If Only

The Marias' song 'If Only' delves into the haunting and persistent nature of love and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply affected by the presence of a significant other, even in their dreams. The opening lines, 'Even when I dream / You are next to me,' suggest a profound connection that transcends the waking world, indicating that the person is constantly on the narrator's mind. This persistent presence makes it difficult for the narrator to find peace, as they admit, 'I can't fall asleep / If only,' hinting at a sense of restlessness and yearning for something unattainable or lost.

The song also explores the difficulty of letting go, as seen in the lines, 'I can't say goodbye / Even when I try / Why'd I even leave? / You tell me.' Here, the narrator grapples with the pain of separation and the lingering questions that come with it. The inability to say goodbye signifies a deep emotional attachment and a sense of regret. The rhetorical question 'Why'd I even leave?' underscores the confusion and self-doubt that often accompany the end of a meaningful relationship.

In the final verse, the plea 'Don't give up on me / You'll eventually / Been alone, you see / You in my dreams' reveals a desperate hope for reconciliation and understanding. The narrator acknowledges their solitude and the impact of the other person's absence, yet they hold onto the hope that their connection will endure. The recurring theme of dreams throughout the song emphasizes the inescapable nature of their feelings and the way love can linger in the subconscious, even when it seems out of reach in reality.