Powerless
If Not for Me Lyrics


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Afflicted by a cruel disease, a father to bury his baby. No matter what, I hope she sees that I tried everything.
Torn apart from the inside, no doctor to save you. Don't say your goodbyes, if only that I knew. You've held on so long, but I'm not so strong. Is this how it feels to be powerless?
I'm sorry that I couldn't see you fighting this war so silently. I don't care how hopeless it may be. I won't give up on you until you give up on me. Oh God, don't you take her. I'll beg and I'll plead. She doesn't deserve this. Just take me instead. Your vitals are failing, your body grows cold. I wasn't ready to face this at three years old. I'll take your little hand in mine, one last time.
Torn apart from the inside, no doctor to save you. Just open your eyes, if only that I knew. You've held on so long, but I'm not so strong. Is this how it feels to be powerless?
I know how tired your heart must be. I know how hard you've tried to stay with me. So let go, it's alright. You don't have to fight anymore.
If I could do it all again, knowing there's nothing I could do to save you, I'd fight for you a thousand times just the same.
If I could do it all again, knowing there's nothing I could do to save you, I'd hold you in my arms until your heart stops beating.




Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Powerless" by If Not for Me delve into the profound theme of helplessness and the emotional turmoil of watching a loved one suffer from a cruel and incurable disease. The singer expresses deep regret and sorrow over not being able to save their baby from the grips of the illness, highlighting the heart-wrenching experience of feeling powerless in the face of such a tragic situation. The imagery of a father having to bury his own child further underscores the profound grief and helplessness felt in this situation.


The lyrics also touch on the internal struggle and anguish of witnessing a loved one's deteriorating health with no medical solutions in sight. The desperation and plea to God to spare the afflicted individual and to swap places, offering themselves instead, showcases the intense love and sacrifice felt by the singer. The repeated line "Is this how it feels to be powerless?" encapsulates the emotional weight of the situation and the overwhelming sense of inability to change the course of events.


The lyrics continue to explore the heartbreaking acceptance of the inevitable as the singer comes to terms with the reality of the situation. The acknowledgment of the loved oneโ€™s struggle and the reassurance that it's okay to let go and stop fighting conveys a poignant message of letting the suffering come to an end with dignity and peace. The final plea to release the loved one from their pain reflects a somber yet tender acceptance of the inevitable outcome.


The closing lines of the song resonate with a poignant sense of unconditional love and endless devotion. The singer expresses a willingness to go through the pain and heartache all over again, highlighting a profound sense of loyalty and unwavering commitment to their loved one. The imagery of holding the individual in their arms until the very end demonstrates a deep sense of connection and a willingness to stay by their side through every moment, no matter how difficult or heartbreaking. Overall, "Powerless" is a poignant and emotionally charged reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and the profound impact of helplessness in the face of unbearable circumstances.


Line by Line Meaning

Afflicted by a cruel disease, a father to bury his baby.
Suffering from a terrible illness, a parent faced with the heartbreaking task of burying their child.


No matter what, I hope she sees that I tried everything.
Regardless of the outcome, I want her to know that I did everything I could.


Torn apart from the inside, no doctor to save you.
Emotionally devastated, with no medical professional able to help.


Don't say your goodbyes, if only that I knew.
Please don't leave without saying goodbye, if only I had known what was coming.


You've held on so long, but I'm not so strong.
You have been resilient, but I am struggling to cope.


Is this how it feels to be powerless?
Is this the sensation of being completely helpless?


I'm sorry that I couldn't see you fighting this war so silently.
I regret not recognizing the silent battle you were fighting.


I don't care how hopeless it may be.
I don't care how dire the situation seems.


I won't give up on you until you give up on me.
I will not abandon you until you no longer have the strength to fight alongside me.


Oh God, don't you take her. I'll beg and I'll plead.
Please, do not take her from me. I will beg and plead for her to be spared.


She doesn't deserve this. Just take me instead.
She does not deserve this suffering. I wish I could take her place.


Your vitals are failing, your body grows cold.
Your vital signs are deteriorating, and your body is becoming cold.


I wasn't ready to face this at three years old.
I was not prepared to deal with this kind of loss at such a young age.


I'll take your little hand in mine, one last time.
I will hold your small hand in mine for the last time.


Just open your eyes, if only that I knew.
Please just open your eyes, if only I had known what was to come.


I know how tired your heart must be.
I understand how exhausted your heart must feel.


I know how hard you've tried to stay with me.
I know you have fought hard to stay by my side.


So let go, it's alright. You don't have to fight anymore.
It's okay to let go, you do not have to keep fighting.


If I could do it all again, knowing there's nothing I could do to save you, I'd fight for you a thousand times just the same.
If I had a chance to go back, even knowing I couldn't save you, I would still fight for you endlessly.


If I could do it all again, knowing there's nothing I could do to save you, I'd hold you in my arms until your heart stops beating.
If I could go back and change things, knowing I couldn't save you, I would hold you close until your heart stops beating.




Lyrics ยฉ Songtrust Ave
Written by: SAMUEL PIERCE ALLEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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