If I were you
Jesse Lee Lyrics


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Baby let's be honest
Over all it's all been great
But I was weak and I gave in
What else can I say
We all make mistakes and I can't erase
What I've done to us
And it just like me to mess a good thing up
(Chorus)
I don't blame you for being mad
'Cause I screwed up real bad
Treated everything we had
Like it wasn't good enough
And I hate myself for what I've done
Why would I hurt the only one
I've ever loved
How can trust be so hard to earn
It's so damn easy to lose
Yeah even I
Would've left me
If I were you

I can't believe that you're still here
Saying "It'll be alright"
Guess I shouldn't be surprised
You've always been the kind
To fight for something
That you believe in
But unlike you
Strong's something
I've never been

(Repeat Chorus)

I wouldn't think twice
About leaving here tonight
Without saying
Goodbye

(Repeat Chorus)





Oh If I were you

Overall Meaning

The song "If I Were You" by Jesse Lee is a heartbreaking ballad about the regret and self-loathing that come after a relationship ends due to a mistake made by the singer. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that their relationship "has all been great" but admits that they "were weak and gave in" to temptation, leading to the end of the bond. The singer accepts responsibility for their actions, knowing that they cannot change what has been done, and admits that it is common for people to make mistakes in relationships that can mess up a good thing.


The chorus sets in with an apology as the singer sympathizes with their partner's anger towards them for their mistakes. They express regret for not treating the relationship with the respect it deserved and acknowledges that if they were in their former partner's shoes, they would not blame them for leaving. The second verse is reflective of the singer's amazement that their former partner is still staying around amidst their pain while encouraging them that things will be alright. The singer confesses to not being as strong as their partner but in the end, they have to accept the consequences of their actions.


In summary, "If I Were You" depicts the remorse, regret, and self-pity that often come after a relationship ends due to one party's mistake. The singer acknowledges that they made a mistake, accepts responsibility, and expresses regret for not treating the relationship with the value it deserved. The song emphasizes how difficult trust is to earn and how easy it is to lose.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby let's be honest
Let's tell each other the truth


Over all it's all been great
Our overall experience together has been wonderful


But I was weak and I gave in
I was not strong and I made a mistake


What else can I say
There is nothing more that I can add


We all make mistakes and I can't erase
Everyone makes errors and I cannot undo what I did


What I've done to us
The way I have affected our relationship


And it just like me to mess a good thing up
It is typical of me to ruin a positive circumstance


I don't blame you for being mad
I understand why you are angry


'Cause I screwed up real bad
Because of the major mistake I made


Treated everything we had
The way I have treated our relationship


Like it wasn't good enough
As if it were not satisfactory


And I hate myself for what I've done
I have intense self-loathing for my actions


Why would I hurt the only one
Why would I harm the only person I love


I've ever loved
That I have ever had strong feelings for


How can trust be so hard to earn
Why is gaining trust incredibly arduous


It's so damn easy to lose
It is very effortless to lose trust


Yeah even I
Even I, myself


Would've left me
Would have abandoned myself


If I were you
If I were in your position


I can't believe that you're still here
I am surprised that you have not left yet


Saying "It'll be alright"
Assuring me that everything will be okay


Guess I shouldn't be surprised
I really should not be taken aback


You've always been the kind
You have been the type of person


To fight for something
To be a person who stands up for their beliefs


That you believe in
Those things that you have faith in


But unlike you
However different from you


Strong's something
Strength is something


I've never been
That I have never had


I wouldn't think twice
I would not hesitate at all


About leaving here tonight
To depart this place this evening


Without saying
Without speaking


Goodbye
Farewell


Oh If I were you
Oh, if I were in your position




Contributed by Hannah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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