If You Believe
Irving Berlin · Other Songs - Irving Berlin
Brothers
And sisters
Listen
You non-believers, listen
You better start to believe
All you doubters
Be "hallelujah shouters"
Or else you're going to grieve
There's no time to wait
You may be too late
So, listen
You don't know what you're missin'
Until you start to believe
[Refrain:]
If you believe that there's a heaven
You'll get to heaven
If you believe
If you believe that there are angels
You'll see the angels
If you believe
I'm not making promises
To the doubting Thomases
But if you believe the Lord can help you
The Lord will help you
If you believe
[Patter:]
-We do, we do, we do
Do you believe?
-We do, we do, we do
Do you believe?
-We do, we do, we do
Well, Jonah went out one night in a gale
Do you believe that?
-We do, we do, we do
Soon, he was swallowed up by a whale
Do you believe that?
-We do, we do, we do
Daniel lay down with lions that roared
Noah was on his ark when it poured
Moses looked up and he spoke to the Lord
Do you believe that?
Do you believe that? We do
-We do, we do
If You Believe
Irving Berlin stands as one of the most enduring figures in American popular music, crafting a vast catalogue of standards that defined the Great American Songbook. His work spans decades, capturing the shifting moods of the twentieth century through sophisticated melodies and poignant lyrics. If You Believe is a testament to his ability to convey deep emotion within a concise musical structure. While Berlin is often celebrated for his theatrical compositions and patriotic anthems, this piece reflects his intimate side, focusing on themes of faith and personal conviction. The song remains a cherished part of his legacy, frequently performed by vocalists seeking to highlight his melodic craftsmanship. Berlin's influence on the genre is immeasurable, with his compositions continuing to resonate across generations of listeners and performers alike.