About The Song

“If” is a song written by David Gates and popularized by his group Bread in 1971. Produced by David Gates and co-written with Waleen Johnson, “If” followed the success of Bread’s earlier hits, maintaining their reputation for heartfelt ballads. Originally released in 1971, “If” reached No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, No. 6 in Canada, and spent three weeks atop the U.S. Easy Listening chart.

Bread’s “If” is more than a love song; it encapsulates the essence of the human experience, emphasizing the importance of love, relationships, compromise, and sacrifice. The lyrics are simple yet profound, expressing deep love and devotion. They reflect on the limitations of words and imagery in conveying true emotions. The song poses rhetorical questions about the power of imagery and emotions, exploring the depth of love and longing.