There is more than one artist with this name:

1) Mayfield is the nam… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:

1) Mayfield is the name of the band formed by Tears For Fears lead singer Curt Smith. The result is an album which showcases Smith's talent as a songwriter and producer as well as bringing a more personal touch than any other album he has been a part of during his career. This album really came out in an "underground" fashion. It was actually recorded back in 1996. Curt Smith formed his own label "Zerodisc" and the album was sold online in 1997. It wasn't until 1998 when the album hit stores. No big name record company or distribution.

The name Mayfield is a play on Curtis Mayfield's name (i.e. Curt[Smith] is Mayfield). Curt Smith had split from his partner Roland Orzabal back in 1990 and the two went their separate ways. Roland kept the Tears For Fears name and continued to record using that name. Curt put out a solo album called "Soul on Board" which he wasn't very happy with. Curt and Roland would eventually reunite back for 2004 release "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending". Curt's main partner in Mayfield is guitarist Charlton Pettus who is also the album's co-producer. When Curt and Roland would reunite, Curt would also bring Pettus along. Other band members include Russ Irwin - Keyboards/vocals, Doug Petty - Keyboards, Shawn Pelton - Drums, and of course Curt Smith on Bass.

2) Mayfield drummer Mike Hollins and singer/guitarist Brian Kelly got together in Chicago in 2000. Previous demos and their self-titled full-length, along with minor line-up changes, were merely preparation for a sound that would eventually evolve from that of suburban high school pop-punk, to a working band. Mayfield's commitment to writing and performing while simultaneously juggling high school and work resulted in a strong fan base within the Chicago area.

With the release of their debut full length album, 2004's "I Wont Make a Sound", Mayfield's sound reached a new level of maturity, symbolic of their readiness to dive head-first into the world of non-stop national touring. The success has gained Mayfield nationwide credibility and the opportunity to play shows all over the country. A combination of up-beat tempos along with edgy emotional breakdowns creates a perfect balance, as Mayfield taps into new influences outside of pop-punk.

Mayfield broke up in late 2005 after 5 years together.

3) Mayfield was an alternative rock band from Adelaide, South Australia formed in 2004. Members included Zigg West, Sam Knight and Jett. The trio toured Australia, USA, UK and Europe.

4) Mayfield, a folk-rock band from San Diego, CA, consisting of members Benjamin Bartel and Erin Lancaster.

If Only
Mayfield Lyrics

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I never had,
A chance to say,
What I meant as you walked away.
What's it matter, for my sake?
How much difference could two words make?
I'm sorry.
Overlooked,
What's wrong now.

We fixed the problems,
Worked things out.
Time can change almost anything,
I never wanted to be.
If only you could see me here,
On my own crying your tears,
Of loneliness,
And what went wrong?
You've been here to long.
I don't want to put you down,
Feeling tired, safe and sound.
If I could say, in any way,
I couldn't do it now.
If only you could see me here,
On my own crying your tears, of loneliness,

And what went wrong?
You've been here to long...I'm sorry.

Overall Meaning

The song "If Only" by Curtis Mayfield is a heartbreaking ballad about regret and missed opportunities. The lyrics express the pain of not being able to say what one meant to a loved one as they walk away. The singer questions whether it would have made any difference, but ultimately expresses regret for not having the chance to apologize. The song speaks of fixing problems and working things out, but also acknowledges the reality that time can change almost anything. The singer is in a place of loneliness and wishes the other person could see them there, crying their tears of regret.

The lyrics of "If Only" are relatable to anyone who has experienced the pain of missed opportunities and unresolved issues in a relationship. Mayfield's poignant delivery adds to the emotional impact of the song. The repetition of the words "I'm sorry" highlights the regret and desire for reconciliation. The line "I don't want to put you down, feeling tired, safe and sound" shows that the singer does not want to hurt the other person, but still longs to express their feelings.

Overall, "If Only" is a powerful song that captures the complexities of relationships and the pain of not being able to say what needs to be said. It is a testament to Mayfield's skill as a songwriter and his ability to express universal emotions through his music.

Line by Line Meaning

I never had,
I did not get the opportunity to express what I truly wanted to say,

A chance to say,
I never got the opportunity to say what I wanted to express,

What I meant as you walked away.
I was not able to convey my true intentions as you departed.

What's it matter, for my sake?
Does it matter for my benefit?

How much difference could two words make?
Would uttering two words actually make a significant change?

I'm sorry.
I apologize for any past wrongs.

Overlooked,
Forgotten or neglected.

What's wrong now.
What is causing the current issue?

We fixed the problems,
We resolved the issues that arose.

Worked things out.
We found a solution to the problem.

Time can change almost anything,
The passage of time can impact almost anything and alter its state.