There Is No If

Album: Bloodflowers (2000)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In a 2000 interview with Pulse, Robert Smith said: "I think the only really depressing song on the album is 'There Is No If,' because in that one there really is no way out - everything goes wrong and then you die. I originally didn't want that song on the album, and I was loath to even sing it, but the others in the band really wanted it on there. I normally disregard the four-to-one votes, which are as meaningless in this band as they are in any dictatorship, but everyone who heard the song really liked it."
  • Lead singer Robert Smith was the only band member to play on this. He played all the instruments.
  • Smith didn't want this included on the Bloodflowers album, but gave in when the other four members of the band persisted. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Richard - Alva, OK
  • The Cure retired this from live performances in 2002, perhaps due to Smith's dislike of the song.
  • The "if" of the title refers to the inevitability of death. In the song, Smith's lover frequently makes the apparent statement "if you die...so do I." This is, of course, paraphrasing the romantic clichè "I couldn't live without you." Smith's interprets the sentiment negatively, by emphasizing that they will indeed live without each other, and both they and their love will inevitably die.

Comments: 3

  • Ulya from Sliema, EuropeVery sad song about a real love, i think.
  • Miguel from Casa Grandes, MexicoKind of like lets just enjoy today and not worry about the heart break or whatever happens tommorrow.Capturing the moment,just like rachel said.
  • Rachel from London, Englandthis is such a beautiful song, about capturing the moment and not thinking about the future
    "there is no always forever, just this..."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?