(1)Fink, Brighton-based acoustic folk / blues / electronic artist
A recording / performance name of Brighton, UK's Fin Greenall - a Bristol-born understated singer-songwriter. He is an uncompromising artist - in acoustic folk / blues / dub - with an astounding stage presence, signed to Ninja Tune Records. With live accompaniment by Guy Whittaker (bass) & Tim Thornton (drums), they have played over 300 shows, in the last three years (inc' supporting Zero 7 & Massive Attack). In addition to his performance history, Fink has written with many (inc' John Legend & Amy Winehouse), plus remixed Elbow, Nina Simone, 坂本龍一 & Robert Belfour. Prior to all of this, Greenall - who grew up in the same city as Roni Size, Portishead & Massive Attack - was a Ninja Tune DJ, spinning trip-hop & breakbeat internationally.
Fink’s 2006 debut Biscuits For Breakfast (recorded entirely in his loft in Brighton) saw him reincarnated to become Ninja Tune’s first singer-songwriter. Such was the impact of this collection of songs on the underground British musical landscape, iDJ Magazine stated: "If 'Blue Lines' was about Generation X's experience of house parties, hip-hop and smoking drugs then this astonishing album is its millennial equivalent."
2007 saw the release of Distance And Time, another critically acclaimed record that saw Fink’s fan base spread around the world. As an incredibly accomplished and versatile vocalist and guitarist he has since performed as a special guest in front of thousands at London's Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Proms, New York's legendary Carnegie Hall (where he performed a cover of REM’s ‘The Apologist’ in front of the song’s creators), and even Milan's 80,000 capacity San Siro Stadium. It was also Distance And Time that caught the attention of John Legend, with whom Greenall co-wrote ‘Green Light’ featuring Andre 3000 and ‘Set Me Free’ from Legend’s Evolver LP. Legend, in return, makes a guest appearance on piano, and co-wrote two tracks with Greenall on Sort Of A Revolution.
There are very few independent artists who have quietly accomplished such an amazing array of achievements, and judging by this new and impeccable record, it doesn't seem that Fink - many a music fan's best kept secret - will be a secret for too much longer.
Discography (electronic / acoustic):
See It All (Single) - Released: 10/12/09
Sort of Revolution (Single) - Released: 07/20/09
Sort of Revolution - Released: 05/2009
Distance and Time - Released: 01/10/07
Biscuits For Breakfast - Released: 24/04/06
So Long - Released: 03/04/06
Pretty Little Thing - Released: 06/02/06
Fresh Produce - Released: 01/06/00
Ever Since I Was A Kid - Released: 01/04/00
Front Side EP/album - Released: 01/03/99
Fink Funk EP/album - Released: 01/07/97
Sites: YouTube & http://FinkWorld.co.UK (official).
(2) A Hamburg, Germany alt-country band, founded mid-90s & disbanded in 2007
Discography:
Vogelbeobachtung im Winter (xxs records/Indigo, 1997)
Loch in der Welt (xxs records/Indigo, 1998)
Mondscheiner (L'Age d'Or/Rough Trade Records, 1999)
Fink (L'Age d'Or/Rough Trade Records, 2001)
Haiku Ambulanz (Trocadero Records/Indigo, 2003)
Bam Bam Bam (Trocadero/Indigo, 2005
Website (german): http://www.finkmusik.de/ (official)
If Only
Fink Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ain't got the aces, I ain't got the stakes
If only
I ain't got the nerve, I ain't got the makings of
The man you deserve, I ain't got the time
If only
I'll be right on the train, up to town to, take you out again
I ain't got the bullshit, and I ain't got the lies
I ain't got the memories of tears in your eyes
If only
I'd be right on the money, I'd be right on time
I'd be right about everything that's bin all on my mind
If only
I'll be right on the train, up to town to, take you out again
Right on the train, first one outta here, to take you out again
You got a new man, and he sounds great
I got a new girl who treats me right
If only
I'd be right on the train, first one out
Up to town to take you out
Again
The song "If Only" by Fink is about regret and missed opportunities. The first verse starts with the singer acknowledging his shortcomings: he doesn't have the resources, courage, or time to be the man that the listener deserves. It's clear that he wants to be with this person, but he also knows that he's not the best fit for them. The chorus repeats the phrase "if only," as if the singer is constantly thinking about what could have been if he had been different.
The second verse continues to focus on the past and what the singer wishes he could change. He doesn't have the ability to lie or manipulate, but he also doesn't have the ability to be successful or make good decisions. He wishes he could be right about everything that's been on his mind, but he knows that he's not. The chorus repeats again, emphasizing the singer's longing for a second chance.
The final verse acknowledges that the listener has moved on and found someone new. The singer has found someone else as well, but there's still a sense of loss and missed opportunity. The final chorus repeats the phrase "if only" one last time, as if the singer is resigned to the fact that things will never be different.
Overall, "If Only" is a poignant and reflective song that speaks to the human experience of regret and longing for what could have been.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't being funny, I ain't got the brakes
I'm not messing around, I don't have control over the situation.
I ain't got the aces, I ain't got the stakes
I don't have the winning hand or the necessary resources to succeed.
If only
If only I had what I need to make this work.
I ain't got the nerve, I ain't got the makings of the man you deserve
I lack the courage and qualities necessary to be the partner you deserve.
I ain't got the time
I'm too busy or too preoccupied to make this work.
I'll be right on the train, up to town to, take you out again
I'll come running to take you out just like before.
I ain't got the bullshit, and I ain't got the lies
I don't have the ability to deceive or manipulate you.
I ain't got the memories of tears in your eyes
I don't want to remember or cause any more pain.
I'd be right on the money, I'd be right on time
If I had the resources, I'd be there when you need me.
I'd be right about everything that's bin all on my mind
I'd finally have the answers to all my questions and doubts.
You got a new man, and he sounds great
You moved on to someone new and better.
I got a new girl who treats me right
I found someone who treats me well too.
If only
If only things had worked out between us.
I'd be right on the train, first one out, up to town to take you out again
I'd drop everything to be with you again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GARY BARLOW, GUY CHAMBERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PureExpression
I ain't being funny, I ain't got the brakes
I ain't got the aces, I ain't got the stakes
If only
I ain't got the nerve, I ain't got the makings of
The man you deserve, I ain't got the time
If only
I'll be right on the train, up to town to, take you out again
Right on the train, first one outta here, to take you out again
I ain't got the bullshit, and I ain't got the lies
I ain't got the memories of tears in your eyes
If only
I'd be right on the money, I'd be right on time
I'd be right about everything that's bin all on my mind
If only
I'll be right on the train, up to town to, take you out again
Right on the train, first one outta here, to take you out again
You got a new man, and he sounds great
I got a new girl who treats me right
If only
I'd be right on the train, first one out
Up to town to take you out
Again
@thegagaovermusic
Coming after 6 years. And it makes me nostalgic. Thankyou for this beautiful song Fink.
@TheMrCrinkle
Yeah,I'm coming back to this song after a long time.... He really is one of the truest song writers isn't he ✨
@jiki1356
My boyfriend died 10 years ago. This song has always made me think of him. :( won't forget you David
@fh2364
I wish I could play the guitar when I hear your song ! Thank you for sharing your music 😊
@Naomi-wv5tr
Very emotional and moving song. I find it as touching and even better in compositions like per example Ed Sheerans music. How is this not considered top of the top!?
@Volgin93
Definitely true 👍 You have a good taste in music.
@chingching4308
I really love this song!🥰🥰🥰🥰
@Poncek1995
This is a great song. Thank you.
@Ozric42
Simply perfect.
@manko2102
acoustic...love it