Something Happened On The Way To Heaven
Phil Collins Lyrics


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We had a life, we had a love
But you don't know what you've got 'til you lose it
Well that was then and this is now
And I want you back
How many times do I have to say I'm sorry, yes I'm sorry

How can something so good go so bad
How can something so right go so wrong
I don't know, I don't have all the answers
But I want you back
How many times can I say I'm sorry

You know, you can run, and you can hide
But I'm now leaving 'less you come with me
We've had our problems but I'm on your side
You're all I need, please believe in me, oh yeah

I only wanted someone to love
But something happened on the way to heaven
It got a hold of me and wouldn't let go
And I want you back
How many times do I have to say I'm sorry, yes, I'm sorry

You know, you can run, and you can hide
But I'm not leaving less you come with me
We've had our problems but I'm on your side
You're all I need, please believe me

You know, you can run, and you can hide
But I'm not leaving till it's all over
We've had our problems but I'm on your side
You're all I need, let me show you
They say you can't take it with you when you go
And I believe it
But taking what I've got or being here with you
You know I, I'd rather leave it

We had a life, we had a love
But you don't know what you've got 'til you lose it
Well that was then and this is now
And I want you back
How many times do I have to say I'm sorry, yes I'm sorry
You know you can run, and you can hide
But I'm not leaving less you come with me
We've had our problems but I'm on your side
You're all I need, please believe in me

You can run, and you can hide
But I'm not leaving until it's all over




We've had our problems but I'm on your side
You're all I need, please believe in me

Overall Meaning

Phil Collins's song "Something Happened On The Way To Heaven" is about a relationship that has fallen apart and one person's desperate attempt to get the other person back. The lyrics reflect on the good times they had before everything went wrong and the regret that comes when it's too late to fix things. The chorus repeats the plea, "How many times do I have to say I'm sorry, yes I'm sorry," conveying the sadness and desperation of the singer.


The verses are filled with uncertainty and confusion as the singer wonders how something so good could have gone so bad. They express a desire to make things right and a willingness to work on the relationship, but also acknowledge that they don't have all the answers. The bridge of the song offers hope, as the singer tells the other person that they are on their side and that they need them. The song concludes with a powerful statement about the importance of relationships and the desire to be with the person one loves.


Overall, "Something Happened On The Way To Heaven" is a poignant song about the complexities of love and the pain that can come when things don't work out.


Line by Line Meaning

We had a life, we had a love
We used to share something beautiful


But you don't know what you've got 'til you lose it
It's difficult to realize the value of something until you no longer have it


Well that was then and this is now
Our relationship has changed, but I still want you


And I want you back
I miss you and want to be together again


How many times do I have to say I'm sorry, yes I'm sorry
I apologize for my mistakes and want to make things right


How can something so good go so bad
It's difficult to understand how something that was once great can fall apart


How can something so right go so wrong
It's upsetting that something that felt so good can turn into something so bad


I don't know, I don't have all the answers
I don't have all the solutions to fix our problems


You know, you can run, and you can hide
You have the option to avoid your problems, but they won't disappear


But I'm now leaving 'less you come with me
I don't want to move forward without you


We've had our problems but I'm on your side
Despite our past issues, I support you and want to work through them


You're all I need, please believe in me, oh yeah
You're the only one I want and I hope you can trust me again


I only wanted someone to love
All I ever wanted was to love and be loved


But something happened on the way to heaven
Our relationship took a turn for the worse that I didn't anticipate


It got a hold of me and wouldn't let go
Our problems consumed me and were hard to shake


You know, you can run, and you can hide
You still have the option to avoid your problems, but it won't solve anything


But I'm not leaving less you come with me
I don't want to give up on us


Let me show you
I want to prove my love to you


They say you can't take it with you when you go
Material possessions are meaningless after death


And I believe it
I agree with that sentiment


But taking what I've got or being here with you
I'd rather be with you than have material possessions


You can run, and you can hide
You can continue avoiding your problems


But I'm not leaving until it's all over
I won't give up on us until we've exhausted all options


You're all I need, please believe in me
I only want you and I hope you can trust me again




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Peermusic Publishing, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, IMAGEM MUSIC INC
Written by: DARYL STUERMER, PHIL COLLINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@TamaDrumNut

One of Phil's best. no doubt about it.

@cynthiaroberts5067

This guy is simply amazing....Everything he touches is pure gold. The best artist I have ever seen.. 2 thumbs up to you Phil Collins.

@marknaidoo8978

its so sad that a man who gave us this beautifully uplifting song is now suffering with deppression

@WingXCustom

 Damn.. This man's music ages well, unlike alot of modern music. Timeless is the best way i can try to describe it.

@soyyvicastro

he is an absolut genius.

@paulhop2470

absulute*

@mvo09

Agreed. He's an amazing genius ! 

@zzyzxx13

Kudos to you, Gypsy, for not saying "he's genius" : )

@bojanpopovic2484

I'm from Serbia. Every time you come home at night listening to Phil Collins and every time the sky I see countless stars and a couple of aircraft lights that blink. Each, but every time I wish I was in America. But I did not. :(

@smyttythegreat3459

I love this man, he's my all time favourite musician and I'm 24! I started listening to him when I was 10. He is so talented and his sense of rhythm is insane, better than anyone's, EVER! And he is by far, one of the greatest drummers in HISTORY! I love the sound of his voice. And But Seriously is my favourite album.

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