If I Ain't Got You

Alicia Keys

About If I Ain't Got You

"If I Ain't Got You" is a song by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys from her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Inspired by the 2001 death of singer Aaliyah, the terrorist September 11 attacks, and other events in the world and in Keys' life, the song is about "how material things don't feed the soul." The single cover depicts Keys similarly to the subject of Man Ray's 1924 painting Le Violon d'Ingres. Released in February 2004 as the album's second single, "If I Ain't Got You" peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became Keys' second consecutive R&B chart-topper, remaining atop of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for six weeks. The song received two nominations at the 2005 Grammy Awards, for Song of the Year and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, winning in the latter. A remix featuring Usher, a Kanye West Radio Mix, and a Spanish-language version featuring Arturo Sandoval appear on the bonus CD of select international pressings of The Diary of Alicia Keys. 


Year:
2003
3:48
866 
#4

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Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live just to play the game

Some people think that the physical things define what's within
And I've been there before, and that life's a bore
So full of the superficial

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah

Some people search for a fountain
That promises forever young
Some people need three dozen roses
And that's the only way to prove you love them

Hand me the world on a silver platter
And what good would it be
With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, yeah

If I ain't got you with me baby
So nothing in this whole wide world don't mean a thing
If I ain't got you with me baby

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Alicia Keys

Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. She attended Professional Performing Arts School and graduated at 16 as valedictorian. Keys released her debut album with J Records, having had previous record deals first with Columbia and then Arista Records. more »

19 fans

Written by: Alicia Augello-Cook

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Information
"If I Ain't Got You" is a song by American recording artist, Alicia Keys, featuring Cuban jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.
Song Composition
The song breaks down into several sections: a piano intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, a trumpet solo by Arturo Sandoval, bridge, and outro.
Songwriting Inspiration
Alicia Keys wrote the song inspired by the tragic event of Aaliyah's passing and feeling that kind of love and loss.
Chart Performance
"If I Ain't Got You" became a massive success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Awards and Accolades
The song earned Keys a Grammy Award in 2005 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Trumpet Solo
The classic trumpet solo playing in the middle of the song completely transforms it. That is the genius Arturo Sandoval's contribution.
Album Information
The song was included in Alicia Keys’ second studio album "The Diary Of Alicia Keys", released in 2003.
Song Duration
The original version of the song runs for approximately 3 minutes and 48 seconds.
Arturo Sandoval's Impact
The appearance of Arturo Sandoval added more depth to the song, blending Keys' R&B sensibility with a touch of jazz influence.
Genre
The song is typically classified under the genres of R&B and soul.
Notable Covers
Many artists have covered the song, the most notable being Maroon 5 during their iTunes Session EP recording in 2011.
Song's Message
The song's lyrics are about valuing genuine emotions over material things. Keys underscores the importance of love and how it surpasses all else.

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    If I Ain't Got You

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2004

    Billboard #4


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