“If I Say” is the twelfth song on the album and explores the inner conflict of the narrator who is torn between his love for this girl and his passion for his band. The song opens up with him admiring the beauty of Lincoln, Nebraska, and falling in love with the moment. However, as they are only four states away from their destination, Paradise City, California, he feels the pressure of his impending separation from her as he has to leave her there and head to Los Angeles so One Direction can come back from hiatus.
The song’s lyrics depict his hesitance and self-doubt about his future with her, whether they can make it together through good and bad weather, and whether she will stay with him in the blinding lights of fame. He seems to be dealing with the fear of being left behind and questioning if he is worth staying with.
The song’s overall message is about the importance of communication and the value of trust. He seeks assurance from her that they can make it through the tough times, and he puts his trust in her to stay with him, even in the midst of his ever-growing success. This song is heartfelt and captures the bittersweet reality of love and the struggles that come with balancing it with one’s career.