I Wish
Joe Gilman Trio 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 lyrics of Joe Gilman Trio’s song “I Wish” evoke nostalgia for the carefree days of childhood while acknowledging the difficulties that came with growing up. The first stanza describes the innocence of childhood, reflecting on a time when the only worry was what the singer would get for Christmas. The joy of the holiday was enough to compensate for any lack of material possessions. However, the stanza ends by acknowledging that things were not always perfect; the singer would sometimes not get anything for Christmas. Even so, the memories of those happy times linger on.
The second stanza depicts the more rebellious aspects of the singer's childhood. Sneaking out with "hoodlum friends" and being scolded by parents for doing so were common occurrences. The chorus expresses the singer's longing for the return of those simpler times. The third stanza portrays the singer's sexual curiosity as a young boy, playing doctor with a girl; although the singer was punished for this behavior, they still cherish these moments. The fourth stanza reflects on the illicit activities of smoking and vandalism, depicting a time of immaturity and experimentation.
Overall, the song serves as a reflection on the transition from childhood to adulthood. The memories of the joy and innocence of childhood still hold a special place in the singer’s heart, even as they recognize the flaws and challenges that come with growing up.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back on when I
Reflecting on my past experiences
Was a little nappy headed boy
When I was young and my hair was uncombed
Then my only worry
At that time, my only concern was
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
What present I would receive on Christmas Day
Even though we sometimes
Although there were times when
Would not get a thing
We wouldn't receive any presents
We were happy with the
We were content with the
Joy the day would bring
Happiness that the day itself would bring
Sneaking out the back door
Leaving secretly through the rear exit
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
To spend time with mischievous companions
Greeted at the back door
Welcomed at the rear entrance
With boy thought I told you not to go outside
Reprimanded for leaving despite being told not to
Tryin' your best to bring the
Attempting to force tears to
Water to your eyes
Your eyes would fill with tears
Thinkin' it might stop her
Believing it might prevent her
From woopin' your behind
From spanking you
I wish those days could come back once more
I desire to relive those times
Why did those days ever have to go
Why did those times have to end
Cause I love them so
Because I have fond memories of them
Brother says he's tellin'
Your sibling claims to be revealing
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
About your pretending to be a doctor with a female companion
Just don't tell I'll give you
If you don't mention it, I'll grant you
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Any desire you have, I'll fulfill
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
Mother provides money for your religious education
You trade yours for candy after church is through
You exchange your money for sweets after church concludes
Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy)
Smoking tobacco and writing vulgar phrases on the wall (you mischievous individual)
Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall
Educator sends you to the administrative office located down the hallway
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
As you mature, you realize that type of behavior is inappropriate
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
Although at the time, it felt very enjoyable
I wish those days could come back once more
I desire to relive those times
Why did those days ever have to go
Why did those times have to end
I wish those days could come back once more
I desire to relive those times
Why did those days ever have to go
Why did those times have to end
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WONDER, STEVIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind