Help with the proper spelling of a word I'm not sure actually exists? From Johnny Cash lyrics?

Question

I'm getting the phrase of a song engraved on a zippo lighter for my boyfriend. In the Johhny Cash song "If I were a Carpenter," he says in the song, I'll give you my (onliness) or (onlyness)....Give me your tomorrow. I have googled the lyrics and both spellings came up. Do you know which is the proper spelling?

Answer 1

i dont know the song but if it like "loneliness", go with "onliness". Loneliness is a word u know.

Answer 2

That is soo cool..:)

From Merriam-Webster Online....

The word onlyness - The word you've entered isn't in the dictionary. Click on a spelling suggestion below or try again using the search bar above.


onliness
One entry found.

onliness



Main Entry: onliness

Answer 3

If it is definately not loneliness he says then the answer will be onlyness as in, he will be her one and 'only' Onli is not a word and would look totally wrong.

Answer 4

Its both..........

"If I Were A Carpenter"

[Written by Tim Hardin]

If I were a carpenter
And you were a lady,
Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?

If a tinker were my trade
would you still find me,
Carrying the pots I made,
Following behind me.

Save my love through loneliness,
Save my love for sorrow,
I'm given you my onliness,
Come give your tomorrow.

If I worked my hands in wood,
Would you still love me?
Answer me babe, "Yes I would,
I'll put you above me."

If I were a miller
at a mill wheel grinding,
would you miss your color box,
and your soft shoe shining?

If I were a carpenter
and you were a lady,
Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?
Would you marry anyway?
Would you have my baby?

Answer 5

Its onlyness
the other way talks about loneliness

Answer 6

"Onliness" just seems to look better to me.