All the kings and queens
Of the Bible
They could not turn back time
So what chance have I
Of a miracle
In this life of mine?

I only want one day
So unsay the things I said
Undo the thing I did
Twenty four little hours
Oh God please wipe them all away
And I promise I will change

If I could start today again

I know I'm not the milk and honey kind
Today I proved it true
But when the red mist falls around my eyes
I know not what I do
Please give me back today
And I won't say the things I said
Or do the thing I did
Every minute every hour
The replays just the same
And I can't stand the shame

Let me start today again

I only want one day
One lousy day
That's all
Of every day that's been before
Since time began
I know my prayer's in vain
But for a second I'll pretend
That I can start today again


Lyrics submitted by p_nunan

If I Could Start Today Again Lyrics as written by Paul Maurice Kelly

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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If I Could Start Today Again song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    Lots of obvious biblical imagery in this song, including the line "I know not what I do" a paraphrase of Jesus' words from the cross about his enemies - "forgive them Father for they know not what they do..."

    You can only imagine the pain and anguish behind this song - pain that the writer feels, and has caused to someone he loves (I'm not the milk and honey kind, today I proved it true). Betrayal perhaps?

    Anyway, the song has that wonderful spare beauty about its accompaniment, and Paul's honest, raw Aussie-bloke voice. Just gorgeous, but so sad...

    kindofblueon October 26, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's a song of despair, but somehow it's also constructive, it's not just wallowing around in depressing regret.

    This song is particularly meaningful to me because once when I was a teenager, with some depression and also Christian beliefs, I realised the same thing, that no one in the bible had ever been able to turn back time to make up for the things they wish they didn't do.

    CaptainMcFuggetson November 03, 2010   Link

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