I Wish
Patti LaBelle Yolanda Adams and Fantasia Barrino 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 Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, and Fantasia Barrino is a nostalgic reflection on the carefree days of childhood. The opening lines speak of the innocence of youth and the lack of concerns that come with being a child. The memories of childhood Christmases, where the joy of the day was enough to make a child happy, are cherished. The lyrics then move on to recall the activities that were common with friends during these times. A common behavior was sneaking out of the house to go and hang out with friends, which was always met with the threat of getting punished or whipped. The singer wishes that these simpler times would return.
As the lyrics of the song continue, the memories that are shared highlight the kind of activities that were deemed inappropriate, such as playing doctor with a girl or smoking cigarettes. The song recounts the shame for these activities that are learned only as one grows older, and the realization that they are wrong. The song ends with the singer lamenting the loss of these beautiful memories and wishing to have those days back once more.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back on when I
Reflecting on memories of when I
Was a little nappy headed boy
When I was a young kid with natural, curly hair
Then my only worry
At the time, I only had one concern
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
That being what present would Santa bring me on Christmas day
Even though we sometimes
Despite the fact that there were times when
Would not get a thing
We ended up without receiving any gifts at all
We were happy with the
But despite that, we were still grateful for the
Joy the day would bring
Happiness and excitement that the holiday would bring
Sneaking out the back door
Quietly leaving through the back exit
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
To socialize with my rebellious group of buddies
Greeted at the back door
Caught by someone when entering through the backdoor
With boy thought I told you not to go outside
Expressing disappointment at lack of obedience
Tryin' your best to bring the
Attempting to produce
Water to your eyes
Tears from your eyes
Thinkin' it might stop her
Believing it could prevent her from
From woopin' your behind
From administering a painful punishment
I wish those days could come back once more
Reminiscing on the pleasant memories and longing for them to return
Why did those days ever have to go
Asking why the good memories had to fade away and are no longer present
Cause I love them so
Because I cherish those precious moments and deeply love the experiences that came with them
Brother says he's tellin'
Sibling revealing and sharing
'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
About you playing a certain game with a female friend
Just don't tell I'll give you
Swears to provide
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Anything you may desire anywhere across the world
Mama gives you money for Sunday school
Providing funds for attending religious services on Sundays
You trade yours for candy after church is through
Exchanging the money for sweets once the service is over
Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy)
Smoking cigarettes and writing vulgar statements on the wall (terrible behavior)
Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall
Teacher punishes you by sending you to the principal's office at the end of the hallway
You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
Later on in life, you come to realize that such behavior is inappropriate
But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
However, at the time it felt thrilling and extraordinary
I wish those days could come back once more
Recalling the fond memories of yesteryear and the desire for them to return
Why did those days ever have to go
Questioning why those good times had to come to an end
I wish those days could come back once more
Yearning for the opportunity to experience those happy moments again
Why did those days ever have to go
Musing over the unfortunate loss of those beloved times
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WONDER, STEVIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind