The Whitlams are an Australian four-piece band hailing from Newtown, New So… Read Full Bio ↴The Whitlams are an Australian four-piece band hailing from Newtown, New South Wales.

Formed in 1992, the band originally comprised Tim Freedman (lead vocals, piano), Stevie Plunder (lead vocals, guitar) and Andy Lewis (double bass, backing vocals). The line-up has changed many times over the years with Tim the only consistent member of the band, not to mention the only original member still alive. In the current line-up Terepai Richmond hits the drums, Warwick Hornsby plays the bass, and Jak Housden steals the scene on the electric guitar alongside the ever-present Tim Freedman.

Their style of music has been described as muscular piano based pop/rock, however it has been quite varied over the life of the band. Their latest album is titled Little Cloud and is a double album, separated by the two themes of New York and Tim's homeland Sydney.

The band played their final shows in 2010, taking an extended break for Freedman to pursue a solo career.

In 2012, the band were announced as one of the headliners of the Caloundra Music Festival on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

If Only
The Whitlams Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain
And my head, I'd be scratchin'
As my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain

I'd unravel ev'ry riddle

For every individ'le
In trouble or in pain
In my head I'd be thinkin'
I could be another Lincoln
If I only had a brain

Oh, I could tell you why
The ocean's near the shore
I could think of things I'd never thunk before
Then I'd sit, and think some more
Oh I could tell you why
The ocean's near the shore
I could think of things I'd never thunk before
Then I'd sit, and think some more

I would not be just a nuffin'
My head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain
And perhaps I'd deserve you
And be even worthy of you
If I only had a brain

Ohh.....

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Whitlams's song "If Only" are a poetic and introspective exploration of the desire for knowledge, understanding, and fulfillment, as expressed through the metaphor of lacking a brain. The singer of the song yearns for intellectual capacity and emotional depth, longing to be able to engage with the world in a more profound and meaningful way. The opening lines convey a sense of whimsy and wonder, imagining a scenario where the singer could spend time communing with nature and meditating on life's mysteries - symbolized by conversing with flowers and rain. This reflects a desire for simplicity, clarity, and insight that the singer feels they lack.

As the lyrics progress, the singer delves deeper into their hypothetical musings, expressing a yearning to solve problems, ease suffering, and make a positive impact on the world. The reference to wanting to unravel every riddle and help those in trouble or pain suggests a noble and altruistic impulse, as well as a sense of inadequacy and frustration at not being able to fulfill this potential. The mention of wanting to be "another Lincoln" highlights a desire for greatness, influence, and leadership, indicating a longing for significance and purpose that is currently unattainable without a brain.

The recurring refrain about being able to explain why the ocean is near the shore and think of new ideas signifies a longing for knowledge, understanding, and creativity that is beyond the grasp of the singer in their current state. The repetition of these lines, along with the imagery of sitting and thinking more, suggests a restless and insatiable intellectual curiosity that remains unfulfilled. The singer's yearning for intellectual stimulation and growth is palpable, as they imagine a world where they possess the mental capacity to engage with complex ideas and make meaningful contributions.

The final stanza of the song conveys a sense of longing and regret, as the singer reflects on their current state of being "just a nuffin'", consumed by mental clutter and emotional pain. The desire to be deserving and worthy of someone's affection and admiration highlights a deep-seated insecurity and longing for validation and connection. The poignant closing line "If I only had a brain" encapsulates the central theme of the song - a yearning for intellectual and emotional depth, understanding, and fulfillment that is currently out of reach. Overall, "If Only" is a poignant and introspective exploration of longing, inadequacy, and the universal desire for knowledge and meaning.

Line by Line Meaning

I could while away the hours
I could spend time idly

Conferrin' with the flowers
having conversations with nature

Consultin' with the rain
finding guidance in the rain

And my head, I'd be scratchin'
trying to think deeply

As my thoughts were busy hatchin'
as ideas were forming

If I only had a brain
if I only had the intelligence to understand

I'd unravel ev'ry riddle
I would solve every mystery

For every individ'le
for each individual

In trouble or in pain
going through difficulties or suffering

I could be another Lincoln
I could be as great as Abraham Lincoln

Oh, I could tell you why
I could explain the reasons