More songs by Billy Joel
Description
Guitar: Larry Carlton
Lyricist, Keyboards, Associated Performer, Composer: Billy Joel
Arranger, Accordion: Michael Omartian
Guitar: Richard Bennett
Guitar: Dean Parks
Drums: Ron Tutt
Banjo: Eric Weisberg
Banjo: Fred Heilbrun
Fiddle: Billy Armstrong
Background Vocal: The Creamers
Background Vocal: Susan Steward & Co.
Producer: Michael Stewart
Engineer: Ron Malo
Lyrics and translation
Original
If I only had the words to tell you.
If you only had the time to understand.
Though I know it wouldn't change your feelings.
And I know you'll carry on the best you can.
If I only had the urge to tell you.
If you only knew how hard it is to say.
When the simple lines have all been taken.
And the radio repeats them every day.
If I never find the song to sing you.
If you always find it hard to comprehend.
Well, you know there wouldn't be much meaning.
If I had to sing those tired words again.
Life goes on and on.
And tonight will soon be gone.
But if we try, we can be sure.
If I only had the words to tell you.
If you only had the time to understand.
But I only have these arms to hold you.
And it's all that you could ask of any man.
La, la, la, la, la.
La, la, la, la.
If I only had the words to tell you.
If you only had the time to understand.
Oh, but I only have these arms to hold you.
And it's all that you could ask of any man.
English translation
If I only had the words to tell you.
If you only had the time to understand.
Though I know it wouldn't change your feelings.
And I know you'll carry on the best you can.
If I only had the urge to tell you.
If you only knew how hard it is to say.
When the simple lines have all been taken.
And the radio repeats them every day.
If I never find the song to sing you.
If you always find it hard to comprehend.
Well, you know there wouldn't be much meaning.
If I had to sing those tired words again.
Life goes on and on.
And tonight will soon be gone.
But if we try, we can be sure.
If I only had the words to tell you.
If you only had the time to understand.
But I only have these arms to hold you.
And it's all that you could ask of any man.
La, la, la, la, la.
La, la, la, la.
If I only had the words to tell you.
If you only had the time to understand.
Oh, but I only have these arms to hold you.
And it's all that you could ask of any man.