If I were you
The Whiskey Farm Lyrics

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If I were you I'd answer my letters
If I were you I'd pick up the phone
If I were you I'd try to make this better
If I were you I'd come back home

If I were you I'd head for the mountains
Far away from the city lights
Find a spot where your heart can't hear nothin'

And let it fly into the night

This wasn't what we planned, no
I guess you did what you had to do
And maybe I'd understand
If I were you

If I were you I'd call up your mother
She always knew just what to say
Ask her if I deserve another
Chance to make you want to stay

This wasn't what we planned, no
I guess you did what you had to do
And maybe I'd understand
If I were you

If I were you I'd answer my letters
If I were you I'd pick up the phone

If I were you I'd try to make this better
If I were you I'd come back home

Overall Meaning

The Whiskey Farm’s “If I Were You” is a song about a failed relationship and how the singer, if they were in their partner’s shoes, would try to mend things. The lyrics speak about the importance of communication and taking the initiative to try and fix the problems in a relationship. The first verse urges the partner to answer their letters and pick up the phone, indicating a lack of communication on their part. The second verse encourages the partner to find a peaceful spot away from the chaos of the city to reflect on their heart and emotions.

The chorus repeatedly reminds the partner that things didn’t go according to plan, and the singer would understand their perspective if they were in their place. The final verse suggests that the partner should try and seek advice from a loved one, in this case, their mother, and asks for another chance to make things right. Overall, the song conveys a sense of regret and longing for lost love but also shows a willingness to make amends.

Line by Line Meaning

If I were you I'd answer my letters
If I were in your position, I would respond to my letters

If I were you I'd pick up the phone
As you, I would answer the phone

If I were you I'd try to make this better
If I were in your shoes, I would attempt to improve this situation

If I were you I'd come back home
If I was in your place, I would return home

If I were you I'd head for the mountains
As you, I would run away to the mountains

Far away from the city lights
Being at a great distance from the lights of the city

Find a spot where your heart can't hear nothin'
Search for a spot that is completely silent

And let it fly into the night
And let your heart fly away with the night

This wasn't what we planned, no
This was not what we had in mind

I guess you did what you had to do
I assume you did what was necessary

And maybe I'd understand
Perhaps I would understand