Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)

Aretha Franklin

About Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)

"Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" is a song written by Morris Broadnax, Clarence Paul, and Stevie Wonder. The song was originally recorded by Stevie Wonder in 1967, but his version was not released as a single and did not appear on an album until 1977's anthology Looking Back. The most well-known version of this song is the 1973 release by Aretha Franklin, who had a million-selling top 10 hit on Billboard charts. The song reached No. 1 on the R&B chart and No. 3 on the Hot 100 chart in 1974. It became an RIAA gold record. With this peak at number three, Franklin became the first artist in the history of the Hot 100 chart to have a hit song peak at each position from one to ten on the chart. To date, only four other artists have achieved this feat: Marvin Gaye in 1983, Madonna in 1996, Drake in 2013, and Taylor Swift in 2015. Aretha's version of the song was ranked by Billboard as the No. 11 song for 1974. The song's subject tells of their abandonment by their partner, but declares their determination to contact and win their partner back. 


Year:
1976
280 

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Though you don't call anymore
I sit and wait in vain
I guess I'll rap on your door
Tap on your window pane
I want to tell you baby
The changes I've been going through
Missing you
Listen you
'Till you come back to me
That's what I'm gonna do
Why did you have to decide
You had to set me free
I'm gonna swallow my pride
I'm gonna beg you to (please baby please) see me
I'm gonna walk by meself
Just to prove that my love is true
Oh, for you baby
'Till you come back to me
That's what I'm gonna do
Living for you my dear
Is like living in a world of constant fear
In my plea, I've got to make you see
That our love is dying
Although your phone you ignore
Somehow I must explain
I'm gonna rap on your door
Tap on your window pane
I'm gonna camp on your step
Until I get through to you
I've got to change your view baby
'Till you come back to me
That's what I'm gonna do

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Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25, 1942) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and pianist. In a recording career that has spanned over half a century, Franklin's repertoire has included gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock and funk. more »

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Written by: Morris Broadnax, Clarence O. Paul, Stevie Wonder

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


22 facts about this song

Song Composers
"Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" is written by Morris Broadnax, Clarence Paul, and Stevie Wonder.
Primary Artist
Though Stevie Wonder contributed to the composition of the song, the most popular version of it was performed by Aretha Franklin.
Release Year
Aretha Franklin's rendition of the song was released in 1973 and included in her album "Let Me in Your Life".
Stevie Wonder's Version
Before Aretha Franklin popularized the song, Stevie Wonder had recorded it in 1967 but did not release it until his 1977 anthology album "Looking Back".
Chart Performance
Franklin's version of the song was a big hit and reached number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. It also peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Production
The song was produced by well-known music producer and Atlantic Records executive, Jerry Wexler.
Sales and Certification
In 1974, Franklin's version of the song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over one million copies.
Music Style
The song is known for its distinctive combination of pop and soul genres, with elements of R&B.
Song Theme
The song's lyrics tell a melancholy story of unrequited love.
Critical Reception
"Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" is widely considered one of Aretha Franklin's best songs with many critics praising her powerful and passionate vocal performance.
Notable Covers
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Cyndi Lauper, Basia, and Luther Vandross. Vandross' cover version was a top 10 hit on the Billboard R&B chart in 1984.
Cultural Impact
The song's memorable melody and poignant lyrics have ensured its lasting impact, becoming one of the defining songs of the 1970s soul era.
Artist Contribution
The song, "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", is primarily linked to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who made the song popular. However, it was actually written and composed earlier by Stevie Wonder, Clarence Paul, and Morris Broadnax.
Recording Dates
"Until You Come Back to Me" was first recorded by Stevie Wonder in early 1967. However, the version by Aretha Franklin was not recorded until 1973, and it was released in January 1974.
Chart Performance
Aretha Franklin's rendition of the song became significantly more popular than the original version, peaking at the #3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also her biggest hit on Billboard's R&B chart, holding the #1 position for five weeks.
Album Inclusion
The song, "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", was featured in Aretha Franklin's Gold-certified album, "Let Me in Your Life".
Stevie Wonder’s Involvement
Despite writing and originally recording the song, Stevie Wonder shelved the song until much later. It was after Aretha’s success with the song that Stevie Wonder decided to include it in his album “Anthology".
Cover Versions
The song gained significant following and over the years, numerous artists have covered the song, proving its timeless appeal. Some of the prominent artists to cover the song include Miki Howard, Cyndi Lauper and George Michael.
Awards and Recognition
In addition to the success on the charts, the song was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 17th Grammy Awards in 1975.
Song's Legacy
"Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" has since been recognized as one of Aretha Franklin's signature songs, and continues to be celebrated as a classic example of soul music.
Genre and Style
The song epitomizes mid-1970s soulful pop, blending Franklin's classic soulful voice with the upbeat and melodic R&B style that was popular in that era. The song has elements of jazz, soul, and R&B.
Unique Collaboration
Even though Stevie Wonder wrote the song, it is featured as a collaboration between these two music icons, which adds to the unique history of the song. Aretha Franklin even acknowledged that Stevie Wonder wrote the song specifically for her.

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    Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #3


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