I Will Always Love You was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974 as a farewell to her former business partner Porter Wagoner as she pursued a solo career. Parton’s country version topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, while Linda Ronstadt’s 1975 cover introduced the song to a broader pop audience.
Whitney Houston’s iconic rendition was produced for her 1992 film debut, The Bodyguard, with co-star Kevin Costner suggesting the track after it was considered for Fried Green Tomatoes. Producer David Foster rearranged the song as a soul ballad, and Parton herself provided the missing third verse over the phone, which had been omitted in Ronstadt’s version.
Released on November 2, 1992, the single became a global phenomenon, spending a then-record 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in 34 countries. Its success transformed Parton’s country ballad into a crossover pop anthem, with Houston’s powerful vocals and the song’s dramatic a cappella introduction defining 1990s music culture.
[Verse 1]
If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I’ll go, but I know
I’ll think of you every step of the way
[Chorus]
And I
Will always love you
I will always love you
[Post-Chorus]
You
My darling, you
Mm, mm
[Verse 2]
Bittersweet memories
That is all I’m taking with me
So goodbye, please, don’t cry
We both know I’m not what you, you need
[Chorus]
And I
Will always love you
I will always love you
You
[Saxophone Solo]
[Verse 3]
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of
And I wish to you joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love
[Chorus]
And I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I, I will always love you, you
[Outro]
Darling, I love you
Ooh, I’ll always
I’ll always love you
