I Wish
The String Cheese Incident Lyrics


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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
Greeted at the back door
With boy 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

Overall Meaning

The String Cheese Incident's song "I Wish" is a sentimental and reflective piece that looks back on the joys and challenges of childhood. The opening lines evoke a sense of innocence and simplicity, as the singer recalls their childhood self as a "little nappy headed boy," whose only concern was what they would receive for Christmas. The song goes on to detail various childhood experiences, some of which are positive and some of which are negative. For instance, the singer reminisces about hanging out with their hoodlum friends and sneaking out the back door to do so, despite their parents' warnings. They also recall being punished for misbehaving and longing for the days when they felt carefree and happy.


Despite the difficulties that come with growing up, the singer ultimately longs for the return of those days. They express this wish in the song's chorus, which repeats the phrase "I wish those days could come back once more / Why did those days ever have to go / Cause I love them so." These lines suggest that the singer recognizes the temporary nature of childhood and the loss that comes with leaving it behind. They also capture the bittersweet, nostalgic feeling that many people experience when looking back on their youth.


Overall, "I Wish" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant song that invites listeners to reflect on their own childhoods and the passage of time. Through its vivid imagery and wistful lyrics, it captures both the joys and sorrows of growing up and reminds us to cherish the fleeting moments of innocence and wonder that we can never get back.


Line by Line Meaning

Looking back on when I
Reflecting on the past, remembering a specific time


Was a little nappy headed boy
Recalling childhood memories, specifically physical appearance


Then my only worry
Thinking back to a time of lesser responsibilities


Was for Christmas what would be my toy
Reminiscing about simple childhood desires, wanting a specific gift for Christmas


Even though we sometimes
Acknowledging that sometimes things weren't perfect


Would not get a thing
Remembering times when not getting a desired object was disappointing


We were happy with the
Grateful and content with what was already had


Joy the day would bring
Finding happiness in the little things, enjoying special occasions


Sneaking out the back door
Doing something rebellious or secret


To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
Referring to friends who may have been troublemakers or mischievous


Greeted at the back door
Being caught and confronted for sneaking out


With boy thought I told you not to go outside
Being scolded for not following rules


Tryin' your best to bring the
Attempting to control emotions


Water to your eyes
Holding back tears


Thinkin' it might stop her
Believing that crying might prevent negative consequences


From woopin' your behind
Avoiding punishment or physical discipline


I wish those days could come back once more
Desiring to revisit specific moments in the past


Why did those days ever have to go
Questioning why time must pass and things must change


Cause I love them so
Expressing the depth of affection for certain memories


Brother says he's tellin'
Referencing a sibling's gossip


'Bout you playin' doctor with that girl
Recalling a childhood game of playing doctor


Just don't tell I'll give you
Offering something in exchange for keeping a secret


Anything you want in this whole wide world
Using bribery to try to maintain secrecy


Mama gives you money for Sunday school
Receiving money from a parent for religious education


You trade yours for candy after church is through
Choosing to trade religious teachings for something more enjoyable


Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy)
Engaging in rebellious and inappropriate behavior


Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall
Being disciplined for previous behavior


You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right
Realizing the wrongness of previous actions in adulthood


But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight
Acknowledging that while previous actions were inappropriate, they felt exciting or enjoyable at the time


I wish those days could come back once more
Again expressing a desire to relive certain moments in the past


Why did those days ever have to go
Questioning the inevitability of time passing


I wish those days could come back once more
Reiterating the desire to revisit certain memories


Why did those days ever have to go
Continuing to question the passage of time




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALEXANDER, PHALON / AUSTIN, JOHNTA / GRIFFIN, CORY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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