After living in the Netherlands for twenty years, Bell returned to the UK i… Read Full Bio ↴After living in the Netherlands for twenty years, Bell returned to the UK in early 2006 and joined The British Blues Quintet, sharing lead vocals with, Zoot Money. Also featuring former Stone The Crows drummer Colin Allen and bassist Colin Hodgkinson, the band quickly became established on the UK and European live blues circuit. Their debut album, Live in Glasgow, was recorded at one of their first gigs, on Glasgow's Renfrew Ferry in 2006 and released during 2007. In addition, Bell toured with Chris Farlowe in the autumn of 2006 and The Manfreds during 2006 and 2008.

Wishing Well
The British Blues Quintet feat. Maggie Bell Lyrics

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Take off your hat, kick off your shoes
I know you ain't goin' anywhere
Run 'round the town singin' your blues
I know you ain't goin' anywhere.

You've always been a good, good friend of mine,
But you're always sayin' "Farewell"
And the only time that you're satisfied

Is when you dream from the wishing well.

Throw down your gun you might shoot yourself.
Or is that what you're tryin' to do?
Put up a fight you believe to be right
Someday the sun will shine through.

You've always been a good, good friend of mine,
But you're always sayin' "Farewell"
And the only time you're satisfied
Is when you dream, dream from the wishing well.

And I know what you're wishing for
Love in a peaceful world
Love in a peaceful world
Love in a peaceful world

You've always been a good, good, good friend of mine,
But you're always sayin' "Farewell"

And the only time that you're satisfied
Is with your feet in the wishing well.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Wishing Well" by The British Blues Quintet feat. Maggie Bell speak to the concept of escapism and the ongoing search for peace and contentment. The opening lines "Take off your hat, kick off your shoes / I know you ain't goin' anywhere" set the tone for the song, as it suggests that the individual is stuck in a sort of purgatory and is unable to move forward. The repetition of the line "I know you ain't goin' anywhere" further emphasizes this notion of stagnation.

The second verse touches on the individual's tendency to say goodbye and move on, without ever truly finding what they are looking for. They are only satisfied when they are daydreaming or "dreaming from the wishing well." The use of the metaphor of the wishing well suggests that the individual is constantly searching for something that they may never find. The third verse encourages the individual to put down their gun, or their harmful tendencies, and to fight for what they believe in. The line "someday the sun will shine through" gives hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, speaks to the individual's continual search for a peaceful world and love. Despite being a "good, good friend," this individual is never truly satisfied, always yearning for something more.

Line by Line Meaning

Take off your hat, kick off your shoes
Relax, forget your troubles

I know you ain't goin' anywhere
You're struggling to find direction

Run 'round the town singin' your blues
You're expressing your pain through music

I know you ain't goin' anywhere.
You're feeling stuck and unable to move forward

You've always been a good, good friend of mine,
We have a strong connection

But you're always sayin' 'Farewell'
You tend to distance yourself

And the only time that you're satisfied
You find happiness

Is when you dream from the wishing well.
In your imagination

Throw down your gun you might shoot yourself.
You're in danger

Or is that what you're tryin' to do?
Are you self-destructive?

Put up a fight you believe to be right
Stand up for your values