Meaning of "If By Chance" by Ruth B

"If By Chance" delves into the heartache and longing of someone who is struggling to let go of a past love. The narrator reflects on the passage of time and the tears shed, expressing disbelief that they haven't moved on. Their friends' advice to move on falls on deaf ears, highlighting the complexity of emotions involved. The narrator cannot help but feel a pang of hurt every time they see the person they still love, recognizing that they no longer have the power to make them smile. This acceptance is bittersweet, as they come to terms with the fact that the person has found a new love interest, relegating the narrator to the past. The uncertainty of whether their memories will endure fuels their hope that the new relationship might not work out, leaving a chance for them in the future. They longingly wonder if the person still feels a connection when they hear the songs that were once meaningful to their relationship. The narrator questions whether there is room for them in the person's future, yearning for a place by their side again. In a surprising twist, the narrator reveals their own capacity for selfishness, admitting to the longing for the new relationship to fail and for the person they love to be hurt. Even though they know it may not be right, they cannot help but hope that their former partner harbors similar feelings. The song ends with a sense of resignation, with the narrator acknowledging that they may not be the one who brings happiness to the person anymore. Despite this, they hold onto a small glimmer of hope, offering their love and a chance for reconciliation if things don't work out with the new person.