Michael Feinstein (born September 7, 1956) is an American singer, a pianist… Read Full Bio ↴Michael Feinstein (born September 7, 1956) is an American singer, a pianist, music revivalist, and an interpreter of, and anthropologist and archivist for, the repertoire known as the Great American Songbook. The Library of Congress elected him to the National Sound Recording Advisory Board, an organization dedicated to safeguarding America’s musical heritage.

If I Only Had a Brain
Michael Feinstein Lyrics

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I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain
And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain

I'd unravel any riddle

For any individd-el
In trouble or in pain
With the thoughts I'd be thinkin'
I could be another Lincoln
If I only had a brain

Oh, I could tell you why
The ocean's near the shore
I could think of things I never thunk before
And then I'd sit and think some more

I would not be just a nothin'
My head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain
Perhaps I deserve you
And be even worthy erve you

If I only had
If I only had a brain

Overall Meaning

The song "If I Only Had a Brain" by Michael Feinstein is a whimsically clever composition that revisits the iconic 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz.' After being introduced as the Scarecrow to Dorothy and her companions, the song paints a vivid picture of what the character thinks he could do if he had a brain. The first verse reveals the Scarecrow’s predicament, he laments on how he would communicate with the rain and flowers if he had a brain. In the second verse, he goes on to say that he would further help those in need with his now vast knowledge and wisdom if he had a brain. The song is a quintessential portrayal of longing and desire for completeness and acceptance.

Throughout the lyrics, the Scarecrow’s desire for a brain becomes a metaphor for a feeling of inadequacy and uselessness that he feels deeply. His inability to put his thoughts into words weighs heavily on him, and he hopes that having a brain could help him unravel any problem that he might face. The song also reveals how the Scarecrow’s lack of brain makes him feel unworthy of Dorothy's attention, and he yearns for her love and maybe respect.

Overall, "If I Only Had a Brain" is an interesting and thought-provoking song that captures the essence of longing for intelligence and acceptance. The lyrics highlight the feeling of inadequacy and the lengths people will go to feel like they are worth something.

Line by Line Meaning

I could while away the hours
I could spend time idly relaxing

Conferrin' with the flowers
Talking to the flowers

Consultin' with the rain
Asking the rain for advice

And my head I'd be scratchin'
I would be puzzling over something

While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
While I was generating new ideas

If I only had a brain
If only I were smart

I'd unravel any riddle
I would successfully solve any puzzle

For any individd-el
For anyone at all

In trouble or in pain
Either in a problematic situation or painful one

With the thoughts I'd be thinkin'
Using my clever ideas

I could be another Lincoln
I could become a leader like Lincoln