Welcome Back

John Sebastian

About Welcome Back

"Welcome Back" is a popular record that was the theme song of the 1970s American television sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. Written and recorded by former Lovin' Spoonful frontman John Sebastian, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in May 1976 after only five weeks on the chart, and also topped the adult contemporary chart (the show itself had become an instant ratings success upon its premiere the previous fall). It also reached No. 93 on the country chart.  


Year:
1990
2:52
94 

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Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out
Welcome back, to that same old place that you laughed about
Well the names have all changed since you hung around
But those dreams have remained and they've turned around
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya
(Who'd have thought they'd lead ya)
Back here where we need ya
(Back here where we need ya)
Yeah we tease him a lot 'cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back

We always could spot a friend, welcome back
And I smile when I think how you must have been
And I know what a scene you were learning in
Was there something that made you come back again
And what could ever lead ya
(What could ever lead ya)
Back here where we need ya
(Back here where we need ya)
Yeah we tease him a lot 'cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back

And I know what a scene you were learning in
Was there something that made you come back again
And what could ever lead ya
(What could ever lead ya)
Back here where we need ya
(Back here where we need ya)
Yeah we tease him a lot 'cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back

Yeah we tease him a lot, welcome back, welcome back
Cause we got him on the spot, welcome back, welcome back

Yeah we tease him a lot 'cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back

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John Sebastian

John Benson Sebastian (born March 17, 1944) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and autoharpist. He is best known as a founder of The Lovin' Spoonful, a band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. His tie-dyed denim jacket is prominently displayed there. more »

1 fan

Written by: JOHN BENSON SEBASTIAN

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Welcome Back" was first released as a single in February 1976 by Reprise Records. It later appeared on John Sebastian's album "Welcome Back" in the same year.
Chart Performance
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1976, becoming Sebastian's only number-one hit.
Television Connection
"Welcome Back" was the theme song for the American television show "Welcome Back, Kotter," which ran from 1975 to 1979. John Sebastian was asked by the show’s producers to write and record the song to set the show's tone.
Song Origin
Originally, the song was a rejected number, but when Sebastian was approached to write a theme song for "Welcome Back, Kotter," he tweaked the lyrics to better fit the show.
Artistic Recognition
The popularity of "Welcome Back" secured Sebastian a spot on Billboard's Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1976, where the tune was ranked position 20.
Monumental Success
Despite a successful career, particularly as the founder of The Lovin' Spoonful, Sebastian is often classified as a one-hit-wonder due to the dominant success of "Welcome Back."
Change in Career Direction
Sebastian's success with "Welcome Back" led him to a shift in career direction, and he began writing more for film and TV projects.
Celebrating Nostalgia
The song is widely recognized for its nostalgia-evoking theme, fitting perfectly with the show, which was about high school teacher returning to his alma mater.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Welcome Back," including rapper Mase, who sampled the song for his 2004 comeback single also titled "Welcome Back."
Cultural Impact
Even years after its initial release, "Welcome Back" continues to be featured in various media, from commercials to films and other television shows, solidifying its impact on popular culture.

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    Welcome Back

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1976

    Billboard #1


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