Formed in London in 1983, the Wolfgang Press comprised vocalist Michael Allen, guitarist Andrew Gray, and keyboardist Mark Cox. Allen and Cox first teamed in the group Rema Rema, which also featured Adam & the Ants alum Marco Perroni; after reuniting in the short-lived quartet Mass, the duo recruited Gray, and as the Wolfgang Press issued their cacophonous, gloomy debut LP, The Burden of Mules, in 1983. An EP trilogy co-produced by Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie followed in quick succession: while 1984's Scarecrow was a lighter, more streamlined affair, 1985's Water spotlighted ominously sparse torch songs, and the same year's Sweatbox explored deconstructionist pop. The three EPs were later collected on The Legendary Wolfgang Press & Other Stories.
The Wolfgang Press' second full-length effort, 1986's Standing Up Straight, incorporated industrial and orchestral influences into the mix, while the Big Sex EP's "God's Number" offered a soulful backing chorus, a harbinger of things to come. Indeed, after 1988's hypnotic Bird Wood Cage and its leadoff single, "King of Soul," introduced strong elements of dub, reggae, and R&B, the trio took the full plunge into the dance arena with 1991's Queer, an idiosyncratic outing admittedly inspired by De La Soul's landmark 3 Feet High and Rising; the first single, a surreal cover of the Randy Newman-penned "Mama Told Me Not to Come," was a minor hit. 1995's Funky Little Demons completed the Wolfgang Press' transition into white funk; prior to its release, however, Cox exited the group's ranks.
I'm Coming Home
The Wolfgang Press Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've packed my bags - I'm coming home
Shave your head - I'm coming home
Save a place - I'm coming home
Raise the dead - I'm coming home
Hold your breath - I'm coming home
Shave your legs - I'm coming home
If it was left to me I would not wait
To show off all the saints I've saved
If it was left to me I would not shake
This feeling that you give, that you give
If it was left to me I would not wait
I saved a place in there
You won't see me hang the gate unwide
As I have done so many times
I simply shake I simply shake
I shake
Light the fires - I'm coming home
Keep the wolf from the door - I'm coming home
I've something here to cool me down [cool me down]
And theres not a single sound
You show me your face, you show me your eyes
You give me the waves, oh you give me life
You show me your arms, you show me your legs
You give me the ocean, oh don't give me the rest, the rest
Save me, save me
Save me, save me
You show me your arms, you show me your legs
You give me the ocean, oh don't give me the rest, the rest
You show me your face, you show me your eyes
You give me the waves, oh you give me life, oh life
Save me, save me
Save me, save me
Here comes the ocean
Here comes the ocean
Save me, save me, save me
I'm wrapped up in hope
I'm wrapped up inside
You give me the waves, oh you give me life and light
Save me, save me
Save me, save me
You've got the fire, yes, you've got the fire
The Wolfgang Press’s “I’m Coming Home” is a haunting and passionate track that showcases the band’s ability to create a tense atmosphere. The song’s lyrics seem to touch on the theme of reuniting with a loved one, and the urgency that comes with that desire. The words “Wash the flags” and “I’ve packed my bags” indicate that the singer of the song is returning home, and that they are eager to be reunited with the person waiting for them.
The line “If it was left to me I would not wait” underscores the impatience of the singer. Clearly, they have been away from home for too long and have become restless in their absence. There is a sense of longing in the phrases “You show me your face, you show me your eyes / You give me the waves, oh you give me life” which drives the message of the song. The final three lines are particularly powerful: “I'm wrapped up in hope / I'm wrapped up inside / You give me the waves, oh you give me life and light”. These words convey a deep sense of emotion and highlight the true meaning of this song – the love and hope that we all hold onto during difficult times.
Overall, The Wolfgang Press’ “I’m Coming Home” is a powerful, emotional song that showcases the band’s ability to create a tension-filled musical experience. The lyrics highlight the desire for home and family, despite the darkness that might surround us in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Wash the flags - I'm coming home
I am returning home and want everything to be clean and ready for me.
I've packed my bags - I'm coming home
I have prepared to return home and can't wait to be there.
Shave your head - I'm coming home
I am coming back and want you to look your best for our reunion.
Save a place - I'm coming home
Please hold a special place for me when I return home.
I'm coming home, I'm coming home mama
I am so excited to come back home and to see my loved ones again.
Raise the dead - I'm coming home
My presence will bring life and excitement back to home.
Hold your breath - I'm coming home
I am returning home and want everyone to be on the lookout for my arrival.
Shave your legs - I'm coming home
I am coming back and want you to feel comfortable and gorgeous.
If it was left to me I would not wait
I am so eager to come back home and wouldn't delay it if it was up to me.
To show off all the saints I've saved
I have accomplished a lot and can't wait to share my achievements when I come back.
If it was left to me I would not shake
I don't want to suppress the overwhelming feeling of joy and love that I have for home and those waiting for me.
This feeling that you give, that you give
You make me feel so loved and I miss that feeling the most when I'm away.
I saved a place in there
I am committed to coming back home and want to ensure that there is space for me to do so.
You won't see me hang the gate unwide
I will be back soon and will not delay my arrival unnecessarily.
As I have done so many times
I have been back home before, and missing it only makes me more excited every time I return.
I simply shake I simply shake
I can't contain my excitement about coming home.
Light the fires - I'm coming home
I am excited to bring warmth and joy back to my home when I return.
Keep the wolf from the door - I'm coming home
I am coming back and plan to look after my loved ones to ensure they are protected and cared for.
I've something here to cool me down [cool me down]
I have something that calms me when I miss home.
And theres not a single sound
When I am missing my loved ones, there is nothing that can silence my thoughts and desire to come home.
You show me your face, you show me your eyes
Your presence will be everything to me when I come back home. I want to see and feel everything about you.
You give me the waves, oh you give me life
You make me feel alive and I miss that feeling when I'm away.
You show me your arms, you show me your legs
I want to see and feel every part of you when I come back home.
You give me the ocean, oh don't give me the rest, the rest
Being with you is everything to me, and nothing else matters anymore. I just want to be with you.
Save me, save me
Please hold on to me tightly and never let me go when I come back home.
Here comes the ocean
I am coming back and can't wait to be surrounded by the beautiful sea and my loved ones.
I'm wrapped up in hope
I feel so hopeful about the future when I return home.
I'm wrapped up inside
I am committed to coming back home and feel so deeply about it.
You give me the waves, oh you give me life and light
Being with you is everything to me and makes me so happy and excited to be alive.
You've got the fire, yes, you've got the fire
You have everything that I need to be happy and feel alive when I come back home.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TROTHofficial
Best Wolfgang Press track ever!!! Discovered this in 1986, still love it...
@MIMNED
Very amazing song. The Wolfang Press are unique.
@EdgarKohl
One of the best from Wolfgang press because they really poured their hearts on this song.
@leallehal7242
I just love every second half of their songs, the way everything explodes in twirl maze
@Vianoras
What a masterpiece!!Thank you Wolfgang, you saved my soul !!!!!
@odettegordonyo
I loved it then, love it now, and more poignant as I am a surfer living in Mexico....(never woulda thought!) Great band!
@chucklopresti7262
Among the best songs ever released by 4AD
@duffy2604
AND THAT is saying something... yet, I mostly agree!
@legomandroid
Thanks for the up, Claudio. This song symbolizes all that is great in music, rhythm and concept. It makes me longing for a better time, lost on the banks of the plutonic night, forever.
@John_F898
It's nice to see comments from other TWP fans. Since I discovered them around '88, it's always been a bit lonely being a TWP fan. Which is completely baffling.