Tom Jones – If I Only Knew

About the song

Released in 1972 as part of his album Tom Jones Live at the Talk of the Town, “If I Only Knew” is a poignant ballad that showcases the exceptional vocal talent of Tom Jones—a man whose powerful voice and emotional depth have made him a household name across generations. Known for his booming baritone and dynamic performances, Jones delivered this track with the kind of raw emotion and longing that have become hallmarks of his style. “If I Only Knew” is a reflection on the regret of lost love, a theme that resonates deeply with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics and expressive delivery.

The release of “If I Only Knew” in the early 1970s came at a time when Tom Jones was at the peak of his fame. Already established as a major figure in the pop and soul music scenes, Jones had an impressive string of hits throughout the 1960s, including songs like “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?” By the time Tom Jones Live at the Talk of the Town was released, his popularity was solidified across the world. The album itself captures Jones in the prime of his career, performing live in front of an adoring crowd at the renowned London nightclub, The Talk of the Town. The venue was known for attracting a wide array of stars, and Tom Jones was able to infuse his live performances with unmatched energy and passion, which translated perfectly onto the album.

The meaning of “If I Only Knew” is a meditation on regret, missed opportunities, and the bittersweet emotions of reflecting on a past relationship. In the song, the narrator expresses a deep sense of longing for a lost love, wishing that he had known then what he knows now. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of hindsight—realizing that the chance for love was there all along, but not fully appreciating it until it was gone. The narrator’s yearning is palpable in every word, and it’s easy for the listener to connect with the sense of longing and regret that Tom Jones brings to life through his powerful, soulful vocals.

Musically, “If I Only Knew” highlights Tom Jones’ ability to seamlessly blend pop and soul influences into a single, emotionally charged track. The arrangement is lush, with soft strings and a gentle piano providing the perfect backdrop for Jones’ commanding voice. His delivery, while restrained in the verses, swells in the chorus, allowing the emotion of the song to fully take flight. The lush orchestration and the slow, deliberate pacing allow the lyrical themes to resonate even more deeply, as each note feels like an expression of the narrator’s inner turmoil and longing.

In terms of social impact, “If I Only Knew” speaks to the human experience of love, loss, and regret, themes that transcend time and place. In the early 1970s, the world was in the midst of significant cultural shifts, with rock music gaining dominance and the emergence of new sounds and genres. However, soul and pop ballads like “If I Only Knew” offered a refreshing alternative, bringing a sense of emotional depth and complexity to the music scene. Tom Jones, with his powerful voice and charisma, helped to keep the tradition of heartfelt balladry alive during a period when the music industry was shifting toward more experimental sounds.

“If I Only Knew” also reflects the broader legacy of Tom Jones as an artist who could convey deep emotional truths through his music. While he was known for his showmanship and high-energy performances, his ability to deliver a song with such vulnerability and introspection showcased the full range of his talents. Throughout his career, Tom Jones has been able to cross over from pop to soul, blues, and even country, building a diverse discography that appeals to a wide audience. This track, in particular, is an example of his more introspective side, reminding fans and critics alike of his versatility and his ability to tackle complex emotional themes with sincerity and skill.

Over the years, “If I Only Knew” has remained one of the standout moments in Tom Jones’ extensive catalog. While it may not have reached the same iconic status as some of his earlier hits, it is nonetheless a song that demonstrates his incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The track has been appreciated by both longtime fans and new listeners who discover it through his live performances or retrospective compilations.

In conclusion, “If I Only Knew” is a beautiful example of Tom Jones’ ability to take a simple love song and transform it into something deeply moving and relatable. Through his commanding voice, soulful delivery, and a poignant set of lyrics, he creates a space for listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love, regret, and longing. The song stands as a testament to his place in music history, showcasing his mastery of both vocal technique and emotional storytelling. It remains a classic example of his artistry, capturing a moment in time while continuing to resonate with audiences decades later.

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Lyrics

Yeah!
Yeah

Home-grown, on the bone
All the channels show the same old war zone
As I walk alone in the city
Makin’ me an offer, now don’t they look pretty

New cinema
Live action, all the noise of attraction beats up
On the streets, the sellers do mark up
Better than tellin’ em off, don’t stock up

Shark, they don’t bite
All that matters is you’re not here tonight
And now that I wonder
Am I gonna dig a hole ten feet under?
Under sea, under me, under you, under we, undivided
Undecided

If I only knew what I could do
To make you, make you love me (to make you, make you love me)
If I only knew what I could do
To make you, make you love me (to make you, make you love me)

Up north where the snow grows colder, I travel onward ‘cross the border
Looked up a girl that I once knew frozen
I found that I was chosen to be the follower of the deity
Make myself scarce while they come to plea bargain for my body and soul
All the flames go around, surround me
I won’t go

I need the ozone
I wanna cuddle up behind your backbone
I never stay long where I’m not wanted
I feel haunted

Yo brother
Where ya gonna go?
Back to the war zone to break down the walls?

If I only knew what I could do
To make you, make you love me (to make you, make you love me)
If I only knew what I should do
To make you, make you love me (to make you, make you love me)
If I only knew what I could do
To make you, make you happy (to make you, make you happy)
If only I knew what I should do, yeah
To make you, make you love me

I bared my soul to the golden traces
Went to the forest of the holy places

And now I wonder
Am I gonna dig a hole ten feet under?
Under sea, under me, under you, under we, undivided
Undecided (wow!)

Yeah!

If I only knew what I could do
To make you, make you happy (to make you, make you happy)
If I only knew what I should do
To make you, make you happy (to make you, make you happy)
If I only knew what I could do
To make you, make you love me

If I only knew what I should do
To make you, make you love me
If I only knew what I should do
If I only knew what I should do
If I only knew what I should do