Anthem Lights - If Only Lyrics
Lyrics
I been wanting to call you
But I went to the movies instead
I couldn't go through
Another fight
Avoiding it lately
So many answers we can't find
We just let each other down
Down
You don't love me love me
Like you should
You don't know me know me
Like you could babe
When I thought knew you
Life was always better
Never coulda dreamt that it
Would fall apart this way
I hate to end this story
Cuz I don't want you lonely
But I don't think we have the time
To work this out
Before it gets too late
Fall together
Fall apart
Darker weather
On my heart
If only we wanted to stay
If only you'd say
If only
Baby I loved you
I thought that we would make through
I loved you
If I know
One thing
You'll be
Looking
For someone else's arms
You want a brand-new start
You don't love me love me
Like you should
You don't know me know me
Like you could babe
When I thought knew you
Life was always better
Never coulda dreamt that it
Would fall apart this way
I hate to end this story
Cuz I don't want you lonely
But I don't think we have the time
To work this out
Before it gets too late
Fall together
Fall apart
Darker weather
On my heart
If only we wanted to stay
If only you'd say
If only
Video
If Only
Meaning & Inspiration
Anthem Lights’ "If Only," released on September 6, 2022, offers a raw and introspective look into the painful dissolution of a significant relationship. The song immediately immerses us in the narrator's emotional landscape, a space marked by avoidance, regret, and the aching realization that love has withered. It bypasses the common tropes of blame to explore a more nuanced sorrow, pinpointing a mutual drifting apart and the quiet tragedy of what could have been. The narrative unfolds from an initial reluctance to confront issues—evidenced by choosing a movie over a difficult conversation, rather than facing "another fight"—to the stark acceptance that efforts have ceased, and the connection has irrevocably broken.
The core of "If Only" lies in its poignant lament over misunderstanding and unfulfilled expectations. Phrases like "You don't love me like you should" and "You don't know me like you could" articulate a deep chasm between what was hoped for and what became reality. This isn't merely a personal grievance but a universal cry, echoing the human longing for profound connection and affirmation that often goes unmet in fallen relationships. The song captures the heartbreaking contrast between an idealized past, where "life was always better," and the shattered present, where the story they once built together is collapsing. The narrator expresses a profound sadness not just for themselves but for the inevitable loneliness of the other person, yet acknowledges the insurmountable barrier: "I don't think we have the time to work this out before it gets too late." This admission is critical, highlighting the inertia that can settle into relationships, making reconciliation seem impossible.
This profound exploration of relational brokenness resonates deeply when viewed through the lens of Scripture. The initial avoidance of conflict – "I couldn't go through another fight / Avoiding it lately" – speaks to a common human tendency to shy away from difficult truths, a pathway that often leads to deeper estrangement. The Bible consistently calls us to honest communication, particularly in love, urging us to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) and to address conflicts directly rather than letting resentment fester. Proverbs 18:13 warns against answering before listening, underscoring the importance of engagement over evasion. When we dodge the difficult conversations, we miss opportunities for understanding and repair, slowly eroding the foundation of trust and intimacy.
The ache of feeling unknown and unloved, captured in "You don't love me like you should / You don't know me like you could," reflects a fundamental human need for authentic recognition and unconditional affection. While human relationships are imperfect, God’s Word presents an ideal of love that "suffers long and is kind... does not envy... does not parade itself... does not seek its own... thinks no evil... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). When these elements are absent, or when partners fail to truly see and understand each other, the relationship naturally falters. This sentiment often reveals a failure to heed the call in Philippians 2:3-4 to "in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others," a principle essential for nurturing deep, empathetic connection.
The recurring refrain of "If only we wanted to stay / If only you'd say / If only" is a powerful expression of regret and the wistful gaze at missed opportunities. It highlights the agency involved in relationships – the conscious choice to commit and persevere. This speaks to the biblical truth that relationships require intentional effort and a shared desire for continuity. While some brokenness is beyond our control, this line suggests a mutual waning of will. God’s grace, however, offers a powerful counterpoint to human failing. His mercies are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23), suggesting a divine capacity for fresh starts and enduring love even when our own efforts falter. We are encouraged to "make every effort to live in peace with everyone" (Hebrews 12:14), reminding us that reconciliation and peace are worthy pursuits, even if not always realized in human terms.
The tragic progression of "Fall together / Fall apart / Darker weather / On my heart" illustrates the natural consequence of neglect and unresolved conflict. A relationship that once offered shelter now brings "darker weather," a chilling metaphor for the emotional desolation that accompanies a breakup. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us of the strength found in unity: "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." The song portrays the sorrow of reaching a point where that mutual support has vanished, leaving individuals to face the storm alone. Yet, even in such profound sadness, the unwavering presence of God remains. He is "near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18), offering solace and a promise that even the deepest hurts can be redeemed.
Ultimately, "If Only" serves as a sobering reflection on the fragility of human connection and the pain of letting go. While it portrays a specific, sorrowful ending, its message can inspire a deeper appreciation for the sacredness of relationships and the importance of nurturing them with intentionality, grace, and open communication. It compels us to consider the choices we make daily that either build or erode the bonds we share, reminding us that true love, in its purest form, seeks to know, understand, and persevere. In its raw honesty about human struggle, the song implicitly points us towards the perfect love and unwavering faithfulness of God, whose commitment never wanes and whose capacity to heal and restore far exceeds our limited "if onlys." For those navigating their own seasons of relational brokenness, this song, through its vulnerability, can be a companion, gently redirecting our longing for perfect human connection towards the One who offers truly unconditional and eternal love.