If Only

Ships Have Sailed's song "If Only" delves into the deep emotional turmoil that follows a breakup. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person waking up to find a note on their partner's side of the bed, indicating that they have left. This sudden departure leaves the protagonist questioning their actions and words, wondering if they were at fault. The recurring theme of using the heart in spite of the head suggests a conflict between emotional impulses and rational thought, a common struggle in relationships.

The imagery of the shades being down to keep out the sun and playing old songs evokes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The protagonist's life is metaphorically reduced to a paper cup, symbolizing fragility and emptiness, which they desperately want to fill with the presence of their lost love. The repeated yearning for the person who left, expressed through the desire to feel their heartbeat and touch their body one more time, underscores the depth of their longing and the pain of separation.

The song also touches on the difficulty of moving on, as the protagonist sees their former partner with someone else. This sight intensifies their heartache and forces them to confront the reality of the breakup. Despite this, they cling to the hope of reconciliation, wishing they could make their ex take back their goodbye. The repetition of the phrase "If only" highlights the sense of regret and the desire for a second chance, making the song a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring hope for redemption.