Going Back
Phil Collins Lyrics
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To the things I learned so well in my youth
I think I'm returning to
Those days when I was young enough to know the truth
Now there are no games to only pass the time
No more electric trains, no more trees to climb
But thinking young and growing older is no sin
I can recall a time
When I wasn't ashamed to reach out to a friend
Now, I think I've got
A lot more than just my toys to lend
Now there's more to do than watch my sailboat glide
But every day can be a magic carpet ride
A little bit of courage is all we lack
So catch me if you can, I'm goin' back
Now there's more to do than watch my sailboat glide
But every day can be a magic carpet ride
A little bit of courage is all we lack
So catch me if you can, I'm goin' back
Phil Collins’s “Going Back” is a nostalgic track that speaks to the idea of returning to one’s roots. The singer begins by stating that he feels like he’s going back to the things he learned so well in his youth, to the days when he was young enough to know the truth. He describes how growing older is not a sin, as he remembers a time when he wasn't ashamed to reach out to a friend.
This sentiment is reflected in the line "now there are no games to only pass the time, no more electric trains, no more trees to climb." This refers to childhood pastimes which the singer no longer participates in, as he has grown older. However, the game of life is still being played, and he intends to win it. He accepts the fact that he has outgrown certain things, but there is still plenty to enjoy as an adult; he suggests that every day can be a magic carpet ride.
Line by Line Meaning
I think I'm goin' back
I believe I am returning to my past
To the things I learned so well in my youth
To the knowledge and skills that were engraved in me in my younger years
I think I'm returning to
I am considering the possibility of going back to
Those days when I was young enough to know the truth
The days of my youth when I was naive but had a better understanding of reality
Now there are no games to only pass the time
There are no insignificant or trivial activities to occupy me anymore
No more electric trains, no more trees to climb
I have outgrown the toys and the outdoors that I used to enjoy
But thinking young and growing older is no sin
It is perfectly fine to maintain a youthful perspective despite aging
And I can play the game of life to win
I can approach life with a competitive mindset and strive to succeed
I can recall a time
I can reminisce about a period in my life
When I wasn't ashamed to reach out to a friend
When I was not embarrassed to ask for help from a companion
Now, I think I've got
Currently, I believe I possess
A lot more than just my toys to lend
Many valuable resources that I can offer beyond material possessions
But every day can be a magic carpet ride
Each day has the potential to be a thrilling adventure
A little bit of courage is all we lack
Sometimes, all we need is a small amount of bravery to achieve great things
So catch me if you can, I'm goin' back
I am boldly returning to my past, come and join me if you dare
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephencoxfishkeeper959
This version brings a lump in my throat. It certainly makes you look back at your own life and the things you miss, the things you will never get back.
@user-bl8es8kl3y
I don't want to miss a thing
@paulainsworth9229
Bit late now, the guys walking with sticks. Very very sad he's such a nice bloke, this is how life has treated him.
@paulainsworth9229
Always the good ones that get the raw deal.
@urbanocatzim8739
Agree with you bro.
@Jana.loves.music8
Exactly 🥹 damn I’m crying 😭
@daisymaisymae8788
You're making me cry Phil...nothing hurts more than nostalgia. This song is so beautiful and sad.
@adamlang6480
Hello beautiful
@philcollinsprivate3610
i want to specially appreciate you for been a big fan in such critical times and as a show of gratitude i'll be giving only a selected few of my top fans the opportunity of sending me a direct message via email using my private email and you've been randomly selected and please be sure to include your name when writing me because i don't entertain vague messages.
phil.charlles.collins@gmail..com
@bettyrubble198
@Phil Collins Private Who are you kidding, no one with half a brain 'cause the real Phil Collins, the great song writer, would not write been instead of being! Your silly misspelt phrase "appreciate you for been a big fan..." it would say 'being' a big fan not 'been'. So what kind of scam you trying to set up here makes me wonder.