While the studio version is fully produced, McLaughlin frequently performs a "stripped-down" piano-only version, which was also released as a bonus track on the Best Buy edition of the album.
The title and chorus highlight the narrator's paralysis—they would speak or dream of the subject "if only" they could find the words or find peace in sleep. Musical Composition Jon Mclaughlin If Only I
A Songwriter's Story: Jon McLaughlin on “Promising Promises” While the studio version is fully produced, McLaughlin
"If Only I" is a slow-building, emotive piano ballad by American singer-songwriter . Featured on his 2012 album Promising Promises , it is a favorite of the artist himself, who describes it as an unrequited love story that he often "gets lost in" while playing. Songwriting & Meaning Featured on his 2012 album Promising Promises ,
"I'd talk to you if only I could speak / And I'd dream of you if I could fall asleep"
The song originated from a single lyric line that came to McLaughlin: "Slowly all the faces turn to yours" .