If Only (feat. Dua Lipa)

Andrea Bocelli's 'If Only' featuring Dua Lipa is a poignant ballad that delves into the heartache of lost love and the yearning to turn back time. The song begins with Bocelli singing in Italian, which sets a tone of intimacy and longing. The lyrics 'Stai qui vicino a me' translate to 'Stay here close to me,' suggesting a deep desire for closeness that has been lost. The comparison of the loved one to something more valuable than gold and akin to a long-awaited dawn emphasizes the depth of the narrator's feelings.

The chorus, sung in English, introduces the universal wish to reverse time and undo the parting of ways. The rhetorical question 'Did we almost have it all before we let go?' reflects on the potential of the relationship that slipped away. The use of the sunset as a metaphor for love—something to be treasured and ephemeral—highlights the transient nature of moments and opportunities in life. The song's bilingual nature, with verses in Italian and the chorus in English, bridges the personal with the universal, making the theme of lost love and regret relatable to a wide audience.

The collaboration between Andrea Bocelli, a classical crossover tenor, and Dua Lipa, a contemporary pop artist, brings together different musical worlds, creating a rich and emotive soundscape. The song's orchestral arrangement complements the emotive vocals, enhancing the sense of nostalgia and longing. 'If Only' is a testament to the power of love and the pain of its loss, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love and the what-ifs that haunt past relationships.