If Only
The Times Lyrics


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Not today I can't give up
I'll try again and longer
Not today I won't give in
If only, only, only
I could be a little stronger
Even if it kills me I'll find no relief after I die
I'll be shackled to my killer in the afterlife
Or will I realize in the light of all those who have died purified
That the ropes he used to bind were never truly tied
Oh what a beautiful connection
Though I know I never reached perfection
And while correction never led to flying
All that mattered was that I died trying
I've been sliding, grinding, diving
If only, only, only
I'd hold on a little longer
I'll keep climbing, fighting, rising
If only, only, only
I could be a little stronger
I will never give up on the hope of being made whole
Even on the bleakest winter day I could find new growth
Inside it's "do or die" and other ungodly lies
Once was worthless now am purchased
Of this I can testify
Oh what a beautiful connection
Though I know I'll never reach perfection
And while correction has never led to flying
All that matters is that I die trying
I've been sliding, grinding, diving
If only, only, only
I'd hold on a little longer
I'll keep climbing, fighting, rising
If only, only, only
I could be a little stronger
The words "if only" only matter in mortality
Then comes the night where no labor can be performed
The words "if only" only matter in mortality
Then comes the night where no labor can be performed
The words "if only" only matter in mortality
Then comes the night where no labor can be performed
So rise
Not today I can't give up
I'll try again and longer
Not today I won't give in
If only, only, only
I could be a little stronger
I'll keep climbing
Not today I can't give up I'll try again and longer
Fighting, rising
Not today I won't give in
If only, only, only
I could be a little stronger
I'll keep climbing
Not today I can't give up I'll try again and longer
Fighting, rising
Not today I won't give in




If only, only, only
I could be a little stronger

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Times's song "If Only" convey a sense of determination and perseverance in the face of challenges and hardships. The repeated phrase "If only, only, only" reflects a longing to be stronger and to overcome obstacles. The singer refuses to give up, stating that even if it costs them their life, they will not find relief until they have given their all.


The song speaks to the idea of accountability and the pursuit of personal growth. The lyrics suggest that the singer has made mistakes and recognizes their imperfections, but they refuse to let that define them. They acknowledge that correction alone does not lead to success; what truly matters is the effort put into trying to improve.


There is a sense of optimism in the song as well, as the singer expresses their belief in the possibility of being made whole and finding new growth, even on the bleakest days. They maintain hope and refuse to let go of their pursuit of strength and personal development.


Overall, "If Only" is a song about resilience, determination, and the constant struggle to become better. It highlights the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Not today I can't give up
I refuse to give up today


I'll try again and longer
I will keep attempting for a longer period


Not today I won't give in
I won't surrender today


If only, only, only
I wish, oh how I wish


I could be a little stronger
If only I could find more strength within myself


Even if it kills me I'll find no relief after I die
Even in death, I won't find peace


I'll be shackled to my killer in the afterlife
My actions will haunt me in the afterlife


Or will I realize in the light of all those who have died purified
Will I understand when I see those who have overcome their struggles


That the ropes he used to bind were never truly tied
The limitations that held me back were only illusions


Oh what a beautiful connection
The beauty of understanding and empathy


Though I know I never reached perfection
I acknowledge that I am not perfect


And while correction never led to flying
Although correcting my mistakes didn't bring immediate success


All that mattered was that I died trying
What truly mattered was the effort I put in


I've been sliding, grinding, diving
I've been striving, working hard, and pushing myself


I'd hold on a little longer
I wish I could endure a bit more


I'll keep climbing, fighting, rising
I will continue to strive, battle, and improve


I will never give up on the hope of being made whole
I will always believe in the possibility of becoming complete


Even on the bleakest winter day I could find new growth
Even in the most challenging times, I can still find personal development


Inside it's "do or die" and other ungodly lies
Internally, I feel immense pressure and unrealistic expectations


Once was worthless now am purchased
I was once deemed insignificant, but now I am valued


Of this I can testify
I can affirm this with certainty


The words "if only" only matter in mortality
The phrase "if only" is relevant only in the realm of the living


Then comes the night where no labor can be performed
After death, there is no more opportunity for effort


So rise
Therefore, rise and take action


I'll keep climbing
I will persistently strive for progress


Fighting, rising
Engaging in struggle and growing




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Adam Briggs, Drew Lehman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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