What If You
Joshua Radin Lyrics


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What if you could wish me away
And what if you spoke those words today
I wonder if you'd miss me when I'm gone
It's come to this release me
I'll leave before the dawn

But for tonight, I'll stay here with you
Yes, for tonight, I'll lay here with you
But when the sun hits your eyes through your window
There'll be nothing you can do

What if you could hear this song
What if I felt like I belong
I might not be leaving (oh) so soon
Began the night believing
I loved you in the moonlight

So for tonight, I'll stay here with you
Yes for tonight, I'll lay here with you
But when the sun hits your eyes
Through your window
There'll be nothing you can do

I could have treated you better, better than this
Well I'm gone, this song's your letter
I can't stay in one place

So for tonight, I'll stay here with you
Yes, for tonight, I'll lay here with you




But when the sun hits your eyes through your window
There'll be nothing you can do

Overall Meaning

The song "What If You" by Joshua Radin represents a person who is struggling with their relationship and their feelings towards their partner. The song begins with the singer pondering what his partner would do if she could wish him away. The singer then contemplates leaving the relationship and how his partner might react when he's gone. Despite his conflicted feelings, the singer ultimately decides to stay with his partner for one more night, but leaves before the dawn. He acknowledges that he could have treated her better and the final verse implies that he decides to end the relationship for good by writing a letter through this song.


The song oscillates between melancholy and regret, with a sense of mournful finality with its lyrics. The chorus ("So for tonight, I'll stay here with you, Yes, for tonight, I'll lay here with you, But when the sun hits your eyes through your window, There'll be nothing you can do") is the singer's way of confessing his love for his partner for the last time. He knows he is leaving and does not want to give false hope that he will stay. The line "I could have treated you better, better than this" shows his regret and disappointment with the way things turned out. The song’s theme revolves around the notion of “what if,” and as the track progresses, its moving storyline unfolds.


Line by Line Meaning

What if you could wish me away
Imagine if you had the power to make me disappear from your life


And what if you spoke those words today
What if you expressed your desire to be rid of me right now


I wonder if you'd miss me when I'm gone
I'm curious if you would feel my absence once I'm no longer around


It's come to this release me
I've come to the realization that it's time to let me go


I'll leave before the dawn
I'll depart before the daybreak


But for tonight, I'll stay here with you
Despite everything, I'll spend this night with you


Yes, for tonight, I'll lay here with you
I'll stay by your side until morning comes


But when the sun hits your eyes through your window
Once it's daytime and the sun rays enter your room


There'll be nothing you can do
There won't be any way for you to change things between us


What if you could hear this song
Imagine if you were listening to this very tune


What if I felt like I belong
What if I actually believed that I fit in with you


I might not be leaving (oh) so soon
I could reconsider leaving if I felt like I truly belong here


Began the night believing
At the start of the evening, I had faith


I loved you in the moonlight
I felt love for you under the moon's glow


I could have treated you better, better than this
I acknowledge that I was not the best partner and could have treated you more kindly


Well I'm gone, this song's your letter
I'm departing, but this song is my way of communicating my feelings to you


I can't stay in one place
I'm not able to remain in the same spot for too long




Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Missing Link Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOSHUA RYAN RADIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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