I Wish
Jimmy Carl Black & the X-tra Combo Lyrics
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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 Jimmy Carl Black & the X-tra Combo is a nostalgic look back on the innocence of childhood and the simpler times. The lyrics reminisce about being a little boy with only worries about what toy he would receive for Christmas. Even though there were times when he wouldn't receive any presents, the joy and happiness of the day was enough. The song also mentions sneaking out with hoodlum friends and getting caught by parents. The last two stanzas talk about a brother telling on him for playing doctor with a girl and how he would receive anything he wanted if he kept it a secret from his parents. The song ends with the singer wanting those days to come back, questioning why such a simple and happy time ever had to end.
The lyrics of the song capture the essence of nostalgia and longing for a time that is gone forever. It is easy to relate to the sentiment, as most people have experienced a time or period of their life that they fervently wish they could relive. The song also highlights the idea of how innocence is lost as people grow older and become aware of the harsh realities of the world. The mention of smoking cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall and then being sent to the principal's office for it illustrates this point.
Overall, "I Wish" is a powerful and emotional song that captures the longing for simpler times, and the wish for the return of the innocence of childhood. It is a relatable and universal theme that resonates with people of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back on when I
Reflecting on a time in the past when I was young and carefree.
Was a little nappy headed boy
When I was a young boy with messy hair.
Then my only worry
At that time, I had just one concern.
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
To eagerly anticipate what present I would receive during the festive season.
Even though we sometimes
Although there were times when
Would not get a thing
We would receive no gifts or presents.
We were happy with the
Nevertheless, we were content with the
Joy the day would bring
Happiness that we experienced on that special day.
Sneaking out the back door
Quietly leaving our house through the rear entrance.
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
To go and spend time with my mischievous pals.
Greeted at the back door
Leaving through the same rear exit only to be welcomed back by a familiar voice.
With boy thought I told you not to go outside
Objected by someone who reminded me of an earlier instruction not to leave the house.
Tryin' your best to bring the
Making an effort to control your emotions, even if it meant
Water to your eyes
Holding back tears from welling up.
Thinkin' it might stop her
Hoping that my display of sadness would prevent someone from meting out harsh physical punishment.
From woopin' your behind
Prevent the punishment from being carried out.
I wish those days could come back once more
Longing for the past and wishing to relive those times again.
Why did those days ever have to go
Questioning why those times had to end and life had to change.
Cause I love them so
Because of my fondness for those days, and the joy they brought.
Brother says he's tellin'
My sibling revealing a secret or embarrassing story about me.
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
Sharing an anecdote about an innocent childhood game of playing doctor with a female friend.
Just don't tell I'll give you
Asking for secrecy in exchange for something valuable.
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Promising to give anything requested, as long as the story does not spread.
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
Receiving funds from my mother to attend religious classes on the weekend.
You trade yours for candy after church is through
Exchanging the money meant for religious education for sweets and treats once the class was over.
Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy)
Engaging in rebellious behavior such as smoking and defacing public property by writing crude messages.
Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall
Getting in trouble with a teacher and being sent to the school principal's office, which is located further down the hallway.
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
Realizing, as time passes, that such behavior is unacceptable and wrong.
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
Recalling the excitement and thrill of the moment despite its illegality.
I wish those days could come back once more
Longing once again for the freedom and happiness of those innocent times.
Why did those days ever have to go
Asking again why it was necessary for those times to end and for life to change.
I wish those days could come back once more
Again, wishing for a chance to relive those joyful moments.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind