If
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics


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Baby, baby
I wanna be with you tonight

If I could be with you, I'd love you strong
If I could be with you, I'd love you long
I want you to know that I wouldn't go
Until I told you, honey, why I love you so
If I could be with you, one hour tonight
If I was free to do the things I might, things I might
I'm telling you true, I'd be anything but blue




If I could be with you, mmm, babe
If I could be with you

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's song "If I Could Be With You" express the longing of the singer to be with their loved one at the moment, no matter the circumstances. The lyrics of the song then go on to describe the depth of love that the singer has for their beloved: if they could be together, they would love them strongly and for a long time without ever leaving their side. The singer goes on to describe the many ways in which they would show their love if given the chance, expressing a desire to do things that they may not be able to do in their current circumstances.


Overall, the lyrics of "If I Could Be With You" speak to the strength of love and the desire to be with a beloved partner no matter what obstacles may be in the way. The song's simple yet powerful message has resonated with audiences for generations.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby, baby
Addressing the lover affectionately


I wanna be with you tonight
Expressing the desire to spend time with the lover


If I could be with you, I'd love you strong
If given the chance to be with you, I'd love you with intense passion


If I could be with you, I'd love you long
If I could be with you longer, I'd express my love to you for a longer duration


I want you to know that I wouldn't go
I want to assure you that I won't leave without expressing my love


Until I told you, honey, why I love you so
I won't leave without telling you why I love you so much


If I could be with you, one hour tonight
If I had the opportunity to be with you even for an hour tonight


If I was free to do the things I might, things I might
If I could do anything I wanted without restrictions


I'm telling you true, I'd be anything but blue
I'm telling the truth, being with you would make me happy


If I could be with you, mmm, babe
If I could be with you, my dear


If I could be with you
Repeating the desire to be with the lover




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HENRY CREAMER, JAMES P JOHNSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Holton 345

I have been a professional musician since about 1985. I play in a symphony orchestra for a living. This is my favorite album. It has been for many years now. It is a hot, summer Saturday morning in 2022, I have a cup of coffee, a cat sleeping on my lap, and Ella and Louis playing on my laptop. I will never tire of hearing these two make music together. Rest in peace, both of you.

sarah elliott

could not agree more! this is my fav album also. made for weekends. lazy sundays cooking and drinking wine, summer nights at the golden hour. winter evenings and twickly lights. it fits every mood. everyone magical!

Felipe Blanco

Hermoso comentario. Beautiful comment. Not a musician, but i can feel the hot summer and the cat on the lap. Wodnerfull.

Marilin Wisbey

Can you play ... Go on tube "topic. Gone on a head" orignal.needs hiome

Dayane Numerologia

Beautiful

張雅茹

They are so unique, and the combination simply reduplicates the beautifulness of music. This album is also one of my favorite. ❤❤❤

1 More Replies...

MILANE DA LUZ

AMOOOOOO, O QUE ELEVA A MINHA ALMA AO AMOR PURO, PAZ.

Oleksandr Srebnytskyi

Это можно слушать вечно. Достояние человечества!

Holly Smith

My grandparents were lucky enough to see Ella and Louis in concert. Only as a teenager I found this out after mentioning my love for the music, and couldn't believe my ears when my grandmother shared this story. What a legendary first date!! And how wonderful to have this music that generation after generation falls in love with.

BM - Ali Kurnaz

Best generation

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