Come Back
Wah Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Down by the docks the talking turned:
"As some are striving to survive,
the others thrive"
(Reaching the realm of no return)
"I don't want charity, just half a chance
and it's all up to you, yes it's all up to you"

Come Back! I'm willing to try

Come Back! Don't let time go by
Come Back! The will to survive's
Come Back
Come Back! With time on my hands
Come Back! I'm making a stand
Come Back! To kill or to cure
Come Back! To god-given belief

Well did you ever hear of hope?
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
A small belief can mean
you'll never walk alone
And did you ever hear of faith?
Encouragement! Development!
And it's all to you!
Yes, it's all to you!

Come Back! I'm willing to try
Come Back! Don't let time go by
Come Back! The will to survive's
Come Back
Come Back! With time on my hands
Come Back! I'm making a stand
Come Back! To kill or to cure
Come Back! To god-given belief

Come Back! With time on my hands
Come Back! I'm making a stand
Come Back! To kill or to cure
Come Back
Come Back! I'm willing to try
Come Back! Don't let time go by
Come Back! The will to survive's
Come Back! I'm begging you please

Come Back! Now I'm making my stand
Come Back! with time on my hands
Come Back! Time to kill or to cure

And hats off to Hatton!!!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Wah's song "Come Back" are a plea to someone who has left or who is struggling to come back and persevere through hardship. The singer begins by acknowledging the disparity of fortune amongst different people, with some thriving while others are just "striving to survive." The singer asserts that they do not want charity but rather a chance to prove themselves. They urge the person they are addressing to come back and not let time pass them by. They highlight the importance of having the will to survive and the power of hope, faith, and belief in oneself. The singer then repeats their plea for the person to come back, emphasizing that they are willing to try and begging them to return.

The repetition of the phrase "Come Back" at the beginning and end of each stanza shows the urgency and importance of the singer's message. The emphasis on the individual's agency in the line "it's all up to you" underscores the idea that despite difficult external circumstances, one can still take action and make an effort to improve their situation. The allusion to the phrase "you'll never walk alone" suggests a sense of unity and support. The reference to "god-given belief" reflects the spiritual and humanistic themes throughout the song.

Overall, the lyrics of "Come Back" motivate listeners to overcome adversity and strive towards self-improvement. The message is one of perseverance, resilience, and belief in oneself despite challenging circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

Down by the docks the talking turned:
At the docks, the conversation changed.

"As some are striving to survive, the others thrive" (Reaching the realm of no return)
Some people are struggling to survive while others are succeeding. It's like a point of no return – we can't go back.

"I don't want charity, just half a chance and it's all up to you, yes it's all up to you"
I don't want anyone's pity, I just want a fair opportunity. It all depends on you, as the listener.

Come Back! I'm willing to try Come Back! Don't let time go by Come Back! The will to survive's Come Back
Please come back, I'm willing to give this another shot. Don't let time go by without helping me. My desire to survive is strong, so please come back.

Come Back! With time on my hands Come Back! I'm making a stand Come Back! To kill or to cure Come Back! To god-given belief
With all this time on my hands, I'm taking a firm stance. It's time to take action and either heal or fix the situation. I have strong faith in god, too.

Well did you ever hear of hope? Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! A small belief can mean you'll never walk alone
Have you ever heard of hope? It's important to have faith and confidence, and a tiny bit of it can make a big difference. You'll never be completely alone with hope.

And did you ever hear of faith? Encouragement! Development! And it's all to you! Yes, it's all to you!
Have you ever heard of faith? It's all about support and growth. And it's all up to you, the listener!

Come Back! I'm begging you please Come Back! I'm willing to try Come Back! Don't let time go by Come Back! The will to survive's
I'm begging you to please come back. I'm willing to try my best to make things work out. Please don't let time slip away, as my desire to survive is strong!

Come Back! Now I'm making my stand Come Back! with time on my hands Come Back! Time to kill or to cure
I'm taking a firm stance now that you've returned. With all this extra time, it's time to either heal or fix the problem.

And hats off to Hatton!!!
Congratulations to Hatton!

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sentric Music
Written by: PETE WYLIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@summerbayexile

4y↑204

One of the most unappreciated songs ever. Total genius in every respect but it only spent one week in the Top 20 and none of the radio stations play it now. It will always be one of my favourite songs.

@BeggarsArchive

4y↑12

Agreed! Trying to get more people to find it on Youtube :)

@debra1232

3y↑8

@The Arkive Hopefully I've helped you in your quest as it's been added to my FB page with most of the '80s! My 21-yr-old & her student buds can't get enough of her mum's music :)

@derekwarren3928

3y↑6

Totally agreed mate. I’m a huge MUFC supporter and the whole LFC line Pete threw in always cuts deep and yet it’s still absolutely beautiful and brilliant. A pop song for the ages. Pete’s stuff was always soooooooo wonderful.

@williamnightingale2285

2y↑4

It gets played every now and again on the Forgotten 80s show on Absolute 80s.

@kevinpayne1968

2y↑3

Agree. Been a fav of mine since it came out. Still have the single.

8 More Replies...

@brendancasey866

37w↑12

If only those Days and Nights of the 80's would come back,,along with the friends, the dreams, ambitions, and long lost loves, and not just be confined to memories

@stephenwaller7461

11w

I feel your pain thats how it affects me, something unattainable , the people , the places , the smells and sounds gone forever , only a distant memory getting further away as we get old. Memorys are all we have left but they are unbeatable fantastic memorys of a unique space in time.

@Willsontime

2y↑53

One of my favorite songs of the 80’s. Should have been a number1.

@BeggarsArchive

2y↑1

agreed :)

@johnfoster8378

1y↑1

Like all his songs

@carloscasillero4422

2y↑61

R.I.P. Josie! An amazing talent, beautiful lady, beautiful heart!

@Wildzippy

4y↑99

I love this video - Pete's awkwardness and dad dancing and Josie being utterly cool and looking amazing, such a contrast and actually works. Plus the song is bloody fantastic. Great times.

@louise_rose

2y↑4

I agree the video and song are superb, but I think both protagonists actually look very cool. Pete looks spectacular, defiant and fearless in that leather jacket, the guy just reeks of sharp attitude, passion and pride.
The point when he grabs the reel of film and tosses it to the sky is amazing. it's like he's signaling "this walk only happens here and npw, only today, and it is not repeatable! watch me!" - but of course, this precise moment is captured...from another camera. :)

@mattcasson3238

2y↑3

Josie's rather lovely, isn't she ? 👌

@louise_rose

2y↑2

@Matt Casson They both look flat out amazing - the minute of footage starting at 1:36 has me smiling and gasping with appreciation to this day - and it's perfectly matchd to the music. This video is as great and inspiring as Kate Bush's famous video for Cloudbusting!

@melanieadams1903

1y↑1

@Matt Casson she was xx

@matskieden511

Totally agree. Pete Wylie looks awkward in all his videos, but as you say it really works well.

2 More Replies...

@neilmckenzie6464

2y↑37

An absolute classic. The quality of music was so high then many brilliant tracks never reached as high in the charts as they should have

@renatoaparecidoferreiradea2267

2y↑17

I don't get tired to listen to this song! It's amazing. The 80's was the best speaking about songs and singers. I was a child in this time but sometimes I can imagine how happy was the people who lived this time! 👏👏👏👏

@petekelsall4299

1y↑15

This is one of those songs that stays in Your head once You hear it, I bought it when it was released, and still enjoy listening to it now.

@darrenmeears3912

1y↑15

I can't believe I've only just discovered this band Petes voice transforms you back to the 80s cracking stuff 👌👌👌👌

@darrenrobertw

28w

Darren, (great name) you should of just asked, been listening to Wah! since the 80's. You gotta play it EVERYDAY !!!!! to make up for lost time haha

@Little-Sparrow

2y↑2

Josie Jones was just so cool. 13yr old me and my mates were so desperate to be Josie. Rip beautiful lady the owner of the most beautiful blue eyes ever. 😢 we loved you so much and always will XOXO

@makejam1894

8y↑80

When I heard this for the first time in 1984, I thought it was the best song I had ever heard. I still think that!

@leeparkin6485

5y↑3

Same as

@ajh90210

5y↑3

Good lad

@kenjones62

5y↑16

Josie Jones missed but not forgotten! (It was also the name of my beloved mother) RIP the pair of you xx

@daveoneill8235

28w↑5

1 47 he sings youll never walk alone❤❤
Brilliant tune

@tripledoubleone

2y↑21

The album this is taken from, "A Word to the Wise Guy", is BRILLIANT.

@debra1232

2y↑6

As a kid in the '70s, I remember all the adults with plasters holding their glasses together - bless 'em! 😂😂 I turned 17 in '80' so, forever a true '80's girl 🤩 Our partying music was & is to die for!

@amnesiacradar

6y↑118

There must have been something in the water in Liverpool in the 80s 'cos the city produced some incredible music.

@duncanbirss8923

5y↑9

Correct

@steviebudden3397

4y↑2

There probably still are I wouldn't be surprised. It's just that the music industry wonks who decide who to make famous or not moved on elsewhere.

@69waveydavey

4y↑12

My father in law was a scouser. he said they were just frightened of working that's why the place has always produced excellent pop music and football players. I live just up the road in Preston and know a real scouser will laugh at that so please don't take it the wrong way!

@dannydorko7075

4y↑4

what about manchester and glasgow

@geoffreyjonathanwilson5826

That it did.No doubt about it!

14 More Replies...

@iaingeddes4288

46w↑2

Can anyone please put me out of my misery. I’m convinced that immediately after watching Liverpool winning the European cup that night, I tuned into John Peel’s show and without anything being said, he launched straight into this. It was euphoric,ecstatic and triumphant. If I’m wrong,then it would’ve been a great idea. However, if anyone else can remember it as I remember it,please confirm it for me. Spine tingling.

@cleverbstard2413

5y↑21

One of the most underrated bands in history 🎸

@shylinh5939

3y↑17

What a great song, Pete Wylie's voice sounds so full and powerful.

@she-lockholmes964

8y↑68

This song makes me cry everytime I hear it. The feeling of nostalgia from times I wish I had lived. This reminds me of my best friend and I miss him so much.

@sezwho8561

3y↑2

Songs have a habit of doing that. Hold on to your memories

@nickmorrell3559

3y↑3

I lost my best friend to cancer ..I know how hard it is ..but music he loved gives me happy chils cis I remember the laughs

@markriley322

3y↑1

Beautiful xx respect

@nickcolby1391

42w

Me too , ❤

@davidblake5315

8y↑76

I met Pete Wylie once.....a totally genuine nice guy....his music is outstanding.....so Pete ,"Come Back"

@omcf

5y↑3

New record in 2017 "Pete Sounds!"

@rw8733

5y↑4

We always need voices like Pete's.

@juancarlosfontanafontana909

He came back ...without hair.

@nevetsgnil1962

The 80s please COME BACK ❤️

@ianhart8811

4y↑25

I am listening in 2020. 1980's bands children of Beatles fans of 1960's. Liverpool is a great music city.

@ryanhounsell7942

4y↑1

Pete Wylie would say that he hated The Beatles.

@geoffpoole483

It's a shithole.

@robysandalwood6039

4y↑12

best decade ever to be into music and it still lives on so strong

@johnnyanglo7064

2y↑3

Don't let time go by..

@fritsvanzanten3573

6y↑25

There are songs that, when you hear them for the first time, feel like they have always been there, have been world hits and are imbedded in everybody's bones. And still they were just released. This is one of them.

@Stevo70597

3y↑3

Just watched this again an reminded me how great the 80s were for music...if only you could go back in time my suitcases would be packed tonight!!!

@darrenrobertw

28w↑1

This IS one of the songs that I will miss most when i'm long and gone, and will feel jealous of the kids that might get to find this banger, and get to play it LOUD n PROUD. Play it for me guys, 'Come Back' wahayyyyy

@petercapp7235

22w↑3

Fab song Pete Wylie very unique sound and style - Always sings with Heart & Soul 🎉

@vintagegibbon

21w↑2

Aww, lovely Josie. I miss her.

@andrewmatthews6861

5y↑19

this song just makes you think of friends lost 😭

@herbieshine1312

6y↑15

In a multi universe somewhere Wylie is in his rightful place as the biggest most loved performer of his age.
Class and cool with little to no effort.

@wendyford1866

8y↑35

A true classic just BRILLIANT

@LutherStarling

8y↑2

Absolutely brilliant, Wendy' I loved Pete Wylie's great pop anthems and his look, and this is probably my favourite track of his. Great nostalgic memory.

@louise_rose

Agree - great song, superb production, incisive lyrics, a wonderful video. This should have been a mega-hit all over Europe and America. Instead, it just wound up scratching the UK top 20 for a single week! But at least, John Peel rightfully called it "the greatest single of the year 1984".

@elainecarrington6796

1y↑3

I'd forgotten this song till it popped up on YouTube,Total genius of a song from a brilliant singer song writer.

@speedygonzales378

3y↑3

I love her little smile at the end

@karlclemmy2054

5y↑13

One of the best songs of the 80'S still sounds fresh and new, R.I.P JOSIE

@henrylavery5837

51w

what happened to josie ??? H..

@karlclemmy2054

51w

@henry lavery Josie Jones died in 2015

@henrylavery5837

51w↑1

@@karlclemmy2054 thank you for that. H…

@threeferrets422

3y↑5

COVID has brought us back to the good old days, to much time on our hands. Fantastic 😀😀😀

@BeggarsArchive

3y↑2

Couldn't agree more!

@TonBoon

2y↑3

Still listening in 2022. Ever since it was released i think.

@meesterroel4948

2y↑4

When this was a hit I remember watching it and thinking: "Ah, this is what a music video is supposed to look like. Everything makes sense. It's a bit strange but normal at the same time because it's a music video. I'll keep that in mind for when I grow up and become a musician"

@LutherStarling

9y↑25

One of the songs that brings me back in time thirty one years to when I was 21, one of the great anthems of my youth. Why does time have to march on? On the other hand, thank God for this pure nostalgia. Wonder what became of Pete Wylie?

@JamesW81

7y↑4

Kieran O'Driscoll Pete is still around and performing.... There is a great luve version of story od the blues on here, featuring Pete's daughter, Mersey.

@markcf83

Pete is still very much with us-he was touring recently.

@brian040263

2y↑9

This song should have been a worldwide smash 💥

@BeggarsArchive

2y↑1

agreed :)

@louise_rose

2y↑4

Yes, of course it should have! It's bizarre how it only ended up at no. 20 for one week in the UK. I figure his indie record label, who had signed him shortly before, had neither the money nor the vision to promote him.

But at least MTV Europe noticed it and played the video several times.

@Rayruit

3y↑2

Seeing this takes me back to Music Box with Simon Fuller, Gaz Top, Martin Buchanan, Amanda Redington etc.
The Class of 84. Better days...

@jasonwebster6397

2y↑6

I’m going to do ‘that dance’ to every single song I dance to for the rest of my life

@davidsteel6437

1y↑1

I do that dance to every single song.

@sarnobat2000

4y↑4

James Richardson's Totally Football Show brought me here after Liverpool ended their 30 year wait for the EPL. The trophy has COME BACK !!!!

@adrianwilliams469

6y↑8

This is one song I will never tire of just loving it all these years on just pure class yeah yeah yeah

@jupiter-8405

7y↑18

Such a good song, the lasses hair is so cool and the guy's dancing is...well...from the heart :)

@andyparker64

7y↑1

Sea Of Sin the lass is josie jones I read somewhere she died last year

@jupiter-8405

7y↑1

I honestly didn't know anything about her beyond this band but that is sad, she achieved more than me.

@dizzylizzysunflower

Andy Parker I heard she had died aswell...very sad

@ew6483

7y↑4

Sea Of Sin Pete Wylie's dancing is straight from the circus! But he's so killing the leather jacket and floppy hair!

@leesayer1856

10y↑7

I remember my brother having this as a single he bought from HMV in Bradford in 1984.
Great song.

@wendyford1866

8y↑9

80s Forever it had everything when growing up and majority in a good way.

@bartvanheumen

14w

Great song from the past ❤

@kevinhughes9402

3y↑2

I've noticed nearly any record or music I listen to always has between 2% and 6% dislikes. What I'm wondering is, are these possibly all the same sad sacks disliking everything? If so, you've got to feel sorry for them, fancy going through life not getting any enjoyment out of any music.

@_Ben4810

1y↑2

Hopefully one day the cathedral will fix one of those heritage plaques commemorating the filming of this video on the steps...It is truly well deserved...👌

@kennyferns5463

31w↑1

Not heard it for 2 weeks still BRILLIANT.

@TheMimifur

6y↑6

All of us, any of us who were there,,,, well, makes me cry now

@lelly323

4y↑5

Best pop song ever!!!!❣️

@BeggarsArchive

4y↑3

Agreed !

@charlesbull6188

40w↑2

I still have this on 7inch poster cover

@adrianwilliams469

5y↑3

Reminds me of my first girlfriend Maureen when I hear this I think of you, thank you for happy times.
Do hope you're well and happy.

@antonkern639

43w↑1

what a masterpiece 💛💚💙🤎- love it in 2023

@Bashey63

8y↑14

still love this video, r.i.p to Josie jones & the lad who played cameraman, on another video a member of his family posted.

@darrellandrew5605

8y↑1

do you know any more about her ?

@nickcolby1391

42w↑3

Great song love the mighty wah ❤

@nevetsgnil1962

3y↑3

Incredibly underatted 80s track.

@sharonreed3624

2y↑2

One of the 80s fantastic, songs

@tinymacmurph

5y↑37

I've always loved this song,and it was great watching Pete talk about it on the BT sport film Two Tribes, a brilliant film and anyone who thinks Liverpudlians are moaners, unable to take criticism or are unable to self reflect should watch it. Watching the video reminds of how run down my home town became, and it was mainly thanks to EU funding that Liverpool has undergone a regeneration (I'm not totally partisan and will acknowledge that Heseltine played a part).

@rickygallagher1677

I assume you’re not including Pete’s contribution to that

@paulosteveo

So true

@incredibleXMan

2y↑1

Heseltine was one of the more humane Tories.

@haysilfc7174

Excellent post ❤

@Paul-cw5hn

22w↑1

This is such an addictive song - like the Story Of The Blues this is pure Genius.....

@joaomarques329

13w↑1

A mighty band

@philruane5575

4y↑6

I saw em all over Liverpool then,
The kennedy rooms irish centre, hardmans, upstairs somewhere

@susanswarbrick2732

2y↑2

The best song , thank you Pete xx

@elainecarrington6796

45w↑1

I'd almost forgotten this song, listening to it now evokes so many memories of being a young man, a really beautiful song.

RIP
Josie😢

@robertwalker9130

1y↑1

Very creative song

@whoareyawhoareya8820

3y↑3

What a tune ....

@madsteve9

1y↑1

Here because of Gary Davies "Sounds of the 80's" on BBC Radio 2.

My first exposure to the song.

And I'm 52.

@andyroberts6366

3y↑3

I grew up in the 80s an I remember this song coming out I was only 9 but I still remember it like it was yesterday the track is an absolute gem! It's so underrated only just got into the top 20 it should of been at least top 10 such a great classic from the forgotten 80s a complete classic from the summer of 84' an it's one of my favourite songs from that year too 🤩👌 Pete Wiyle has such an amazing voice I also love his solo one hit wonder track from the spring of 86' Sinful another absolute gem! 🔥👌🔥

@BeggarsArchive

agreed love this song :)

@kennyferns5463

46w↑1

The more you listen to this song the better it sounds . Great tune

@benr28scfc

42w

Coming from a United fan..wow. Guess footie doesn't matter when it comes to music.

@kennyferns5463

42w↑1

@@benr28scfc music's music football football 😆

@paully1969

29w

Oh wow..! What a song xxx

@sharonsharon3722

3y↑3

Love the Mighty Wah . Lets rock 2021 🎶

@deborahwoods1750

9y↑71

Josie jones (sharon) was my cousin.sadly passed away.gud memories

@VincentRE79

+Deborah Woods Sorry to hear this, what year was this?

@stephenlatimer229

8y↑1

sorry to hear that, RIP.

@lorrainepimm5381

Ah.. so sad. She had an amazing voice. Sorry for your loss x

@richardgregory61

7y↑2

Deborah Woods ..was so upset when I found out...rip Josie xx

@mrsmudd2009

Deborah Woods I’m so sorry for your loss.

6 More Replies...

@plane7

4y↑7

There's a bit of Gerry and the Pacemakers in there as well.A top tune.When Pete says and you'll never walk alone.

@tjiphil

3y↑6

Just a great song

@mrtoptenatten

5y↑1

Doesn't life go so quickly when your really enjoying it.........live for today because your not guaranteed a tomorrow

@kiepotter4860

5y↑5

I wish I could have penned this. Love it.

@tonykelly9025

3y↑2

Whos listening 👀 😳 in 2020.met him.loads of times him and Derek Hatton hats off to Hatton

@Gordon1957

7y↑4

Saw Pete's show in Glasgow 13.11.16.
Still great.

@ew6483

Gordon Russell My dad and I were so disappointed when we travelled to Liverpool to see an Icicle Works concert and found out that The Mighty Wah had played there only a month earlier.

@andrewmatthews6861

5y↑1

a class piece of music 😎thanks all 😊

@Charger425

6y↑28

No doubt about it. Josie Jones was one very pretty lady.

@jontyarnold8522

3y↑1

I remember seeing this on Top of the pops and I liked it on the first hear...... it still gets me today... great song......

@cabindweller8454

8y↑4

Echo and the Bunnymen brought me here. Digging it.

@herbieshine1312

4y↑11

That's a lot of hair for just 2 people.
And Pete Wylie's dance moves are rather dad dancing but let's face facts this is one hell of a song and an amazing songwriter

@kennyferns5463

39w↑1

Can't stop playing this TUNE !!

@BeggarsArchive

39w

it's so good ! :) one of my personal faves

@kennyferns5463

31w

It's just Brilliant

@karenstudley8740

2y↑2

My brother in law Colin, the camera man 😁
Sadly passed away now 💔

@ianc3293

5y↑1

I met Pete in the everyman pub in Liverpool about 1984, signed his autograph on a beer mat for Me, he's a sound feller

@Popfeenin

9y↑21

RIP Josie Jones.

@philruane5910

34w↑1

The Beehive pub opposite the Adelphi is made of Aswan Granite. From Eygpt. Go to Liverpool.

@allanmarsh9551

7y↑1

One of my favorite songs of all time

@jimbowie4504

5y↑47

Who’s listening in 2019?

@kevinhopkins8355

5y↑4

I am .... remembering the 80,s with a tear in my eye ...

@computer59

4y↑3

Joe is

@100x100RUJO

4y↑2

November 2019.

@UsacHunt

4y↑2

This song sounds like it's been around forever even when I first heard it back then.

@herbieshine1312

4y↑2

Catch up its 2020 it's a new decade.

2 More Replies...

@deestevens4677

5y↑4

Still listening to this in 2019..... The great mighty wah!!!

@garywood1001

5y↑2

Me too.. Im a 70s n 80s child, will be playing this, and others rest my life

@rjjcms1

70s and early 80s child myself,and it's nice to "come back" to hearing this for the first time in I'm not sure how long.

@kevinhopkins8355

Great tune .. brings back so good times .. For years I thought he was singing 2 kilos of coke # lol

@brian7193

2y↑1

This song is still one of the first songs on any playlist I make up,along with story of the blues hope I. Wish you'd believe me and the Waterboys the whole of the moon

@Bashey63

1y↑1

Its still a fkcing brilliant video/tune ! 2022 and it still makes the hairs on my neck tingle !

@peterhoward8735

3y↑7

A great antidote to most of the trash in the charts at that period in time. Ie. Phil Collins, Buck Fizz and Spandau bloody Ballet. Loved the bands coming out of Liverpool at that time,Teardrop Explodes and Echo And The Bunnymen. Music with a message.