What If? song artwork

James Calder · Beta Tested · Track 02

What If?

A fantastical and whimsical song that plays with the hypothetical questions of “what if you had superpowers” or “three wishes from a genie” and turns the question into one about true priorities instead. James Calder returns with his alt pop vibe in this fun song.

PopAlternative RockPop RockSoft Rock

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Lyrics

Do-do-do
If I could choose a superpower
What would it be
Would I fly around town
Or hide invisibly
Do-do-do
Maybe I could lift up a ton
Or run really fast
Oh I’d be the master of time
And rewrite the past
Do-do-do
With so many options
Just what would I choose
But none of them matter
If I can’t be with you
Do-do-do
What if… is a wonderful game
It can be fun to play
But the only what if I care for
Is how to get you to stay
What if… is a wonderful game
It can be fun to play
But the only what if I care for
Is how to get you to stay
Oh-oh
If I found a lamp with a genie
With wishes one thru three
Would I wish for world peace
Or a whole lotta money
Do-do-do
Maybe I could be famous
Or run a small nation
I could even be immortal
Maybe rewrite creation
Do-do-do
With so many options
Just what would I choose
But none of them matter
If I can’t be with you
What if… is a wonderful game
It can be fun to play
But the only what if I care for
Is how to get you to stay
What if… is a wonderful game
It can be fun to play
But the only what if I care for
Is how to get you to stay
Oh-oh
But we live in a world now
That unfortunately
Doesn’t have superheroes
Or lamps with a genie
Do-do-do
So I’m stuck here dealing
With cold reality
To change all my ways now
So that you’ll stay with me
Do-do-do
Despite all the options
You’re who I choose
Cuz nobody else matters
I only want you
What if… is a wonderful game
It can be fun to play
But the only “what if” I care for
Is how to get you to stay
What if… is a wonderful game
It can be fun to play
But the only what if I care for
Is how to get you to stay
Oh-oh
I’m so glad that you’ll stay
Oh-oh

Behind the Music

Composer’s Thoughts

I think we’ve all had the questions on what we would do with three wishes from a genie, or the geeks among us argued about what superpower we would choose if given a chance. And while this song explores that, it’s also about sometimes getting our heads out of the clouds and focusing on what really matters to us. One fun/funny note… I had heard that “do-do-do” was a component of so many hit songs, so I decided to incorporate it to add a bit of whimsy.

James’ Thoughts

I really enjoyed this one. I geek out on these kinds of hypothetical questions with my buddies all the time. The twist really does make it unique and I absolutely love that.