When Will I Return?

Album: The Glowing Man (2016)
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Songfacts®:

  • Swans frontman Michael Gira told Uncut the story behind this song: "I wrote that for my wife to sing. Seven years ago, before I met her, she was walking down a street in New Orleans late at night. A fellow jumped out of some bushes and attempted to abduct her – his car was waiting there, the door open. Being who she is, she fought vigorously. And he beat the s--t out of her. But eventually people came, and he fled, and she was hospitalized. I guess there was a person at large with an MO that matched this fellow, who was a serial killer. She had that whole thing where her life flashed in front of her eyes, and she just said I'm not letting this happen.

    These things have a lasting effect – it's altered her brain chemistry, her psyche forever. So this is a tribute, a prayer, saying how much I respect and appreciate her courage and strength."

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