If Only

The background to If Only

A wistful look at what could have been - a question of balancing work and children - with an optimistic lift at the end.

The phrase “ifs, buts & maybes” led us to the title of the show, and both versions are included in this song

If Only - the lyrics

What could I have been?
If only I could have seen into my future
If only …
When people look at me
What is it that they see?
I’m the image of success
Yet I feel such a mess
Ifs, buts and maybes
Briefcase or babies
Crazy
Hazy

How much have I missed?
If only I was in control of my journey
If only …
I’d split myself in two
Instead of rushing through
See baby steps and hear first words
Success at work inferred
Ifs, buts and maybes
Paycheque or babies
Ideal
Unreal

Fulfilled? … Guess I’m not
If only I felt a sense of my achievements
If only …
Too tired to hear applause
Exhausted by my chores
Missed out on a promotion
Due to the commotion
Ifs, buts and maybes
Boardroom or babies
Depressed
Too stressed

What could I become?
If only I could achieve the life of my dreams
If only …
No matter what life throws / Throws at us
Overcome highs and lows / Without fuss
And despite our kids in tow
Write a two-woman show
Ifs, Buts and Babies
Sequins and babies
Success
Oh yes!!

Copyright © 2012 Avelia Moisey & Jill Neenan