If
Floyd Cramer And His Orchestra Lyrics


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If I only had a brain

Well, Harry Babbitt
We got quite a problem here, son
Let's talk it over

I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain

And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain

Why I'd unravel every riddle
For most any individual
In trouble or in pain

And with the thoughts, I'd be thinkin'
"I can be another Lincoln"
If I only had a brain

Oh, I could tell you why
The ocean's so near the shore
I could think of things I never thought before
And then I'd sit and think some more

Why I would not be just a nothin'
My head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain

And perhaps I'd deserved you
And even be worthy of you
If I only had a brain





Oh, if I only had a brain

Overall Meaning

The song "If I Only Had a Brain" by Floyd Cramer And His Orchestra is a homage to the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. The song is a part of the movie's soundtrack and was sung by the Scarecrow, played by Ray Bolger. The lyrics of the song express a desire for a brain that could help the Scarecrow solve problems and be someone of significance.


The song starts with a conversation between Harry Babbitt and the orchestra, discussing a problem. This is a reference to the movie where the Scarecrow and Dorothy talk about their problems while walking through the Cornfield. The Scarecrow is expressing his desire to have a brain that would help him be smarter and solve problems.


Throughout the song, the Scarecrow talks about how he would spend his time discussing things with the flowers and the rain, and how he would be thinking of ways to solve the problems of others. He also talks about how he would be able to think of things that he never thought of before and be someone of significance like Abraham Lincoln. The song ends with the Scarecrow wishing that he had a brain that would help him be worthy of someone.


Overall, the song "If I Only Had a Brain" is a lighthearted and whimsical tune that captures the essence of the Scarecrow's desire for intelligence and significance. It is a classic example of the music and lyrics that came out of the era of Hollywood musicals.


Line by Line Meaning

If I only had a brain
I wish I were intelligent and could think clearly and creatively.


I could while away the hours
I would spend my time leisurely if I were smart enough to avoid stress.


Conferrin' with the flowers
I would talk with nature and appreciate its beauty if I had the intellect to appreciate it.


Consultin' with the rain
I would listen to the sounds of the rainfall, as it has a soothing effect on the mind which I would appreciate more if I were intelligent.


And my head I'd be scratchin'
I would ponder over complex issues as an intelligent person does, even if I had to stress out over them.


While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
I would constantly come up with new ideas and concepts as a smart and creative individual does.


Why I'd unravel every riddle
I would solve every problem that came my way with my sharp intellect and clear thinking.


For most any individual
I would be helpful to anyone and everyone who needed it with my intelligence and expertise.


In trouble or in pain
I would be able to guide and support individuals in need if I had the sharp mind to do so.


And with the thoughts, I'd be thinkin'
I would constantly brainstorm and come up with new and innovative ideas with an intelligent and active mind.


"I can be another Lincoln"
I would aspire to be a great leader and have a positive impact on society with my sharp intellect.


Oh, I could tell you why
I would have deep insight and be able to explain the complexities of the world around us with my intelligence.


The ocean's so near the shore
I would be able to explain the reasons behind natural phenomena which are not easily understood by everyone.


I could think of things I never thought before
I would have new and original ideas that would benefit society with my intellect and creative thinking.


And then I'd sit and think some more
I would constantly ponder and reflect over the complexities of the world around us with a sharp and active mind.


Why I would not be just a nothin'
I would not be worthless if I had intelligence and could contribute to society in a positive manner.


My head all full of stuffin'
I would not be a dummy and an empty shell if I had intelligence and could think deeply on various issues.


My heart all full of pain
I would have the heart to empathize and understand others who were in pain and need support and assistance.


And perhaps I'd deserved you
I would have earned the love and admiration of others with my intelligence, creativity, and compassion.


And even be worthy of you
I would be of great value and able to contribute positively to the lives of others through my sharp and active mind.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@user-jc8ud6xe9r

I grew up on Floyd Cramer music. He was a musical genius of his time. His music will live on forevermore. Surely A God given talent. It’s a shame we don’t have music and lyrics written like this today. ❤❤❤🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵 Jason, thank you so much for sharing this video with the world. Your grandfather was an amazing man. Linda

@beverlysmith9854

His music touches your heart and soul!❤Truly a God given gift.

@GregSr

I lost my father a few years ago - he was 88. As a teenager he taught himself to play the piano. As a child growing up, I got to hear my father play almost every day. He loved his piano. His playing style was so similar to Floyd Cramer's. Now, when I hear Floyd Cramer tunes, it's as if my father is here. I miss him so much. I travel on business and stay in hotels. I put Floyd Cramer tunes in my iPhone to fall asleep by. Very soothing.

@pamsimmons8106

EXCELLENT GLORIOUS MARVELLOUS MESSAGE SIR!!!!!

@pamsimmons8106

REPLY TO GREG SULLIVAN....SMILES AND BLESS YOU!!!

@peterfarrell8520

Who needs a pacemaker or a reason to live. What the world needs is more artists like Floyd Cramer. His talent shines through, if you don’t come away from his music feeling well and rebooted. Just a good composition played by the incomparable Floyd Cramer!

@patmiller767

Absolutely beautiful, every piece he plays. He is the greatest.

@mikedaniels3009

How to find words of praise doing a genius justice? Thank The One Who created gave us that genius. Thank you very much for sharing, Jason.

@larryhiggins4707

Love this. I've grown up my entire 54 years with a household of piano players doing your grandfathers music. We love it and we love your music as well. You are a true reflection of his love

@curlybrackets6783

My dad died last saturday, 84 years old. He was a big floyd cramer fan - and I was used hearing cramers music oll over my childhood On my search for music to play at his funeral i stumbled over this chanel - an I like it (i also like this music stile...). I am from Austria - so sorry for my spelling...

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