If I Leave

Album: What Separates Me from You (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the closing track from American Metalcore band A Day to Remember's fourth album, What Separates Me from You. The album was recorded at Wade Studios in Ocala, Florida, from May to July 2010 and produced by Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory and Andrew Wade, who was also behind the boards on Homesick. It peaked at #11 on the US Billboard 200.
  • A Day to Remember singer Jeremy McKinnon explained the song's meaning to Artist Direct: "It's all about different things you got through being on the road. Things don't always work out in your favor. It talks about a relationship ending when you're not really around enough to actually take care of it in person. It's about growing apart as time goes on."
  • McKinnon told Artist Direct that it felt right that this song should conclude the record. He said: "When we started putting the songs together and they actually became full songs, that seemed like a good ending. It's kind of negative, but it's positive. The song is happier-sounding. To me, the whole record was a really dark place, to be honest with you. Even the more poppy songs are darker. 'If I Leave' is one of the songs that isn't at all. It's more of an upbeat, happy song, even though you're talking about serious stuff. To me, it was a breath of fresh air. You're coming out of it which is exactly what the future is going to be."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.