If I Could Go Back
| PROFILE | |
| Composer | Burt Bacharach |
| Lyricist | Hal David |
| Year Written | 1972 |
| About If I Could Go Back | |
| “If I Could Go Back” was written for the 1973 film Lost Horizon. The film was not successful and the experience caused the songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David to break up. In fact, in his autobiography, Bacharach said it was such a bad experience for him that it almost ended his songwriting career. | |
Lyrics
How do I know this is part of my real life?
If there’s no pain can I be sure I feel life?
And would I go back if I knew how to go back?
What good is time when you’re sure of tomorrow?
Can there be joy where there has been no sorrow?
And would I go back if I knew how to go back?
Will I find there is really such a thing as peace of mind?
And what I thought was living was really just confusion
The chance to live forever is really no illusion
And this all can be mine
Why can’t I make myself believe it?
Can I accept what I see around me?
Have I found Shangri-La or has it found me?
And would I go back if I knew how to go back?
Will I find there is really such a thing as peace of mind?
And what I thought was living was truly just confusion
The chance to live forever is really no illusion
And this all can be mine
Why can’t I make myself believe it?
Session / Album Information
1972
“If I Could Go Back” was recorded on September 15, 1972 and released in 1973 on the album “Listen Easy.” It was arranged by Torrie Zito and Bernie Leighton.
This recording released on:
- 1972: Philips LP 12″: 6641297 — Spotlight On Tony Bennett (UK)
- 1973: Verve LP 12″: V6 5094 — Listen Easy
- 1973: Philips LP 12″: 6308 157 — Listen Easy [UK]