If a picture paints a thousand words
Then why can't I paint you?
The words will never show the you I've come to know
If a face could launch a thousand ships
Then where am I to go?
There's no one home but you
You're all that's left me to
And when my love for life is running dry
You come and pour yourself on me

If a man could be two places at one time
I'd be with you
Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way
If the world should stop revolving spinning slowly down to die
I'd spend the end with you
And when the world was through
Then one by one the stars would all go out
Then you and I would simply fly away


Lyrics submitted by ruben

If Lyrics as written by David Gates

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

If song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

14 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    "then you and i would simply fly away....." beautiful, beautiful song

    blowpop51on June 18, 2003   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    this song....orgasmic. beautiful, i love bread.

    summervolcomstarson July 04, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Another beautiful David Gates song about love and another covered by other artists (Telly Savalas!). David had the knack of crafting wonderful love songs. His singing is also always underestimated - with a great vocal range.

    CharmingManon February 22, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Beautiful song.I love the instrumentation...

    gnrmcron December 17, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I love this song so much!!!!!!! :D

    Rollingstonesrockon October 08, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I'm curious as to what the line "if a face can launch a thousand ships" means...any ideas? Thanks!

    DanielGardneron March 20, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Yea, it's referring to the Trojan War... the "face" being Helen of Troy.

    dbr12345on March 20, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Could a song be more beautiful? More romantic? Of course, it can also break your heart if you're thinking of a past love gone wrong......

    jperiodrperiodon April 04, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song has a very aquatic sound to it, the synthesizer in it makes me think of being in a swimming pool or something.Check out the song "Cold Water" by Damien Rice, if you like this song, they're similar.

    TheThornBirdson February 04, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The "lovegame" of its generation!

    Olivineon June 21, 2011   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it. “I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.