If I can't have you all to myself
Gilbert O'Sullivan · Southpaw [1977]
Always coping on my own
Girls were more or less
A trail of one night stands
But with you I realized
The morning after you arrived
A change of plans (a change of plans)
Instead of wishing you'd leave
I got down on my knees
Begged and pleaded with you
Not to get dressed
It's no secret that I love you
But what good is our affair
If I can't have you all to myself
She says while you're having fun
You are not the only one
There is someone else she sees
From time to time
Into detail she won't go
Only that he loves her so
But that's unkind (that's unkind)
Well you'll have to decide
I may not be riding high
In fact I'm so down
That I'm almost in hell...
Have you no consideration
What am I supposed to feel
If I can't have you all to my
(Can't have you all to my)
Can't have you all to myself
If I (can't have you all) to myself
If I (can't have you all) to myself
If I (can't have you all,
Can't have you all,
Can't have you all) to myself
I don't know what I'm supposed to do
Love they say can break your
Heart in two
I always thought, rubbish, that's
Not true
It's true
You think you should run around
You don't want to settle down
Still you like me more than anyone else
It's not like me to be jealous
But what else is there to do
If I can't have you all to my
(Can't have you all to my)
Can't have you all to myself
If I Can't Have You All to Myself
Gilbert O'Sullivan's 1977 recording of 'If I Can't Have You All to Myself' stands as a poignant example of his late-career return to the standards repertoire. While best known for his 1960s hits, O'Sullivan revisited the songbook with this track, which carries a melancholic intimacy characteristic of his vocal style. The composition, originally written by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen, explores themes of romantic longing and the pain of unrequited love. O'Sullivan's delivery on this album, 'Southpaw', reflects a mature artist engaging with classic material, blending his signature croon with a reflective tone that distinguishes it from his earlier pop successes. The song remains a staple of his discography, showcasing his ability to reinterpret timeless melodies for later audiences.
