If

David Gates, Bread

About If

"If" is a song written by American singer-songwriter David Gates in 1971. Originally popularized by his group Bread, the song charted at number four on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 when released as a single in 1971 and number six in Canada. The song also spent three weeks at number one on the U. S. Easy Listening chart, and one week at the top of the Canadian AC chart. In the U. S., Bread's version was the shortest song title to become a top ten hit until 1993, when Prince (musician) hit No. 7 with "7", later matched by Britney Spears' No. 1 hit "3" in 2009. "If" has been a perennial favorite at weddings (for example, as a first-dance song) ever since it was released. 


Year:
1997
2:36
467 
#4

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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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Bread

Bread is a staple food prepared by cooking a dough of flour and water and often additional ingredients. more »

3 fans

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.
Performance in Charts
The 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.
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.
Popularity
This 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.
Song Meaning
The 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.
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.
Acclaim for David Gates
David 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.
Impact on Pop Culture
The song was also used extensively in films and TV shows, making it persistently relevant in popular culture.
Noteworthy Lyrics
The 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.
Recognition
In 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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    "If Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/461561/Bread/If>.

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    If

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #4


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