William Locks’ “If I could say” Holds Grief And Closure In One Breathe

When music is born out of something deeply personal, it feels like an invitation to watch someone’s ribcage being cut open — vulnerable, beating, and bleeding all at once. That’s how William Locks’ “If I could say” feels like, and it will surely leave a mark.

William Locks, also known as songwriter Willem van der Sluijs, is a singer-songwriter from Rotterdam, Netherland. With his latest single If I could say, he shares a story influenced by his past relationship with his ex-girlfriend, reflecting on a tragic accident that took her life years ago.

At the first touch of the string and keys, the ache and longing reaches you immediately, like it’s mentally preparing you for everything that will follow. Then Locks’ voice comes in with, “I still talk to you in the quiet nights, like the stars could bring you back to life,” like he had been carrying grief for so long that it became a part of him.

If I could say is longing, grief, and regrets in one record. With Locks’ lyricism, you don’t just hear his emotions, you feel it in your bones as if his loss is yours to begin with. This is grief in its rawest form, messy and drowning, but never sad for sadness’ sake.

At some point, you’ll realize that William Locks’ “If I could say” isn’t just another emotional track, this isn’t just his confessions and sorrow, this is closure and him finally letting it all breathe.