The song "What If" is by the American rock band Creed. It was released as the second single from their 1999 album Human Clay on January 31, 2000, and also served as the lead single for the soundtrack of the horror film Scream 3

. The song was written by Creed’s singer Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti, and recorded in late 1998 to early 1999

. Musically, "What If" is one of Creed’s heaviest songs, with an intro inspired by The Rolling Stones' "Paint It, Black." Lyrically, it deals with themes of hatred and oppression

. The music video, directed by David Meyers, features a storyline connected to Scream 3 , including appearances by actor David Arquette reprising his role as Dewey Riley and a plot involving the band members being "killed" by the movie’s killer

. The song achieved moderate chart success, reaching number 3 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and number 15 on the US Alternative Airplay chart

. It is also well-remembered for its inclusion in Scream 3 , particularly for its diegetic use during a key opening scene, which has contributed to its lasting impact as a memorable horror movie soundtrack song

. In 2024, Creed released a remastered version of "What If" as part of the 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Human Clay , celebrating the album’s enduring influence

. In summary, "What If" is a heavy rock track by Creed from their Human Clay album, notable for its connection to Scream 3 and its themes of hatred and oppression, with a popular music video tied to the film's narrative