If I Could Write

Sam Phillips' song "If I Could Write" is a poignant exploration of longing, loss, and the struggle to move forward. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning to communicate feelings and thoughts that remain unspoken. The opening lines, "If I could write I'd set all the words free to follow you," suggest a desire to express emotions and secrets that are difficult to articulate. This sets the tone for a narrative of emotional release and the challenges of holding on to the past while being pulled towards an uncertain future.

The imagery of taking off a ring that "never comes off" symbolizes a significant and possibly painful transition. This act of removing the ring represents letting go of a relationship or a commitment that once seemed permanent. The lines, "Sorry to lose you, sorry to keep you after you were gone," reflect the complex emotions of grief and the difficulty of moving on from someone who has left a lasting impact. The repetition of the phrase, "When I go this time I don't think I'm coming back," underscores a sense of finality and the resolve to move forward, even if it means not returning to familiar places or people.

Phillips also touches on themes of desire and self-discovery. The line, "Desire's the element that I can't fight," highlights the internal struggle between longing and the need to pursue one's own path. The reference to a "dream is the arm of God" suggests a higher purpose or destiny that guides the journey. The search for identity and connection is evident in the lines, "Girl's looking for themselves in your eyes, I'm looking for you," indicating a quest for understanding and belonging. Ultimately, the song captures the bittersweet nature of letting go and the hope for something more, even if it means not coming back to what once was.