If I Could

Album: In Between Dreams (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Johnson: "It's related to the first record. The song 'Mud Football' on that album was dedicated to Moe Lerner. He was a friend of our family that passed away while I was making Brushfire Fairytales. I started writing If I Could way back then because he'd meant a lot to a whole lot of people out on the North Shore. And before he passed away, he called around to everybody to let everyone know that he was going. He told everybody that he felt really at peace because he had had a chance to meet his grandkids. That was just really a beautiful thing to me. And I wanted to write about it because he was making jokes and everything when he had only two weeks to live. It was really nice that he was able to be so positive about it. I think it had a lot to do with transferring that love from yourself to your kids and, even more, to your grandkids - passing the love and spirit on. We're sort of whole ourselves. But then there's that grander thing of us all being connected."

Comments: 3

  • Nedelina from ViennaMy godfather was 42 when his second daughter was born and within a month he got ill and died. I wish I'd found that song then, especially the "new life makes losing life easier" part.
  • Bethany from Carlisle, United KingdomMy grandmas got cancer and I listen to it all the time, because it's what she says - I'll keep a piece of her. It makes me feel better, cz I know I'd give her part of my life, if I could
  • Dan from Bensalem, PaWhen this song came out I was in the hosptial not expecting to make it out. I told my wife that this was perfect timing for this song as it was meant for her. I wanted this song to be played at my funeral but as you can see I survived. Excellent song. even this day when I hear it it takes me back to those time and all the consolation for her
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Janis Ian

Janis IanSongwriter Interviews

One of the first successful female singer-songwriters, Janis had her first hit in 1967 at age 15.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.