In a perfect modern world, songs like “Devices,” and “Suckin’ In Your 20’s” would be massive chart smashes on the level of “Teenage Kicks.” Those days are long gone, but here we are in 2018, giving YOU what you need, and what THEY don’t deserve.
If Only
Tommy and the Commies Lyrics
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how to love someone
I'd stop tearing myself apart
Stop tearing myself apart
if you only knew
how to keep it clean
how to keep it clean
tearing yourself apart
stop tearing yourself apart
time on the road is time in my mind
It's time i can live without
light overshadows the night in the sky
I'm back at the beginning again
If I only knew
how to love someone
I'd stop tearing myself apart
stop tearing myself apart
and I'd love someone
If I only knew
If I only knew
The lyrics to Tommy and the Commies's song "If Only" speak to the longing for love and the internal struggle that comes from not knowing how to fully give or receive it. The singer expresses a desire to stop tearing themselves apart and find a way to love someone, but they acknowledge that they lack the knowledge or ability to do so. This self-destructive behavior is highlighted by the repetition of the phrase "tearing myself apart".
The second verse shifts the focus to the other person, suggesting that if they too knew how to "keep it clean" and avoid self-destruction, they could also find love and end their own inner turmoil. However, it seems that both individuals are trapped in a cycle of destructive behavior and lack the necessary understanding to break free.
The final lines of the song emphasize the passage of time and the cyclical nature of the singer's experiences. They mention being on the road, which represents a period of reflection and introspection. Despite being away from external distractions, the singer still confronts their inner struggles. The mention of light overshadowing the night in the sky could symbolize moments of hope and clarity, but ultimately, they find themselves back at the beginning, still searching for the knowledge and ability to love.
Line by Line Meaning
If I only knew
If I had the knowledge or understanding
how to love someone
how to genuinely care for and show affection towards another person
I'd stop tearing myself apart
I would cease causing emotional harm and distress to myself
Stop tearing myself apart
Cease the self-destructive behavior and actions
if you only knew
if you possessed the same knowledge or understanding
how to keep it clean
how to maintain a healthy, untroubled relationship
how to keep it clean
how to maintain a healthy, untroubled relationship
you'd stop
you would cease
tearing yourself apart
causing emotional harm and distress to yourself
stop tearing yourself apart
discontinue the self-destructive behavior and actions
time on the road is time in my mind
the time spent traveling and away from home is synonymous with the time spent lost in one's thoughts and emotions
It's time I can live without
that is time I could live happily without
light overshadows the night in the sky
hope and positivity triumph over darkness and negativity
I'm back at the beginning again
I find myself starting over from the initial point or stage
If I only knew
If I had the knowledge or understanding
how to love someone
how to genuinely care for and show affection towards another person
I'd stop tearing myself apart
I would cease causing emotional harm and distress to myself
stop tearing myself apart
Cease the self-destructive behavior and actions
and I'd love someone
and I would be capable of experiencing love and affection towards another person
If I only knew
If I had the knowledge or understanding
If I only knew
If I had the knowledge or understanding
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brent Rupard, Cassidy Alexander
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind