There Is No If by The Cure

Album: Bloodflowers (2000)

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

In a 2000 interview with Pulse, Robert Smith said: "I think the only really depressing song on the album is 'There Is No If,' because in that one there really is no way out - everything goes wrong and then you die. I originally didn't want that song on the album, and I was loath to even sing it, but the others in the band really wanted it on there. I normally disregard the four-to-one votes, which are as meaningless in this band as they are in any dictatorship, but everyone who heard the song really liked it."
Lead singer Robert Smith was the only band member to play on this. He played all the instruments.
Smith didn't want this included on the Bloodflowers album, but gave in when the other four members of the band persisted. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Richard - Alva, OK
The Cure retired this from live performances in 2002, perhaps due to Smith's dislike of the song.
The "if" of the title refers to the inevitability of death. In the song, Smith's lover frequently makes the apparent statement "if you die...so do I." This is, of course, paraphrasing the romantic clichè "I couldn't live without you." Smith's interprets the sentiment negatively, by emphasizing that they will indeed live without each other, and both they and their love will inevitably die.

Comments: 3

Ulya from Sliema, EuropeVery sad song about a real love, i think.
Miguel from Casa Grandes, MexicoKind of like lets just enjoy today and not worry about the heart break or whatever happens tommorrow.Capturing the moment,just like rachel said.
Rachel from London, Englandthis is such a beautiful song, about capturing the moment and not thinking about the future
"there is no always forever, just this..."

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Dust In The WindKansas

The philosophical Kansas song "Dust In The Wind" is inspired by a line of Native American poetry: "For all we are is dust in the wind."

Dixie ChickenLittle Feat

The Dixie Chicks got their name from the Little Feat song "Dixie Chicken." In 2020 they became "The Chicks" because Dixie refers to the American South in times of slavery.

I Love ItIcona Pop

Icona Pop consider "I Love It" a kiss-off to their boyfriends. "We just wanted to get the song out and get the pigs to hear it," group member Jawo said.

"Kickstart My Heart" is about all the ways Motley Crue gets their blood flowing without drugs. It was inspired by their bass player Nikki Sixx, who claimed he had to be revived with a shot of adrenaline to the heart after an overdose.

Pictures Of YouThe Cure

Robert Smith doesn't license Cure songs for commercials, but he made an exception in 2004 when he let Hewlett-Packard use "Pictures Of You." He needed the money to buy the group's back catalogue.

CarsGary Numan

In Gary Numan's "Cars," the message is that cars lead to a mechanical society devoid of personal interaction. This didn't stop automakers from using it in commercials. Both Nissan and Oldsmobile have used it in ads.