Meaning of "If I Was The One" by Luther Vandross

The lyrics of "If I Was The One" delve into themes of unrequited love, longing, and heartache. The singer vividly describes the pain of seeing someone they care deeply about being mistreated in a relationship and feeling powerless to change the situation. The emotional turmoil of wanting to be with someone but knowing it's not possible due to circumstances beyond their control is palpable throughout the song. The lyrics reflect the internal struggle of the singer, torn between their feelings for this person and the loyalty they feel towards their friend. The repeated refrain of "If I was the one" highlights the desire for the unattainable and the bittersweet acceptance that sometimes love cannot conquer all obstacles. The yearning for a different reality, where the singer could be the one to bring happiness and love to the person they care for, is a poignant and universal theme that resonates with many listeners who have experienced similar unrequited love situations.