If
Billy Eckstine Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

If they made me a king I'd be but a slave to you
If I had everything I'd still be a slave to you
If I ruled the night, stars and moon so bright
Still I'd turn for light to you

If the world to me bowed yet humbly I'd flee to you
If my friends were a crowd I'd turn in my need to you
If I ruled the earth what would life be worth
If I hadn't the right to you

If I ruled the night, stars and moon so bright
Still I'd turn for light to you

If the world to me bowed yet humbly I'd flee to you
If my friends were a crowd I'd turn in my need to you




If I ruled the earth what would life be worth
If I hadn't the right to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billy Eckstine's song "If" speak of a love that transcends even the highest positions of power and material wealth. The singer sings that even if he were made a king or had everything he could possibly desire, he would still be a slave to the object of his affection. He praises this person's worth by saying that even if he ruled the night and had everything the world could offer, he would still turn to this person for light and meaning in his life. Additionally, even if the singer were to have countless friends or rule over the earth, life would be meaningless without this person. The singer's love is all-consuming and he would give up anything for this love.


The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition and the importance of love in our lives. The singer's love for this person is what gives his life meaning and he would be lost without it. This sentiment is universal, as everyone seeks love and purpose in their lives. The song paints a picture of a love that is all-encompassing, all-consuming, and everlasting.


Overall, Billy Eckstine's "If" is a beautiful love song that speaks to the depths of the human heart. The lyrics convey the idea that love is the most valuable thing in life, even above power, wealth, and material possessions.


Line by Line Meaning

If they made me a king I'd be but a slave to you
Even if I was put in a position of power, I would still be loyal to you and subject to your will.


If I had everything I'd still be a slave to you
Even if I possessed the world, I would still submit to your desires and needs.


If I ruled the night, stars and moon so bright Still I'd turn for light to you
Even if I had control over the beauty of the night, I would still look to you as the light of my life.


If the world to me bowed yet humbly I'd flee to you
If the whole world worshipped me, I would still pursue you with humility.


If my friends were a crowd I'd turn in my need to you
Even if I was surrounded by a multitude of friends, I would still lean on you in my times of need.


If I ruled the earth what would life be worth If I hadn't the right to you
If I had dominion over the entire world, it would be meaningless without having you by my side.


If I ruled the night, stars and moon so bright Still I'd turn for light to you
Once again, even if I had power over the beauty of the night, my ultimate source of light would still be you.


If the world to me bowed yet humbly I'd flee to you
This refrain emphasizes that despite everything in the world, the singer would still choose humility and seek comfort with the one he loves.


If my friends were a crowd I'd turn in my need to you
The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of seeking support from the people we love, no matter who else is in our lives.


If I ruled the earth what would life be worth If I hadn't the right to you
Finally, the song culminates in the idea that life is only worth living when we have the love of the person who means everything to us.




Contributed by Henry B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Walter Gray

I love this song, and I love this rendition of it.
Thank you for sharing.

roscoe c. tarver

Love this song

Sara R Henry

The best music played during Tal Henry and I Sara R Henry dated,

More Versions