If I Fell
The Beatles (cover) Lyrics

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If I fell in love with you
Would you promise to be true
And help me understand
'Cause I've been in love before
And I found that love was more
Than just holding hands

If I give my heart to you

I must be sure
From the very start
That you would love me more than her

If I trust in you oh please
Don't run and hide
If I love you too oh please
Don't hurt my pride like her

'Cause I couldn't stand the pain
And I would be sad if our new love was in vain

So I hope you see that I
Would love to love you
And that she will cry

When she learns we are two
If I fell in love with you

Overall Meaning

The Beatles’ song If I Fell is a vulnerable love song that speaks to the fear and uncertainty that often accompanies the initial stages of a romantic relationship. The lyrics speak of the singer’s fear of being hurt by the person they love, based on past experiences of love being “more than just holding hands”. The singer implores their love interest to be true and help them understand how to navigate this new relationship.

The line “If I give my heart to you, I must be sure from the very start that you would love me more than her” is especially poignant, as it speaks to the fear of being in a one-sided relationship, where the love is not reciprocated. This fear is compounded by the reference to a former love interest, who the singer suggests loved them less than they deserved.

The song ultimately ends on a bittersweet note, with the singer hoping that their new love will be reciprocal and strong, but also aware that their former love may be hurt by their newfound happiness. The song is a testament to the difficulties of love and trusting in another person’s emotions and intentions.

Line by Line Meaning

If I fell in love with you
If I were to fall in love with you

Would you promise to be true
Would you make a commitment to stay faithful

And help me understand
And assist me in comprehending

'Cause I've been in love before
Because I have previously loved before

And I found that love was more
And I discovered that love was greater

Than just holding hands
Than solely holding hands

If I give my heart to you
If I entrust my heart to you

I must be sure
I must be certain

From the very start
From the very beginning

That you would love me more than her
That you would love me more than you loved your previous partner

If I trust in you oh please
If I depend on you, oh please