Originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, he started his career as a shredder on Mike Varney's Shrapnel label in the 1980s, and became one of the founding fathers of the shred trend alongside players such as Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Richie Kotzen, Tony MacAlpine, and Vinnie Moore, among others.
However, Howe soon developed a more distinctive style that was more rooted in jazz fusion than the neoclassical leanings of his contemporaries. His style borrows heavily from the jazz sensibilities of Allan Holdsworth, but also mixes in a bluesy, groove-laden vibe and frequent use of unusual time signatures.
Apart from his solo career, Howe has established himself as a highly sought after session musician, being hired by mainstream acts such as Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, *NSYNC, and Justin Timberlake to perform with them on tour.
Howe currently lives in Southern California.
I Wish
Greg Howe 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
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 (you nasty boy)
Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall
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
The song "I Wish" by Greg Howe is a nostalgic reflection on childhood and the simple pleasures that came with it. The opening verse talks about being a young child and not having many worries other than what toy would be received for Christmas. The song talks about the joy of receiving gifts on special days, knowing that it didn't matter if they didn't get everything they wanted, they still felt happy. The second verse takes a different tone, where the singer sneaks out of the house to hang out with friends, and is caught by a parent who is disapproving. They try to hold back tears, knowing that they might receive punishment for their actions.
The third verse touches on the idea of learning right from wrong. The singer talks about childish rebellion, such as smoking cigarettes and writing on walls, and how they eventually learned that those actions were not right. They reflect on how it felt when they were doing those things, despite knowing that it was wrong. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the singer wishes they could go back to those simpler times, where everything was more innocent and carefree, but acknowledges that those days are gone forever.
Overall, the song is a nostalgic ode to childhood, and reflects on the bittersweet feeling of growing up and the loss of innocence. It touches on themes of rebellion, learning, and the complex emotions that come with reflecting on the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back on when I
Reflecting on a time in the past
Was a little nappy headed boy
As a young child with kinky hair
Then my only worry
My only concern
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
Was which present I'd receive on Christmas
Even though we sometimes
Despite the fact that at times
Would not get a thing
We received nothing
We were happy with the
We were content with the
Joy the day would bring
Happiness that came with the day
Sneaking out the back door
Leaving secretly through the rear entrance
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
To spend time with mischievous friends
Greeted at the back door
Welcomed as I came back
With boy thought I told you not to go outside
Accosted for disobeying instructions not to go outside
Tryin' your best to bring the
Attempting to bring forth
Water to your eyes
Tears to your eyes
Thinkin' it might stop her
Believing it would prevent punishment
From woopin' your behind
From spanking you
I wish those days could come back once more
I yearn for those past times
Why did those days ever have to go
Why did those times have to pass
Cause I love them so
Because I loved them deeply
Brother says he's tellin'
Brother claims he'll share
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
About you playing a game of doctor with a girl
Just don't tell I'll give you
Just don't tell me and I'll give you
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Anything you desire
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
Mother gives you allowance for church
You trade yours for candy after church is through
You exchange your money for candy after the church service
Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy)
Smoking cigarettes and writing inappropriate things on the wall (you naughty boy)
Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall
The teacher sends you to the principal's office nearby
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
You mature and realize that such behavior is wrong
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
But while you were engaging in it, it seemed exciting
I wish those days could come back once more
I long for those days to return
Why did those days ever have to go
Why did those times have to pass
I wish those days could come back once more
I desire those days to return
Why did those days ever have to go
Why did those times have to pass
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WONDER, STEVIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind