If Only...
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics

If I only knew what I know
Looking back, I wish I knew then what I know now.

I would not have done what I did.
I made a mistake and wish I could change it.

You said all along I was wrong
You warned me that what I was doing was a bad idea.

But I went and did it anyway. Yes, I went and did it anyway.
I didn't listen to your advice and went ahead with my plans.

But if only... (you should listen)
I wish I had listened to your advice.

But if only... (stop and think)
I wish I had taken the time to think things through.

I was in control (so I thought)
I thought I had everything under control.

With a foolproof plan - what a joke!
My plan wasn't as perfect as I thought it was.

Proving what a fool I can be
My actions show how foolish I can be.

As it all exploded in my face.
My plan failed and I suffered the consequences.

Whatever made me do it anyway?
I question my own decision-making process.

But if only... (time's a-wasting)
I need to make a change and time is running out.

But if only... (Just move on)
I need to let go of the past and move forward.

But if only... (No use chasing)
There's no point in obsessing over what's already gone.

But if only... (What is gone)
I need to accept that what's done is done.

Oh, you sentimental fool,
You let your emotions control your actions.

You're finding out life can be cruel,
You're learning that life isn't always fair.

You cannot bend the rules.
You can't always get what you want by breaking the rules.

You find some coal and think that you'll
You see potential in something that may not actually be valuable.

Create a precious jewel.
You hope to turn something worthless into something valuable.

You sentimental fool!
Your emotions are getting the best of you.

But if only... (something ventured)
You need to take a risk in order to reap a reward.

But if only... (nothing gained)
If you don't take a risk, you won't see any benefits.

But if only... (You were captured)
You wish you were able to achieve your goals more easily.

But if only... (By your game)
You wish you had more control over the outcome.

Oh, you temperamental fool,
You let your moods and emotions affect your behavior.

You've got to keep your engine cool -
You need to stay calm and level-headed.

You're burning too much fuel.
You're expending too much energy on emotions that are out of your control.

You think you'll find somebody who'll
You hope to find someone who will balance out your flaws.

Be warm when you are cool.
You hope to have someone who complements your personality.

You temperamental fool!
You let your emotions control your life.

Picking myself up off the ground
Starting over after failure.

Everybody knows how that feels!
It's a common experience.

To be wrong again, as I know I will
Accepting that failure is a normal part of life.

It really doesn't matter anyway
Mistakes happen and life goes on.

But if only... (time's a-wasting)
There's no time to dwell on past mistakes.

But if only... (just move on)
The best thing to do is to keep moving forward.

But if only... (no use chasing)
It's not productive to focus on what's already gone.

But if only... (what is gone)
It's time to let go and move on.

But if only... (catching rainbows)
It's impossible to achieve something that can't be caught.

(can't be done)
There are certain things that are unachievable.

But if only... (fleeting haloes)
Some things are temporary and can't be held on to.

(of the sun)
Like the sun setting, some things are destined to end.