If I
On Paper Lyrics
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All of my bones are cold and anchored to the ground
Warming my hands on every spotlight I have been in
Losing religion in your new pet sound
And we all fall down
If I was brave
I’d never get this wrong
I’d never share this song
You’re in my way
And time is getting on
If I was brave
I’d never get this wrong
I love how your movements say exactly what you’re thinking
Scratching around for one more seed that just might grow
Peeling the labels off my gods and inspiration
Try to recycle what we think you know
In the afterglow
If I was brave
I’d never get this wrong
If I was brave
I’d never share this song
You’re in my way
And time is getting on
If I was brave
I’d never get this wrong
And we all fall down
If I was brave
I’d never get this wrong
If I was brave
I’d never share this song
You’re in my way
And time is getting on
If I was brave
I’d never get this wrong
The lyrics of "If I" by On Paper convey themes of vulnerability, self-doubt, and the struggle to express oneself authentically. The opening lines suggest a process of healing and moving on from past heartbreak, as the singer mentions their heart giving way to healing. However, there is still a sense of being anchored to the ground, indicating the lingering pain and difficulty in fully moving forward.
The lyrics also reveal a desire for bravery and the fear of making mistakes. The repeated line "If I was brave, I'd never get this wrong" reflects the singer's longing to be courageous enough to take risks and avoid any missteps. The line "If I was brave, I'd never share this song" further emphasizes this fear of vulnerability and hesitation in sharing one's true thoughts and feelings.
The verse mentioning warming hands on every spotlight and losing religion in a new pet sound suggests a desire for recognition and validation, possibly within the music industry. However, there is a hint of disillusionment as the singer feels that their faith in their own artistic expression is waning due to external influences.
The following verse talks about observing someone closely, appreciating how their movements reflect their thoughts, and searching for inspiration. However, there is a sense of frustration as the singer mentions peeling labels off their gods and inspiration, suggesting a need to break free from predefined ideas and expectations. The line "Try to recycle what we think you know" implies a struggle to challenge conventional wisdom and offer something fresh and original.
Overall, the lyrics of "If I" explore the conflicting emotions of longing for bravery while wrestling with self-doubt and external pressures. It speaks to the challenges of finding one's authentic voice in a world that often demands conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
You see eventually my heart gives way to healing
Over time, my heart eventually finds solace and begins to heal from past wounds.
All of my bones are cold and anchored to the ground
I feel empty and stuck, unable to move forward or make progress.
Warming my hands on every spotlight I have been in
Finding comfort and validation by basking in the attention and recognition I've received.
Losing religion in your new pet sound
Growing disillusioned with the trendy and shallow music that lacks depth and meaning.
And we all fall down
We all experience moments of downfall and vulnerability.
If I was brave
If I possessed courage
I’d never get this wrong
I would never make mistakes or fail in my endeavors.
I’d never share this song
I would refrain from expressing my innermost thoughts and feelings through this song.
You’re in my way
You are hindering my progress and blocking my path.
And time is getting on
Time is passing by, and there is a sense of urgency or pressure.
I love how your movements say exactly what you’re thinking
I admire how your gestures and actions accurately convey your thoughts and emotions.
Scratching around for one more seed that just might grow
Desperately searching for another opportunity or idea that could potentially thrive and flourish.
Peeling the labels off my gods and inspiration
Removing the preconceived notions and expectations placed on my idols and sources of inspiration.
Try to recycle what we think you know
Attempting to repurpose and reinterpret our assumed knowledge and beliefs.
In the afterglow
During the period of time immediately following a significant event or experience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Richard Llewellyn, Sarah Howells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind