Even If I Could
Mama`s & Papa`s Lyrics


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Now I know just how you feel, it was real
When I broke your heart.
Now I know just why you cried when I lied
And I broke your heart.
Now I know just how you feel,
(Now I know just how you feel...)
And I know that it was real
(And I know that it was real...)
Now I know just why you cried
When I lied (I lied), I lied, I lied.

But I want it understood
When it was, it was very good.
And I would not trade away,
Not a day, even if I could.
Now I know just how you feel,
(Now I know just how you feel...)
And I know that it was real,
(Now I know that it was real...)
And now you know just why I cried
When she lied (she lied), she lied, she lied.
But I want it understood
When it was, it was good.
And I would not trade a day, not a day
No not an hour of the day




Though she's left and gone away
Even if I could...even if I could.

Overall Meaning

The Mama's & Papa's song "Even If I Could" features lyrics about a person who realizes the damaging impact they had on a past relationship, particularly when they lied and caused heartbreak. The singer now empathizes with their ex-lover's emotions and understands why they cried. They affirm that the relationship was genuine and positive despite the issues, and they wouldn't want to trade away any memories or moments. Even though the ex has left, the singer wouldn't change the past, even if they could.


The song conveys a sense of regret, nostalgia, and acceptance. The singer recognizes their faults and takes responsibility for them, while also cherishing the good times they had with their ex. The repetition of certain lines, such as "Now I know just how you feel," emphasizes the development of the singer's perspective over time. The last line, "even if I could," is especially poignant because it acknowledges that some things cannot be changed, and that sometimes you have to accept the consequences of your actions.


Overall, "Even If I Could" is a reflective and mature look at a past relationship, and the lyrics could resonate with anyone who has felt the pain of heartbreak or made mistakes in a romantic context.


Line by Line Meaning

Now I know just how you feel, it was real
The singer acknowledges the pain they caused their partner and now understands the authenticity of their emotions.


Now I know just why you cried when I lied And I broke your heart.
The singer understands why their partner cried after they misled them and caused them emotional harm.


And I know that it was real
The singer confirms that their partner's feelings were genuine and not fabricated.


But I want it understood When it was, it was very good.
The artist wants their partner to remember that there were good times in their relationship, despite the recent hardship.


And I would not trade away, Not a day, even if I could.
The artist values the time spent with their partner, even when faced with an opportunity to erase the pain they caused.


Now I know just why you cried When I lied (I lied), I lied, I lied.
The singer realizes the gravity of their lies, which caused their partner to experience emotional distress.


But I want it understood When it was, it was good.
The singer reiterates that despite the current sadness, the relationship had moments of happiness.


And now you know just why I cried When she lied (she lied), she lied, she lied.
The artist reveals that they too were hurt by someone, likely a third party in their relationship.


And I would not trade a day, not a day No not an hour of the day Though she's left and gone away Even if I could...even if I could.
The artist values every moment of their relationship with their partner, even though they are no longer together, and wouldn't trade it away even if they had the chance.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN EDMUND ANDREW PHILLIPS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Susanne Gilmore

One of my favorite Mamas and Papas songs. Reminds me of someone very special.

Frangel la Bionda Docampo

Who?

Jorge Espinosa

Music from a decade so badly missed.

Gregory L'Esperance

@67psych3 You flicked on the radio back then; it was solid gold hits left and right....

67psych3

1965-1969 the most creative! 1967 seemed to be the PEAK in Pop/Rock!!

William Kane

I've never heard this song before. Man, that was great! Thank you for the upload. :-)

Big Bad White Cracker

Me too. Never heard it before. And I just found out about this Jill Gibson replacing MIchelle for 3 wacky months.

orestes tavares

Amo muito The Mama,s Papa,s, canções,vocais de ouro.

Lilly Dee

Jill Gibson was talented, she collaborated with Jan and Dean and she had a nice voice, it was a huge mistake to get involved with the Mamas & Papas though, derailed her career in music as she would forever be known as Michelle's temp replacement. She has a career as an accomplished artist in sculpting, & painting though.

Rod Robson

Would have liked Jill Gibson to have stayed in the group a little more. My personal opinion is Jill is a good singer and should have been given a chance to settle into Mamas & Papas. Should also of toured overseas to get used to each other then tour the US

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