If
The Mission Lyrics


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If I could stop myself from hurting, I would
But I can't stop myself from needing
If I could stop myself from lying, I would
But I can't stop hiding who I really am
And I live this life
A life that's not mine
It's one that I love but don't deserve
If I could stop myself from hurting, I would
If you could make me believe you're happy, would you?
If I could make you smile, I wouldn't hate myself
And you live with my lie
A lie that's not yours
It's one that you bear but don't deserve
If I could stop myself from living
If I could stop myself from needing
If I could stop myself




If I could stop myself from lying, I would
But I can't stop hiding who I really am

Overall Meaning

The Mission's song "If" speaks to the internal struggles of the singer as he grapples with self-doubt, insecurity, and a desire to please others. The lyrics reveal his wish to stop himself from hurting, lying, and living a life that he doesn't believe he deserves. The singer is in pain and feels trapped by his own actions, constantly struggling to live up to the expectations of others while hiding his true self.


The repeated phrase "If I could stop myself" highlights the internal struggle of the singer, who longs for change but feels powerless to make that change happen. He wishes for transformation, for an end to his self-destructive behavior, but can't seem to stop himself from hurting those around him. The line "It's one that I love but don't deserve" suggests that the singer enjoys aspects of his life, but feels unworthy of them, perhaps due to past mistakes or feelings of inadequacy.


In the second verse, the singer speaks directly to someone else, asking if they could make him believe that they are happy. This line hints at the singer's feelings of responsibility for the happiness of others, and his fear that he is failing to make those around him content. The line "And you live with my lie, a lie that's not yours" suggests that the singer has been dishonest with this person, but that they are bearing the burden of that deception.


Overall, the song "If" is a poignant exploration of the struggles we all face in our daily lives - the fear of rejection, the desire for acceptance, and the difficulty of being honest with ourselves and others. It reminds us that while we may feel trapped by our mistakes and shortcomings, we must never stop striving to be our best selves.


Line by Line Meaning

If I could stop myself from hurting, I would
I wish I could avoid causing emotional pain to others, but unfortunately, I am unable to do so.


But I can't stop myself from needing
However, I have an inherent desire to connect with others and require their love and attention.


If I could stop myself from lying, I would
I wish I could be honest with myself and others, but due to my insecurities and fear of rejection, I feel compelled to hide who I truly am.


But I can't stop hiding who I really am
Unfortunately, I have to put up a facade in order to gain approval from others and conform to societal norms, which means I am not able to express my true self.


And I live this life
I continue to go through my day-to-day routine.


A life that's not mine
Even though I am breathing and going through the motions, I don't feel like I am living the life I truly deserve or want.


It's one that I love but don't deserve
I have a certain level of attachment to the life I am living, but I often feel like I am unworthy or not meant to have it.


If you could make me believe you're happy, would you?
I wonder if other people are also putting on facades and pretending to be happy just to fit in and gain approval from others.


If I could make you smile, I wouldn't hate myself
If I could genuinely make someone happy without resorting to lying or hiding who I am, I would feel much better about myself.


And you live with my lie
The facade that I have created is something that others have to live with, which means I am not only deceiving myself, but also the people around me.


A lie that's not yours
The deception that I am putting forth is not something that others have agreed to or even aware of.


It's one that you bear but don't deserve
Others have to bear the consequences of my deception without ever having deserved the burden.


If I could stop myself from living
I sometimes feel like living life is too much of a burden and I often fantasize about not having to face the challenges of existence.


If I could stop myself from needing
If I didn't have such an inherent need for love and belonging, I would be able to avoid the pain that often accompanies rejection and disconnection.


If I could stop myself
I often wish I had more control over my emotions and actions so that I could avoid the pain they sometimes cause.


But I can't stop myself from lying, I would
Even though I know that honesty is the best policy, I sometimes feel like I have no other choice but to maintain the lie I have created.




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Rob Wu

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@SCS1991

I just came back to say it’s been like almost 14 years since this classic. Play it and ask your kid if they recognize… never.

@donnacrandall9065

Thank you to my son for introducing me to this band...Rock on 🎸🎸🎸

@drancov

Great mix! I really luv the animation & video effects! VFX artist did an awesome job. Great Job!

@RedQueenHakai

That was the weirdest warping I've ever seen. I love it.

@jenniferlewis962

Love this song. And the video is wicked

@dmelz7751

This is such an enjoyable song

@turnsoffpain

Gotta love Puscifer, I'm going to be there in Atlanta for the march show >:P I love my Puscifer Demon is the most beautiful tattoo I have on my body, black with red eyes..! 5Stars to Maynard and such a good song to remix in the first place... -Turns off Pain-

@HoboMinerals

It’s all fire and brimstone baby, let’s go outside!!! ❤❤❤❤

@govetter

Oi! Why don't they call meh no more? CRANK IT UP! Thx Maynard & Milla!

@SCS1991

I was high as shit watching this and I was not disappointed… even 2 and a half hours later. Thank you.

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