Found on the album Promising Promises (2012).
"If Only I" is a slow-building, emotive piano ballad by American singer-songwriter . Featured on his 2012 album Promising Promises , it is a favorite of the artist himself, who describes it as an unrequited love story that he often "gets lost in" while playing. Songwriting & Meaning Jon Mclaughlin If Only I
The song showcases McLaughlin’s soulful, clear tenor, moving from intimate, breathy verses to a soaring, resonant chorus. Key Lyrics Found on the album Promising Promises (2012)
It is a signature McLaughlin piano ballad, characterized by a "vibe" that builds gradually from a minimalist opening to a more powerful, emotional peak. Musical Composition The song originated from a single
The title and chorus highlight the narrator's paralysis—they would speak or dream of the subject "if only" they could find the words or find peace in sleep. Musical Composition
The song originated from a single lyric line that came to McLaughlin: "Slowly all the faces turn to yours" .