I Wish

Stevie Wonder

About I Wish

"I Wish" is a hit song by Stevie Wonder. It was released in 1976 as a single and included on the album Songs in the Key of Life. Written and produced by Wonder, the song focuses on his childhood from the 1950s into the early 1960s about how he wished he could go back and relive it. The single hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and soul singles chart. For the television series Classic Albums, Wonder recreated a small section from the song to demonstrate how he composed and arranged it. He played the keyboards and drums himself, and used most of the musicians that recorded the original. 


Year:
2005
4:13

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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
But 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

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Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Morris (born May 13, 1950 as Stevland Hardaway Judkins), known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. Blind since shortly after birth, Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at the age of eleven, and continues to perform and record for Motown to this day. more »

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11 facts about this song

Composition
"I Wish" is a song by American musician Stevie Wonder, primarily known for its funky sound and upbeat tempo.
Album
The song was one of the hits on his 1976 landmark double album "Songs in the Key of Life", widely considered one of the greatest albums in pop music history.
Chart Performance
"I Wish" topped the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1977, making it Stevie Wonder's fifth number one hit.
Genre
"I Wish" is usually classified as soul or R&B, featuring strong elements of pop.
Influential Sound
The song's catchy baseline has been sampled and influential in many other songs in hip hop and popular music.
Instruments
Stevie Wonder played all of the instruments on the track, including the distinctive bassline, drums, and keyboards.
Song Theme
"I Wish" is a nostalgic song in which Wonder recalls his childhood and wishes for those simple days to come back again.
Collaborations
Wonder's backing vocalists on "I Wish" were two of his backing vocalists that frequently sang with him, Deniece Williams and Shirley Brewer.
Live Performances
"I Wish" has been a consistent part of Wonder's live performances, including his iconic appearance on Sesame Street.
Covers and Adaptations
The song has been covered by numerous artists across many genres, from R&B singer Mary J. Blige to pop musician Olly Murs, and was famously performed by the band on The Late Show with David Letterman as a tribute to Wonder.
Awards
"I Wish" also won Wonder the Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1977.

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    I Wish

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1977

    Billboard #1


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