Born in Hope Valley, Rhode Island, with his parents Mr. & Mrs. William Gilman Jr., Gilman first received notice as a performer at age seven, attracting the attention of a local vocal coach, Angela Bacari, who later became his manager. Eventually he met with Ray Benson (of Asleep at the Wheel) who helped him record demos, including "Roly Poly". Two months later he was signed by Sony Music Nashville.
His 2000 debut album, One Voice, had a very widely-played single that crossed over well into top 40 airplay. The album reached multi-platinum status, and earned a Grammy nomination. Generally touted as a child prodigy, Gilman appeared on various talk shows. Classic Christmas (which was certified gold) was released later in the year.
He released Dare to Dream (certified gold) on Sony BMG Music Entertainment/Epic Records in 2001, and in 2003 released Music Through Heartsongs, an album inspired by the poetry of Mattie Stepanek. Later in 2003, he performed at a benefit for The Station nightclub fire. In May 2005, he released Everything and More, his first album since his voice changed.
Billy's latest album, self-titled, was released in September 2006 on the Image Entertainment label. The first single off the upcoming album, Southern Star, heralds a return to his country music roots. Billy is scheduled to begin working on his next album with Eddie Galan and Andrew Lane of Trilogy Productions.
I Could... If They Would
Billy Gilman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a kid
I could ride a bike and sail on rollerblades, and
I could go on really long nature hikes
If they would find a cure when
I'm a teenager
I could earn my license and drive a car, and
If they would find a cure when
I was a young adult
I could travel around the world and teach peace, and
I could marry and have children of my own
I could... If they would
I could... If they would
If they would fine a cure when
I'm grown old
I could visit exotic places and appreciate culture
And proudly share pictures of my grandchildren
If they find a cure when
I'm alive
I could live each day without pain and machines, and
I could celebrate the biggest thank you of life ever
I could... If they would
I could... If they would
If they would find a cure when
I'm buried into heaven
I could still celebrate with my brothers and sister there, and
I could still be happy knowing that
I, knowing that I, was a part of the effort
to find a cure
In Billy Gilman's song "I Could... If They Would", the lyrics discuss the possibilities of what life could be like if a cure were found for the singer's condition. The verses progressively move through different stages of life, from childhood to old age, imagining the experiences that could be possible with a cure. For example, as a child, the singer could ride a bike and go on nature hikes, while as a young adult, they could travel the world and have a family.
The lyrics of this song convey the frustration and longing of those who are living with a condition that has not yet been cured. The repetition of the phrase "I could... if they would" emphasizes the idea that the singer's potential is being held back by the lack of a cure. The song also highlights the importance of finding cures for medical conditions, not just for the individuals affected, but for their family and friends as well.
Overall, "I Could... If They Would" is a poignant and emotional song that speaks to the desire for a cure for medical conditions. It encourages listeners to consider the impact that finding a cure could have on the lives of those affected.
Line by Line Meaning
If they would find a cure when
I'm a kid
If scientists would discover a cure for my ailment when I was a child, I would be able to enjoy riding a bike and rollerblading, and go hiking for long treks.
I could ride a bike and sail on rollerblades, and
I could go on really long nature hikes
I would be able to ride a bike, rollerblade and go on lengthy hikes, which aren't possible in my current condition.
If they would find a cure when
I'm a teenager
If a cure was discovered when I was a teenager, I would be able to drive a car and dance at my senior prom.
I could earn my license and drive a car, and
I could dance every dance at my senior prom
In case a cure was available during my teenage years, I would obtain a driver's license and participate in all the dance numbers of my senior prom, contrasting with my current unfeasibility to drive or party.
If they would find a cure when
I was a young adult
If the medication to cure my illness was found when I was a young adult, I would travel the world, teach peace, get married and have kids.
I could travel around the world and teach peace, and
I could marry and have children of my own
If I weren't limited by my condition, I would get the chance to travel globally, spread the message of peace, start a family and reproduce.
If they would fine a cure when
I'm grown old
If a cure for my illness was discovered when I am old, I would visit diverse places and discover new cultures with my family.
I could visit exotic places and appreciate culture
And proudly share pictures of my grandchildren
In case I were cured later on in life, I would take delight in exploring different regions with my grandchildren, taking pictures and capturing meaningful moments.
If they find a cure when
I'm alive
If a cure is found during my lifetime, I would have the liberty to live without pain and machines and celebrate being healthy.
I could live each day without pain and machines, and
I could celebrate the biggest thank you of life ever
If there is a cure for my illness during my lifetime, I would not have to experience pain or require machines to help me with daily life activities, and would sincerely express gratitude for it.
If they would find a cure when
I'm buried into heaven
If a cure were to be found after my death, I would still rejoice with my family in heaven and feel proud that I was a part of the effort to discover a cure.
I could still celebrate with my brothers and sister there, and
I could still be happy knowing that
I, knowing that I, was a part of the effort
Even after passing away, if a cure is found for my ailment, I would joyously commemorate it with my siblings in heaven and be overjoyed that I was a part of the movement to find a cure.
I could... If they would
Each statement beginning with 'If they would' represents a different milestone of my life, and how it would change for the better if there were a cure for my condition.
I could... If they would
The repetition of the phrase 'I could.. If they would' strengthens the message of how positive my life could have been, but wasn't possible due to the fact that a cure was unavailable.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JONATHAN STONE, MATTIE STEPANEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Benjamin RIPERT
One of the most emotional song of the whole record ... God bless you Mattie and Billy.
Janedoehun
Great song! And so true...
Viet Vu
Good luck. I'm really sorry to hear about your borther :). Be strong and believe :). I didn't know your brother but he must be a really good person :)
Glenna Stratton
It's Mattie's poems one of the many he wrote.
jackson jones
i have had a life long problems with health in md its been tough n this song is so true it touches my heart
BILLYber544
wow.. im so inlove with these song...
colleen powell
this makes me bawl my eyes out. i have a mitochondrial disease!! please help find a cure. <33
BILLYber544
a song for Mattie J. Stepanek... (*_*)..
Desirae Tolman
i haven't heared this song befor
springmausi
Help find a cure for mitochondrial disease!!!