what if?

Eli.'s song 'what if?' delves into the emotional turmoil and mental strain that comes with unfulfilled love and the lingering question of 'what could have been.' The lyrics open with a raw admission of how writing songs is taking a toll on the artist's mental health, hinting at the cathartic yet painful process of creating music that stems from personal anguish. This sets the stage for a narrative steeped in regret and introspection, as the artist reflects on a night filled with pain and the inability to see through the metaphorical storm of emotions.

The recurring question, 'What if we stayed just for the night?' serves as the song's emotional core, encapsulating the longing for a different outcome in a relationship that has evidently ended. The artist imagines a scenario where they could have stayed together, even if just for one more night, to avoid the inevitable goodbye. This hypothetical situation is contrasted with the harsh reality that 'things would get harder with time,' acknowledging that staying together might not have been the solution to their problems. The repetition of 'What if we stayed?' underscores the persistent nature of these thoughts, as the artist grapples with the idea that love alone wasn't enough to sustain the relationship.

The song also touches on the practical challenges of maintaining a relationship, particularly in the lines 'Love's not enough to dig through the struggle / Marriage requires particular muscle.' This suggests that beyond emotional connection, relationships require effort, resilience, and perhaps a kind of strength that the artist feels was lacking. The imagery of packing and leaving, followed by a fleeting kiss, symbolizes the finality of the breakup and the bittersweet memories that linger. Ultimately, 'what if?' is a poignant exploration of love, regret, and the complexities of human relationships, wrapped in a hauntingly beautiful melody that resonates with anyone who has ever pondered the 'what ifs' in their own life.