I Wish
Stevie Wonder Lyrics
Looking back on when I
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
Sneaking out the back door
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
But 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
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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"I Wish" (1976) is a hit funk song by Stevie Wonder. It was released as a single and included on the album Songs in the Key of Life. Written and produced by Wonder, the song focuses on his childhood. The single hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the United World Chart.
In 1999, Will Smith recorded "Wild Wild West", a hip-hop song that sampled the instrumental track from "I Wish". Wonder also appeared in the music video of the song, which was featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film, Wild Wild West. Read Full Bio"I Wish" (1976) is a hit funk song by Stevie Wonder. It was released as a single and included on the album Songs in the Key of Life. Written and produced by Wonder, the song focuses on his childhood. The single hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the United World Chart.
In 1999, Will Smith recorded "Wild Wild West", a hip-hop song that sampled the instrumental track from "I Wish". Wonder also appeared in the music video of the song, which was featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film, Wild Wild West.
Another cover of the song was done by Randy Coven, Al Pitrelli and John O'Reilly for their 1992 album C.P.R., with a young Zakk Wylde on vocals. Céline Dion also performs this song in her Las Vegas show "A New Day...".
The song is covered by Patti LaBelle, Fantasia and Yolanda Adams on the soundtrack to the Warner Bros. animated movie Happy Feet released on October 31, 2006, although a small piece of the original song can be heard during a brief dance sequence. It has also been covered by Donny Osmond on a DVD of a concert he performed in London, as well as by Widespread Panic on its 2004 live release Night of Joy. The song was also covered by Melanie C in 2003 at her Shepherd's Bush performance and included as a B-side on her single "Yeh Yeh Yeh".
Fingerstyle jazz guitarist Tuck Andress has also recorded a solo guitar arrangement.
In 1999, Will Smith recorded "Wild Wild West", a hip-hop song that sampled the instrumental track from "I Wish". Wonder also appeared in the music video of the song, which was featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film, Wild Wild West. Read Full Bio"I Wish" (1976) is a hit funk song by Stevie Wonder. It was released as a single and included on the album Songs in the Key of Life. Written and produced by Wonder, the song focuses on his childhood. The single hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the United World Chart.
In 1999, Will Smith recorded "Wild Wild West", a hip-hop song that sampled the instrumental track from "I Wish". Wonder also appeared in the music video of the song, which was featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film, Wild Wild West.
Another cover of the song was done by Randy Coven, Al Pitrelli and John O'Reilly for their 1992 album C.P.R., with a young Zakk Wylde on vocals. Céline Dion also performs this song in her Las Vegas show "A New Day...".
The song is covered by Patti LaBelle, Fantasia and Yolanda Adams on the soundtrack to the Warner Bros. animated movie Happy Feet released on October 31, 2006, although a small piece of the original song can be heard during a brief dance sequence. It has also been covered by Donny Osmond on a DVD of a concert he performed in London, as well as by Widespread Panic on its 2004 live release Night of Joy. The song was also covered by Melanie C in 2003 at her Shepherd's Bush performance and included as a B-side on her single "Yeh Yeh Yeh".
Fingerstyle jazz guitarist Tuck Andress has also recorded a solo guitar arrangement.
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Zoe P.
[Verse 1]
Looking back on when I
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
Sneaking out the back door
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine, ooh
Greeted at the back door
With, "Boy, thought I told you not to go outside"
Trying your best to bring the water to your eyes
Thinking it might stop her from whooping your behind
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
Brother says he's telling
About you playing doctor with that girl
Just don't tell and 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
Smoking cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall
(You nasty boy)
Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the hall
You grow up and learn that kind of thing isn't right
But while you were doing it, it sure felt outta sight
[Chorus]
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?
Theresa Champagne
This Christmas is looking quite sparse for us, but I told my children that I will not hear any complaints, or self pity.
Then I quoted, "even though we sometimes wouldn't get a thing, we were always happy with the joy the day would bring..."
And that is how it is going to be this Christmas, like it or not.
So glad to have grown up with the best music!
Thank you, Stevie!
Mountain Rigi
Prince once said, "This is the greatest album ever created"
reallythankful 2
@Clifton Rouse
Can't raise grown folks my dear. We can pray for them though.
Clifton Rouse
@1000 mg. Easy there poppa, reverse racism is just as bad!
Clifton Rouse
@reallythankful 2 This song has what 40 - 50 yr olds call, THAT GIT DOWN! If you don't understand, then, SIT DOWN, listen, cause something is missing! Put in GRAND PUBA,THAT'S HOW WE MOVE IT! If that doesn't work, then throw in some TRICK, TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE, like you meant it, cause either song has got🎵 GET DOWN 🎵in it! 🤯
reallythankful 2
@1000 mg.
It's his opinion . Just because you don't agree, doesn't mean it's a racist statement. I think my Dad is the King of Rock and Roll. You think I'm racist too? Or just crazy. Careful now. Last question...Why can't we all just get along?
1000 mg.
Stevie Wonder once said, "There is only one true king of rock & roll, his name is Chuck Berry." I find this to be a racist statement.
Freddy Richards
Stevie Wonder had to have known that 30 years later, a movie with toe-tapping penguins would be born...
Not-so-smart aleck
@Nawed Ahmed Somebody above already pointed that out...
RSpudieD
That's where I heard it!
Pedro Muniz
Won't no worry's but haven't and putting down