If You Could Only See

Tonic's song 'If You Could Only See' delves into the complexities of love and the misunderstandings that often accompany it. The narrator is trying to convey the depth and sincerity of his partner's love, which he feels is not fully understood by others. The repeated line, 'If you could only see the way she loves me,' serves as a plea for empathy and understanding. The narrator believes that if others could witness the genuine affection in his partner's eyes, they would comprehend why he is so committed to their relationship.

The song also touches on themes of deception and manipulation. The lines 'Well you got your reasons / And you got your lies / And you got your manipulations / They cut me down to size' suggest that the narrator has faced dishonesty and emotional manipulation, possibly from a previous relationship or from people who disapprove of his current one. This contrast between past hurt and present love highlights the narrator's struggle to defend his relationship against external judgments.

Moreover, the song speaks to the sacrifices and challenges that come with maintaining a loving relationship. The phrase 'Seems the road less traveled / Show's happiness unraveled / And you got to take a little dirt / To keep what you love' implies that true love requires effort and resilience. The narrator acknowledges that love is not always easy, but it is worth fighting for. This sentiment is reinforced by the recurring assertion that understanding his partner's love would make others see why he is so devoted.