If Only
Original Broadway Cast - The Little Mermaid Lyrics

The lyrics of "If Only" from The Little Mermaid beautifully express the frustration and longing for understanding from the perspective of someone who feels constantly unheard and dismissed. The singer begins by lamenting how they are always talked over and never given the chance to express themselves. They humorously wish for a dime for every thought they've had to keep to themselves, highlighting the internal struggle of feeling like their voice is constantly silenced. Despite their efforts, they feel like their words fall on deaf ears.

Moving into the next paragraph, the singer continues to express their desire to be heard and understood. They convey the deep emotional pain of feeling ignored and unseen, even when they try to explain who they truly are. The sense of rejection and misunderstanding is palpable as they highlight the disconnect between the perceived self and the real self that is yearning to be acknowledged. The repeated plea for someone to listen underscores the deep-seated need for validation and empathy.

The lyrics then shift to a more assertive tone as the singer refuses to beg for attention and instead vows to find a way to finally be heard. The resolve to make their voice heard shines through as they express a mix of emotions - determination, frustration, and defiance. The repetition of the phrase "I'll make you hear me" emphasizes the singer's perseverance and unwavering commitment to breaking through the barriers that have kept them silent for so long.

In the final stanza, the singer makes a powerful declaration of their inner turmoil and the range of emotions they long to share with the listener. They ask for nothing more than a listening ear, a simple act of acknowledgment that could mean the world to them. The promise to shake the listener "so damn hard" to finally wake them up to their reality conveys a sense of urgency and desperation to be seen and understood. The song ends with a poignant reminder of the singer's determination to one day break through the walls of silence and be truly heard.