About The Song
“For Lovin’ Me” was written by Canadian folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot in the early 1960s, reflecting his early songwriting style with themes of fleeting romance and restlessness. The song was first recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in November 1964 at A&R Recording Studios in New York City, produced by Albert Grossman and Milt Okun. It was released as a single on December 2, 1964, by Warner Bros. Records, with “Monday Morning” as the B-side, and later included on their album A Song Will Rise, released on April 3, 1965. The track, running 2:07, is a folk rock piece characterized by the trio’s signature harmonies and acoustic arrangement.
The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 81 on January 30, 1965, and peaked at number 30 on March 6, 1965, charting for eight weeks. It also reached number 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary (Easy Listening) chart, reflecting its appeal to a mature audience. Internationally, it peaked at number 26 on Canada’s CHUM Chart and number 29 in Australia. Cash Box described it as a “haunting, easy-going romantic ode” with “polished professionalism,” highlighting the trio’s vocal interplay. The song’s commercial success helped introduce Lightfoot’s work to a broader audience, paving the way for his own recording of it on his debut album Lightfoot!, released in March 1965.
Background details reveal that Lightfoot wrote the song during his time in Toronto’s folk scene, and it was offered to Peter, Paul and Mary by Grossman, who saw its potential for their repertoire. The lyrics, which depict a narrator who leaves a lover without regret, were considered bold for the era’s folk music, which often leaned toward sentimental themes. The trio’s decision to record it in a single take emphasized their cohesive dynamic. Other artists who covered the song include Chad and Jeremy (May 1965), Ian & Sylvia (May 1965), The Fleetwoods (1965), Johnny Cash (October 1966), Waylon Jennings (August 1966), and Elvis Presley (July 1973, as “That’s What You Get for Lovin’ Me”). The song appeared on Peter, Paul and Mary compilations like Ten Years Together (1969) and Carry It On (2004).
Expert commentary includes AllMusic’s Richie Unterberger, who noted the song’s role in showcasing Lightfoot’s early talent through the trio’s “crisp, accessible” rendition. Songfacts highlighted its influence in establishing Lightfoot as a songwriter, with Peter Yarrow’s arrangement accentuating its narrative clarity. No major controversies surrounded the song, though its unsentimental tone sparked minor debate among folk purists. The song was performed at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, reinforcing its place in the trio’s live sets. Its straightforward structure and relatable lyrics contributed to its lasting presence in folk music history.
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Lyric
That’s what you get for lovin’ me
That’s what you get for lovin’ me
Everything you had is gone, as you can see
That’s what you get for lovin’ meI ain’t the kind to hang around
With any new love that I’ve found
Movin’ is my stock in trade
I’m movin’ on
I won’t think of you when I’m goneSo don’t you shed a tear for me
I ain’t the love you thought I’d be
I’ve got a hundred more like you, so don’t be blue
I’ll have a thousand ‘fore I’m throughNow there you go, you’re crying again
Now there you go, you’re crying again
But then someday when your poor heart is on the mend
I just might pass this way againThat’s what you get for lovin’ me
That’s what you get for lovin’ me
Everything you had is gone, as you can see
That’s what you get for lovin’ me