Slight Return
The Bluetones Lyrics
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When things went wrong for you
When the knives came out for you?
Where did you go?
All you needed was a friend
You just have to ask and then
You've got to understand the problem
And don't go hoping for a miracle
All this will fade away
So I'm coming home
What did you learn
Locked away all on your own
Chance and your head all blown
What did you learn
It was unfortunate
You missed you chance to find out that
You don't have to have the solution
You've got to understand the problem
And don't go hoping for a miracle
All this will fade away
So I'm coming home
The lyrics to The Bluetones's song "Slight Return" seem to be addressing someone who has faced some sort of difficult situation in their life, as indicated by questions about where they went when things went wrong and what they learned while being "locked away all on your own." The singer seems to be offering support and understanding, stating that all the person really needed was a friend and that they don't have to have all the answers or hope for a miracle to get through their struggles. The repeated refrain of "So I'm coming home" also suggests a desire to lend a hand and provide comfort to the person in need.
Overall, the song seems to be about the importance of empathy, realizing that everyone faces adversity at some point and understanding that simply being there for someone can make a world of difference. It also touches on the idea that difficult times can be opportunities for growth and learning, even if the lessons learned are hard-won.
Line by Line Meaning
Where did you go
Asking where the person went when things went wrong for them.
When things went wrong for you
Asking what happened to the person when things went bad.
When the knives came out for you?
Asking where the person went when they were under attack or criticism.
Where did you go?
Reiterating the question asked in the beginning of the stanza.
All you needed was a friend
Stating that the person in question did not need anything complicated, just someone to talk to.
You just have to ask and then
Suggesting that the person could have had a friend if they just asked for help.
You don't have to have the solution
Implying that it's not important to have all the answers or solve all the problems.
You've got to understand the problem
Encouraging the listener to focus on understanding the issue at hand.
And don't go hoping for a miracle
Counsels the person in question to not rely on a sudden, magical solution to their problems.
All this will fade away
Assuring that everything will eventually get better.
So I'm coming home
Personal decision by the singer to come home when problems arise.
What did you learn
Asking what the person gained from their problems.
Locked away all on your own
Implies that the person ran away and isolated themselves.
Chance and your head all blown
The person missed an opportunity and their mind was overwhelmed by their situation.
It was unfortunate
Acknowledges that the situation was not ideal.
You missed your chance to find out that
Suggesting that if the person hadn't isolated themselves and instead talked to someone, they might have found a solution.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ADAM PATRICK DEVLIN, EDWARD DANIEL CHESTER, MARK JAMES MORRISS, SCOTT EDWARD MORRISS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bennyraleigh9940
Where did you go ?
When things went wrong for you
When the knives came out for you
Where did you go?
All you needed was a friend
You just have to ask and then
You don't have to have the solution
You've got to understand the problem
And don't go hoping for a miracle
All this will fade away
So I'm coming home , I'm coming home
What did you learn?
Locked away all on your own
Chance and your head all blown
What did you learn ?
It was unfortunate
You missed your chance to find out that
You don't have to have the solution
You've got to understand the problem
And don't go hoping for a miracle
All this will fade away
So I'm coming home, I'm coming home
You don't have to have the solution
You've got to understand the problem
And don't go hoping for a miracle
All this will fade away
So I'm coming home, I'm coming home, I'm coming home
But just for a short while...
@DaveDaRave1980
It's mad how you couldn't get away from this song in 1996, it got played a lot on the radio, and MTV and VH-1 both played the video regularly too... A quarter of a century later, you never hear it anymore unless you play it by choice... Loved this song then, and still do now
@HenZoid93
I have to say I only learnt of this song this morning on the radio on the way to work. Possibly heard it somewhere else before. Tho I was only a kid in ‘96 so I can’t relate there. Glad I know it now. Catchy tune
@saz2909
This defines 1996 for me, love it 🥰
@TheHardSteppa
I was 16 when this was released. This song has stuck in my head so much over the years. I dont even know the lyrics or particularly like it! LOL! it was just the background soundtrack to an influential time.
@pifflepockle
Superior to most of the shite at the time
@pifflepockle
@@saz2909 good times
@stephencoan79
Sadly a pal of mine from school took his own life last year. I'll always remember sitting in his bedroom in 96 aged 16 watching him on his drum kit trying to drum along to this song and singing out of tune and me in stitches laughing. Rest easy friend and thanks for the good times.
@tonybates7870
I know how you feel - my best friend, due to circumstances I won't go into, fell into what I can only describe as a severe depression. He didn't take care of himself, his weight increased enormously and he eventually died of a heart attack. He sort of willed himself to die - he told me that death couldn't come too quickly, which was heartbreaking to hear. He was such a fun bloke in his prime.
Sorry for your loss, mate.
@stephencoan79
@@tonybates7870 Cheers mate. And sorry for your loss too. The mind is a very fragile thing. I have issues with anxiety attacks and bouts of depression and if it wasn't for medication and counselling I don't know where I'd be.
@adamweston4152
@@stephencoan79 I'm in the same position as you and have been taking meds for depression and anti psychs for psychosis for years and it's not easy for me either but I'm here and I try hard to stay on top of my issues and not let them get the better of me.