If You Were Mine

Billie Holiday's 'If You Were Mine' is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the boundless devotion one can feel for another. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the lengths to which the narrator would go if they could only have the object of their affection. The opening lines, 'If you were mine, I could be a ruler of kings,' suggest that the narrator's love is so powerful that it could elevate them to the highest echelons of power and influence. This hyperbolic statement underscores the transformative power of love, a common theme in Holiday's music.

The song continues with the narrator expressing their willingness to command the stars to light up their lover's path, a metaphor for the guidance and support they wish to provide. This celestial imagery elevates the love to a divine level, suggesting that the narrator's feelings are not just deep but almost sacred. The line 'And every star above you would obey' further emphasizes the narrator's desire to control the universe itself to make their lover's life better, highlighting the extent of their devotion.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator's willingness to sacrifice everything, including their heart and life, for their lover is laid bare. 'I'd trade it all for you and think I was lucky too' encapsulates the selflessness and total surrender that characterizes true love. Billie Holiday's emotive delivery adds layers of vulnerability and sincerity to the lyrics, making the listener feel the depth of the narrator's longing and devotion. This song is a testament to the power of love to inspire grand gestures and profound sacrifices, even when that love is not reciprocated.