Mariah co-wrote “If It's Over” with Carole King for her sophomore album, Emotions. “She's such a true professional,” Mariah said about their collaboration. “There's something magical when she sits down at the piano and she plays and sings. She really knows song structure so well. She inspired me to really want to improve my playing, and just continue to do what I'm doing.”
“It was a true collaboration,” added Carole King. “I'd come up with an idea. She'd come back with something else… In the end we came up with what we both think is a wonderful song. I love her voice. She's very expressive. She gives a lot of meaning to what she sings.” “If It's Over” received a very limited release as the second single from Mariah's MTV Unplugged EP and was only commercially available in Europe and Japan.
The “If It's Over” single was released in Europe on CD, Cassette and 7" vinyl including both the live version from MTV Unplugged and the album version of the song. An additional Maxi Single was also released, including the New 12" Jackswing Mix of “Someday” as a bonus track.
The Japanese “If It's Over” CD Single was released on December 21, 1992, including the song “Emotions” as the B-side and a special spoken message from Mariah to her Japanese fans.
Won't you talk to me
This is so out of hand
Something's gone wrong
With the life that we planned
Won't you look at me
You're avoiding my gaze
And it seems like you've changed
In so many ways
It isn't fair
It isn't right
If it's really gone
Then tell me tonight
If it's over
If it's over
Let me go
Won't you speak to me
I'm just here holding on
'Cause baby I really don't need to wait around
If the feeling is gone
It isn't fair
It isn't right
If it's really gone
Then tell me tonight
If it's over
If it's over
Let me go
I don't need no apologies
I'm not looking for sympathy
All I'm asking for
Is your honesty
Won't you give it to me
Give it to me now
It isn't fair
It just isn't right
'Cause if is't really gone
You've got to say the word tonight
If it's over
If it's over
Won't you let me know
Baby if it's over
If it's over
Over — let me go
Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Carole King, Mariah Carey.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.
