If We Only Have Love (Quand On N'A Que L'Amour)
Jacques Brel · Other Songs - Jacques Brel
And the days of our years will rise on that morn
If we only have love to embrace without fears
We will kiss with our eyes, we will sleep without tears
If we only have love with our arms open wide
Then the young and the old will stand at our side
If we only have love, love that's falling like rain
Then the parched desert earth will grow green again
If we only have love for the hymn that we shout
For the song that we sing, then we'll have a way out
If we only have love, we can reach those in pain
We can heal all our wounds, we can use our own names
If we only have love, we can melt all the guns
And then give the new world to our daughters and sons
If we only have love, then Jerusalem stands
And then death has no shadow, there are no foreign lands
If we only have love, we will never bow down
We'll be tall as the pines, neither heroes nor clowns
If we only have love, then we'll only be men
And we'll drink from the Grail to be born once again
Then with nothing at all but the little we are
We'll have conquered all time, all space, the sun, and the stars.
If We Only Have Love (Quand On N'A Que L'Amour)
Jacques Brel remains a towering figure in French chanson, celebrated for his intense delivery and poetic songwriting. This recording of If We Only Have Love, originally titled Quand On N'A Que L'Amour, stands as a testament to his ability to convey profound emotion through simple, direct language. The track captures the essence of Brel's style, blending melancholic introspection with a resilient hope that defines much of his discography. While often associated with his later, more dramatic works, this song highlights the intimate storytelling that made him a global icon. It remains a staple in his catalogue, frequently performed and covered by artists across various genres who seek to emulate his unique vocal power and emotional depth.