If ～I know～

Song Meaning

The lyrics to EXILE's "If ~I know~" capture the raw ache of a difficult choice: sacrificing a profound love for an uncertain dream. The speaker admits to loving someone "言葉にならないほどに" (so much words couldn't express it), yet chose a different path. Now, that chosen road feels "とぎれとぎれに 彷徨ってる" (wandering intermittently), far from a triumphant journey. This isn't a simple breakup song; it's a deep dive into regret and self-reproach. The narrator recalls the partner's quiet endurance, noting they "少し笑って 我慢してた" (smiled a little and endured), suggesting an unspoken understanding of the speaker's ambition. Despite the pain, the speaker acknowledges an inability to "嘘つけなくて" (lie to the true feelings in my heart) about pursuing their dream, even as it led to this separation. A compelling emotional arc unfolds through the speaker's direct appeals. Initially, there's a plea for forgiveness, seeking absolution for the painful decision. Later, this shifts to a more selfless request for the partner to forget, wishing them peace and closure. This evolution, coupled with the repeated, almost mantra-like "I Know, I Know, I Know," underscores a difficult acceptance of responsibility and the path ahead, even if it's filled with lingering doubt. The lyrics resonate because they don't offer easy answers. The speaker grapples with whether "あの言葉が本当に 正しかったのか" (those words were truly right), revealing the persistent "what if" that haunts such life-altering choices.