style rather than the country ballad style. Whitney presented this song with full energy and gave an unforgettable impression for all pop-song lovers in the world.
- Godfrey , TKO, Hong Kong

It seems really silly to me that so many people use this song at their weddings when it is actually a song about breaking up! Does no-one listen to lyrics anymore?
- Angie , Columbus, OH

This song (written and performed by Dolly parton) was first used as the love theme in the movie "The best little Whorehouse in Texas", starring Dolly Parton. Dolly has only been married once - to Carl with a strange surname, and they are still married.
- stephen , cape town, South Africa

Send "I Will Always Love You" Ringtone to your Cell