Photo: Don Hunstein. Fictional single cover.
When the simple lines have all been taken
And the radio repeats them every day "If I Only Had The Words" is a somewhat bombastic ballad about a man struggling to find the right words to tell his lover. I used to like this song when I first heard the album, but over time it became more and more trite in my eyes (and ears), though I like the line "when the simple lines have all been taken and the radio repeats them every day," ironically. There is a nice sentiment here, but the song is nothing special, probably the weakest one on the album. But even Billy's weakest is not that bad.
Billy on "If I Only Had The Words" SiriusXM.
Gustav Klimt's "The Embrace" (Die Erfüllung) 1905. This and other Klimt paintings express love and affection in vibrant colors and textures. Words are often inadequate to express this, as "the radio repeats them every day."
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If I only had the words to tell you If you only had the time to understand Though I know it wouldn't change your feelings And I know you'll carry on the best you can. If I only had the urge to tell you If you only knew how hard it is to say When the simple lines have all been taken And the radio repeats them every day. If I never find the song to sing you If you always find it hard to comprehend Well, you know there wouldn't be much meaning If I had to sing those tired words again. Life goes on and on And tonight will soon be gone But if we try we can be sure. If I only had the words to tell you If you only had the time to understand But I only have these arms to hold you And it's all that you can ask of any man. La la la la, la la la la If I only had the words to tell you If you only had the time to understand Oh, but I only have these arms to hold you And it's all that you can ask of any man Studio version of "If I Only Had The Words (To Tell You)" from Piano Man. © 1973 Sony Music Entertainment
A live version from a 1974 concert at Carnegie Hall (audio only). A demo version can be heard here (YouTube) posted by Louis Colli.
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