I Wanna Go Back

Album: Can't Hold Back (1986)
Charted: 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written and originally recorded by the Oakland-based rock band Billy Satellite. It appeared on their 1984 self-titled album and was released as a single, peaking at #78 in the US. Eddie Money was a reliable hitmaker when he released his version in 1986, taking it to #14. The song is about a guy who longs for the triumphant days of his youth when he thought life would always be filled with piques of joy and new experiences. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • Money told Frank Jenks about how he connected to this song: "My experience in high school was drinking beer under the bleachers. The older kids would always get you the beer that was cheap on sale, you never had a can opener, and it was very, very warm. But I can remember in high school the dances and being in love. I found out the best way to date a cheerleader without being on the football team is to be in a rock band. But my favorite verse in that song is, 'I recall hanging out on Friday night. The first slow dance, hoping that I'll get it right.' That just epitomizes a great song."
  • The music video shows Eddie Money literally going back to a high school, where he remembers all the good times. Nick Morris, who also did the "Take Me Home Tonight" video, was the director.

Comments: 1

  • Blanco from Sw IndianaIt sounds like the songwriters were heavily influenced by shadows of the night by Pat Benatar. Also it's ironic to me that this was written in 1986 and he was longing for some time in the past, well so many of us now are longing for 1986.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.