If I were you
Paul Langlois Lyrics

The lyrics to Paul Langlois's song If I Were You are a contemplation of what life would be like from someone else's perspective. The song explores different scenarios and emotions that the singer imagines they might feel if they were in the shoes of the person they are addressing. The first verse sets up the theme of hope and caution, implying that the singer believes the addressee could be feeling hopeful if they were in a different situation. But at the same time, the singer stresses that they would not take risks by going "anywhere too high or low."

The second verse turns to a more positive outlook, saying that if the addressee were feeling good, they would likely be mindful of enjoying the moment and soaking it in. The third verse touches on the notion of paranoia and how the singer imagines that they would react if in the same situation. The singer suggests that they would escape and run away from their problems, even changing their identity to alleviate their worries. Finally, the last verse is a reflection on what the singer would do if they realized that time was running out. They suggest that they might opt for mindless entertainment like watching TV and becoming a mime, all while hoping they made the right decisions in their life.

The song's chorus repeats the message that the singer will always be present in the addressee's life, whether it is during the hard times when the "sun is gone," or when the addressee is "moving on."

Overall, If I Were You is a song that invites the listener to reflect on the idea of empathy and put themselves in somebody else's shoes. It encourages us to consider what life would be like if we were in different circumstances or experiencing different emotions. Ultimately, the song's message is that while we may not always understand what the people around us are going through, we can still be present for them and be available when they need us.