Born to a large impoverished family, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record. In 1990, she released the anglophone album Unison, establishing herself as a viable pop artist in North America and other English-speaking areas of the world.
Dion had first gained international recognition in the 1980s by winning both the 1982 Yamaha World Popular Song Festival and the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest.Following a series of French albums in the early 1980s, she signed on to CBS Records Canada in 1986. During the 1990s, with the help of Angélil, she achieved worldwide fame after signing with Epic Records and releasing several English albums along with additional French albums, becoming one of the most successful artists in pop music history. However, in 1999 at the height of her success, Dion announced a temporary retirement from entertainment in order to start a family and spend time with her husband, who had been diagnosed with cancer.She returned to the top of pop music in 2002 and signed a three-year (later extended to almost five years) contract to perform nightly in a five-star theatrical show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
After performing in 25 countries during the Taking Chances World Tour which ended in February 2009 (one year after it began) she took another 2 year hiatus, focusing on expanding her family. After 6 in-vitro tries she gave birth to twin boys Nelson and Eddy in October 2010. In the meantime she announced her return to Vegas, her new show simply named "Céline" premièred on March 15th 2011 to spectacular reviews by media and audience.
Dion's music has been influenced by genres ranging from rock and R&B to gospel and classical. While her releases have often received mixed critical reception, she is renowned for her technically skilled and powerful vocals. Dion is the best selling Canadian artist of all time; and her album D'eux is the best selling francophone album of all time. Dion is regarded as one of pop music's most influential voices. Linda Lister describes Dion as a reigning Queen of Pop for her influence over the record industry during the 1990s. On a cultural level, Dion is credited for introducing francophone music to many non-francophone countries around the globe. Dion is also credited for both revitalizing and revolutionizing the entertainment scene in Las Vegas with the gargantuan successes of her residencies there. She managed to re-popularize the Las Vegas "residency" as a desirable way for top artists to essentially tour in place, letting their fans come to them. Over the years, fellow established icons such as Britney Spears, Elton John, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Cher and Shania Twain followed suit.
I Wish
Céline Dion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was a little nappy headed boy
Then my only worry
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
Even though we sometimes
Would not get a thing
We were happy with the
Joy the day would bring
Sneaking out the back door
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
Greeted at the back door
With "boy thought I told you not to go outside"
Tryin' your best to bring the
Water to your eyes
Thinkin' it might stop her
From woopin' your behind
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
'Cause I love them so
Brother says he's tellin'
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
Just don't tell I'll give you
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
You trade yours for candy after church is through
Smokin' cigarettes and writing
something nasty on the wall
Teacher sends you to the
principal's office down the hall
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
Celine Dion's "I Wish" is a nostalgic reflection on childhood memories, highlighting the carefree and joyful nature of youthful innocence. She begins the song by reflecting on her past as a "little nappy headed boy," reminiscing on her only worry at the time - what her Christmas toy would be. Although there were moments of disappointment, Celine emphasizes that the joy the day brought was enough to make up for it. The second set of lyrics reflects on spending time with her hoodlum friends and sneaking out the back door. It quickly diverts into being scolded by an authoritarian figure, and the desire to return to a time when childhood was more carefree.
As the lyrics continue, Celine recalls the somewhat rebellious behavior that often accompanies childhood. She mentions playing doctor with a girl, smoking cigarettes, and writing something nasty on the wall - all behaviors that, in retrospect, are unconventional and frowned upon. Despite this, Celine emphasizes that, at the time, it felt "outta sight," highlighting the blissful ignorance of childhood. The song concludes with another longing for the past, asking why those days have to be gone forever. Celine emphasizes her love for these memories, acknowledging that while they may not have been perfect, they were a vital part of her life.
Overall, "I Wish" is a touching tribute to the joys of childhood - a time of loved ones, carefree adventures, and simple pleasures. Through her lyrics and melody, Celine creates a sense of nostalgia that is relatable and heartfelt for many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back on when I
Reflecting on past experiences
Was a little nappy headed boy
As a young child with curly, unkempt hair
Then my only worry
At that time, the only thing causing concern
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
The sole preoccupation was what presents would be received during the festive season
Even though we sometimes
Despite occasionally experiencing difficulty or hardship
Would not get a thing
Not receiving any gifts
We were happy with the
The joy brought about by the holiday season
Joy the day would bring
The happiness that accompanied the festivities
Sneaking out the back door
Secretly leaving through the rear entrance
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
Spending time with mischievous acquaintances
Greeted at the back door
Welcomed into the home through the rear entrance
But thought I told you not to go outside
Despite being warned not to leave the property
Tryin' your best to bring the
Attempting to hold back tears
Water to your eyes
Trying to cry, but struggling to produce tears
Thinkin' it might stop her
Believing that crying could prevent getting punished
From woopin' your behind
Being physically disciplined
I wish those days could come back once more
Expressing a longing to relive those times
Why did those days ever have to go
Questioning why those memories had to become a thing of the past
Cause I love them so
Loving those memories dearly
Brother says he's tellin'
Having a sibling divulge your secrets
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
Being caught playing an inappropriate game with a female peer
Just don't tell I'll give you
Offering bribes to keep someone quiet
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Promising to fulfill whatever desire the other person has
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
Receiving funds from a parent to attend religious instruction
You trade yours for candy after church is through
Exchanging the money for sweets after finishing the religious lesson
Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy)
Engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as smoking and defacing property
Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall
Being reprimanded and sent to the principal's office
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
Realizing, as an adult, that those actions were wrong
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
Despite the behavior being wrong, it felt exciting and enjoyable at the time
I wish those days could come back once more
Expressing a longing to relive those times
Why did those days ever have to go
Questioning why those memories had to become a thing of the past
Cause I love them so
Loving those memories dearly
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carlo Daniel
There were nights when the wind was so cold
That my body froze in bed
If I just listened to it right outside the window
There were days when the sun was so cruel
That all the tears turned to dust
And I just knew my eyes were drying up forever
I finished crying in the instant that you left
And I can't remember where or when or how
And I banished every memory you and I had ever made
But when you touch me like this
And you hold me like that
I just have to admit
That it's all coming back to me
When I touch you like this
And I hold you like that
It's so hard to believe but
It's all coming back to me
It's all coming back
It's all coming back to me now
There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things I'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than any laws allow
Baby, baby
If I kiss you like this
And if you whisper like that
It was lost long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you want me like this
And if you need me like that
It was dead long ago
But it's all coming back to me
It's so hard to resist
And it's all coming back to me
I can barely recall
But it's all coming back to me now
But it's all coming back
There were those empty threats and hollow lies
And whenever you tried to hurt me
I just hurt you even worse and so much deeper
There were hours that just went on for days
When alone at last we'd count up all the chances
That were lost to us forever (Forever)
But you were history with the slamming of the door
And I made myself so strong again somehow
And I never wasted any of my time on you since then
But if I touch you like this
And if you kiss me like that
It was so long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you touch me like this
And if I kiss you like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now
There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things we'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than all your laws allow
Baby, baby, baby
When you touch me like this
And when you hold me like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
Carlo Daniel
Looking back on when I
Was a little nappy headed boy
Then my only worry
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
Even though we sometimes
Would not get a thing
We were happy with the
Joy the day would bring
Sneaking out the back door
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
Greeted at the back door
With "boy thought I told you not to go outside"
Tryin' your best to bring the
Water to your eyes
Thinkin' it might stop her
From woopin' your behind
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
'Cause I love them so
Brother says he's tellin'
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
Just don't tell I'll give you
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
You trade yours for candy after church is through
Smokin' cigarettes and writing
something nasty on the wall
Teacher sends you to the
principal's office down the hall
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
Taylor Patterson
Oh I love Celine! Never get tired of listening to her sing!:)
Mat C
You can see how confortable she is on stage, having fun and being goofy with the dancers
Vincent Williams
Celine has some moves. You go girl.
DaFallenPixie
Celine is invincible... she can do anything thats how Awesome she is!!!
Pippa Bjerga
Totally
Carlo Daniel
There were nights when the wind was so cold
That my body froze in bed
If I just listened to it right outside the window
There were days when the sun was so cruel
That all the tears turned to dust
And I just knew my eyes were drying up forever
I finished crying in the instant that you left
And I can't remember where or when or how
And I banished every memory you and I had ever made
But when you touch me like this
And you hold me like that
I just have to admit
That it's all coming back to me
When I touch you like this
And I hold you like that
It's so hard to believe but
It's all coming back to me
It's all coming back
It's all coming back to me now
There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things I'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than any laws allow
Baby, baby
If I kiss you like this
And if you whisper like that
It was lost long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you want me like this
And if you need me like that
It was dead long ago
But it's all coming back to me
It's so hard to resist
And it's all coming back to me
I can barely recall
But it's all coming back to me now
But it's all coming back
There were those empty threats and hollow lies
And whenever you tried to hurt me
I just hurt you even worse and so much deeper
There were hours that just went on for days
When alone at last we'd count up all the chances
That were lost to us forever (Forever)
But you were history with the slamming of the door
And I made myself so strong again somehow
And I never wasted any of my time on you since then
But if I touch you like this
And if you kiss me like that
It was so long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you touch me like this
And if I kiss you like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now
There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things we'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than all your laws allow
Baby, baby, baby
When you touch me like this
And when you hold me like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
Carlo Daniel
Looking back on when I
Was a little nappy headed boy
Then my only worry
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
Even though we sometimes
Would not get a thing
We were happy with the
Joy the day would bring
Sneaking out the back door
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
Greeted at the back door
With "boy thought I told you not to go outside"
Tryin' your best to bring the
Water to your eyes
Thinkin' it might stop her
From woopin' your behind
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
'Cause I love them so
Brother says he's tellin'
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
Just don't tell I'll give you
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
You trade yours for candy after church is through
Smokin' cigarettes and writing
something nasty on the wall
Teacher sends you to the
principal's office down the hall
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ever have to go
Elizabeth Schmidt
I was listening to Celine dion before I could even talk. I love her!!! Her songs are the playlist to my life
Daniella Morrow
Elizabeth Schmidt this comment made me tear up. This is everything, I could never think of the right words to describe just how powerful Celines influence is on me. You just did... thank you 😭
K Svane
such a natural performer... she has yet to be surpassed.