If You Only Knew is a song by Sammy Johnson that explores the ups and downs of life in Hollywood and the music industry. The lyrics paint a picture of the challenges, pressures, and unpredictability that come with trying to make it as a musician in a glamorous but unforgiving city. The song begins with the narrator, a Youtube singer, navigating their daily life in Hollywood. They talk about riding with Uber drivers who feel like hired friends and avoiding looking at their mail because they don't want to deal with the bills. They even mention finding comfort in the food at 7 Eleven and spending time in Good Will lines. The chorus emphasizes the uncertain nature of their journey, acknowledging that they never know where they might end up or what they might have to do to succeed. It also hints at the superficiality and fame-driven culture of Hollywood. As the song progresses, Sammy Johnson reflects on the challenges he has faced. He mentions losing love and experiencing depression but ultimately finding that those experiences have helped him grow and become a better person. He expresses gratitude for avoiding potentially negative outcomes and regrets. The lyrics also touch on the pressure to conform and play the game in the music industry. They mention signing contracts and wasting time purely for the sake of appearances. The singer acknowledges that they have changed and that people treat them differently, but they try to keep moving forward. The song then shifts to a more personal and emotional tone, with Sammy Johnson opening up about his struggle with relationships. He reveals that he almost gave the world to the wrong person but learned from that experience. He shares his desire to forget the past and move on, knowing that life can be unpredictable. The song touches on the strained relationship with the singer's parents, who seem distant and unsupportive. Despite this, Sammy Johnson acknowledges that it's just the way life is and that he continues to work harder to prove himself. Overall, "If You Only Knew" captures the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that come with pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, particularly in Hollywood. It reflects on the pressure to be successful, the challenges of maintaining relationships, and the personal growth that can come from facing and overcoming obstacles.
