Discover the poetic beauty in ‘If I Only Had a Brain’ by Abbey Lincoln. This lyric breakdown takes you on a journey through the artist’s thoughts, emotions, and the story they aim to tell. From clever metaphors to evocative imagery, we delve into the nuances that make this song a lyrical masterpiece. Whether you’re a fan of Abbey Lincoln or a lover of well-crafted words, our detailed analysis will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this song.
Said a scarecrow swinging on a pole,
To some blackbirds sittin’ on a fence,
Oh, the lord gave me a soul,
But, forgot to give me common sense.
Said the blackbirds, well, well, well.
What the thunder would you do with common sense?
Said the scarecrow,would be pleasin’
Just to reason out the reason
Of the wishes and the whyness and the whence
If I had an once of common sense
(If he had an ounce of common sense)
(Well, what would you do scarecrow?)
I would while away the hours
Conferin’ with the flowers
Consultin’ with the rain
And my head I’d be scratchin’
While my thoughts were busy hatchin’
If I only had a brain.
I’d unravel every riddle,
For every individual,
In trouble or in pain.
With the thoughts I’d be thinkin’,
I could be another lincoln,
If I only had a brain.
Oh I, could tell you why,
The ocean’s near the shore.
I could think of things I never thought before,
Then I’d sit, and think some more.
I would not be just a nothin’,
My head all full of stuffin’,
My heart all full of pain.
I would dance and by merry,
Life would be a dingle derry,
If I only had a brain.
If I only had a brain
(If he only had a brain.)
I could tell you why
The ocean’s near the shore.
I could think of things I never thought before
And then I’d sit, and think some more.
Ya, it would be kind of pleasin’
To reason out the reason,
For the things I can’t explain.
Then perhaps I’d deserve you,
And be even worthy of you,
If I only had a brain.
I could dance and by merry,
Life would be a dingle derry,
If I only had a brain.
If I only had a brain.
(If he only had a brain.)