If Only

When In Rome's song 'If Only' delves into themes of resilience, reflection, and the bittersweet nature of memories. The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with past experiences and the emotional turmoil that comes with them. The opening lines, 'Thinking 'bout you and me / In a real life tragedy,' set the stage for a narrative steeped in personal loss and introspection. The mention of 'insanity' and 'vanity' suggests a chaotic relationship that has left a lasting impact on the narrator's psyche.

The metaphor of falling from a tree and hitting the floor symbolizes life's inevitable hardships. However, the song emphasizes the importance of bouncing back and moving forward, as seen in the repeated lines, 'So brush yourself off and say 'ok' / And start yourself and say 'which way.'' This resilience is a central theme, highlighting the narrator's determination to not let past mistakes or heartbreaks define their future. The refrain, 'I'm never gonna fall that way again,' underscores a vow to learn from past experiences and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

The song also touches on the idea of hindsight and the clarity it brings. Lines like 'Some people would've called this heaven sent / If only they'd known better' and 'If only i'd known better' reflect a sense of regret and the realization that things might have been different with more wisdom or foresight. This introspective element adds depth to the song, making it not just about overcoming adversity but also about understanding and learning from it. The blend of resilience and reflection in 'If Only' makes it a poignant exploration of personal growth and the complexities of human emotions.