If
David Gates, Bread
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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 too. 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
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Written by: David Gates
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Composition and Release Date"If" is a song written by American singer-songwriter David Gates in 1971. It was released as part of the album "Manna" by Bread, a band where Gates was the lead vocalist.
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Performance in ChartsThe song did well in charts worldwide. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
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Many Cover Versions"If" has been covered by many artists over the years including Frank Sinatra, Jack Jones, and Telly Savalas. Telly Savalas' cover even beat out the origlinal by reaching the No. 1 spot on on the UK Singles chart.
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PopularityThis song is one of the most well-known and widely recognized songs by Bread, and it continues to receive airplay on adult contemporary and easy listening radio stations today.
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Song MeaningThe song is a soft rock ballad with lyrics expressing the depth of Gates’ love. It stands out for its poignant, heartfelt lyrics that have resonated with many listeners over the years.
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Distinctive Music Structure"If" blends elements of pop, rock, and jazz music. The song's structure is distinct for David Gate's piano solo, which is accompanied by strings and other orchestral elements.
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Acclaim for David GatesDavid Gates' songwriting skills, showcased in "If", have contributed to making him one of the most significant figures in the soft-rock and adult contemporary genres.
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Impact on Pop CultureThe song was also used extensively in films and TV shows, making it persistently relevant in popular culture.
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Noteworthy LyricsThe song begins with the memorable line "If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't I paint you?" These lyrics have been noted for their deep poetic quality.
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RecognitionIn 1977, ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, recognized "If" as one of the 50 most performed songs of the previous year.
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Citation
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"If Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/461561/Bread/If>.
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