Wishing You Were Here

Chicago

About Wishing You Were Here

"Wishing You Were Here" is a song written by Peter Cetera for the group Chicago and recorded for their album Chicago VII (1974), with lead vocals by Terry Kath (uncredited on the original album package), while Cetera sang the song's bridge. The third single released from that album, it reached No. 11 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100, No. 9 on the Cash Box Top 100, and hit No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart. Kath and Cetera swap their usual instruments, with Kath on bass and Cetera on guitar. James William Guercio, Chicago's producer at the time, played guitar on the recording as well. Guercio appeared on stage with the band, playing acoustic guitar, when they performed the song on Chicago's New Year's Rockin' Eve 1975 to ring in 1975. The instrumental track for the song had been recorded before Cetera realized it was too low for him to sing, so Kath performed the lead vocal instead. 


Year:
1985
4:34
111 
#1

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Sleepless hours and dreamless nights and far aways
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Heaven knows and lord it shows when I'm away
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here

Same old show in a different town on another day
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Even though you're far away, you're on my mind
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here

And I'd like to change my life, and you know I would
Just to be with you tonight, baby, if I could
But I've got my job to do, and I do it well,
Change my life) So I guess that's how it is.

Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here

On the road it's a heavy load, but I'll be by
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Pay the price, make a sacrifice, and still I'll try
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here

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Chicago

Chicago (i/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ or /ʃɪˈkɔːɡoʊ/) is a rock band from the city of the same name. They were originally founded as Chicago Transit Authority before shortening their name before their breakout second album. They became known for their use of horns in their songs such as 25 or 6 to 4. The band nearly split following founding member Terry Kaths death but they decided to stay together. They became known for their rock ballads throughout the 80s. The band still tours to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: PETER P. CETERA

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Time Period
"Wishing You Were Here" was released in September 1974 as part of Chicago's seventh studio album, Chicago VII.
Genre
The song is broadly classified under the genres of rock, pop, and soft rock.
Chart Performance
It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Guest Musicians
Notably, the song features guest vocals from the members of the American rock band The Beach Boys: Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, and Dennis Wilson.
Songwriters
"Wishing You Were Here" was written by Peter Cetera, the bassist, and vocalist of Chicago.
Influences
Its relaxing, beach-themed vibe is reportedly heavily influenced by The Beach Boys, making it a departure from Chicago's typical horn-heavy sound.
Recording
The album in which this song is found, Chicago VII, was recorded in Caribou Ranch, located near Nederland, Colorado.
Album Performance
Chicago VII reached the number 1 spot on the Billboard 200, making it the band's third consecutive number-one album.
Reception
The song is often praised for its harmonious blend of Chicago's and The Beach Boys' distinctive styles.
Legacy
After over four decades since its release, "Wishing You Were Here" remains one of Chicago's most beloved songs and is a staple of their live performances.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, including Latin musician José Feliciano.
Music Composition
The song stands out for its gentle, melodic hooks and harmonious vocals, in contrast to the band's often more energetic style.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics touch upon themes of longing and nostalgia, delivering a powerful emotional resonance.
Band Collaboration
This song represents one of the rare instances when Chicago collaborated with other leading artists in the industry, providing a unique blend of talent.

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    Wishing You Were Here

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #11


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