"First It Giveth" is a song by Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...

 from their album Songs for the Deaf

Songs for the Deaf

-Production and release:In September 2002, Josh Homme explained the band's goals with the release of the album:In the same month, Nick Oliveri explained the band's aims in an interview with retail company HMV:...

. It was released as a single in 2003, peaking at number 33 on the UK Singles Chart

UK Singles Chart

The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...

. The song is about the role drugs play in the process of making music. When asked in an interview if it is easier to make music on drugs, Josh Homme said "Well I think we have a song that about this subject called First they Giveth, then They Taketh away, and I think at first you can draw inspiration and then eventually, it negates any inspiration.

"The Lord Gave, and the Lord Hath Taken Away" is a bible quotation found in the book of Job. It has become altered to a popular idiom generally used out of Job's context, "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away" (2). This in turn became, "First it giveth, then it taketh away."

Music video

The music video

Music video

A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...

 for "First it Giveth" shows the band playing live at Glastonbury

Glastonbury Festival

The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, commonly abbreviated to Glastonbury or even Glasto, is a performing arts festival that takes place near Pilton, Somerset, England, best known for its contemporary music, but also for dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and other arts.The...

 and on their US Tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...

 in 2002, there are also some backstage scenes included. It is famous among fans for showing Nick Oliveri

Nick Oliveri

Nick Steven Oliveri is an American musician from Palm Desert, California. He plays bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and is a vocalist...

 playing naked on stage. It was directed by Nigel Copp. The B-sides, "Wake Up Screaming" and "The Most Exalted Potentate of Love", appeared subsequently on the compilation EP Stone Age Complications.

Single disc 1

1. "First It Giveth" – 3:18
2. "Wake Up Screaming" (Subhumans cover) – 4:58
3. "You Think I Ain't Worth a Dollar, But I Feel Like a Millionaire" (Troy mix) – 2:14

Single disc 2

1. "First It Giveth" – 3:18
2. "The Most Exalted Potentate of Love" (The Cramps
   The Cramps
   The Cramps were an American rock band, formed in 1976 and active until 2009. The band split after the death of lead singer Lux Interior. Their line-up rotated much over their existence, with the husband and wife duo of Interior and lead guitarist Poison Ivy the only permanent members...
   
   cover) – 2:46
3. "Song for the Deaf" (the blind can go get fucked remix) – 5:02
4. "First It Giveth" (CD-Rom Video)