About the song
Background
- Original Artists: The song was originally written and recorded by Stevie Wonder, Morris Broadnax, and Clarence Paul. It appeared on Stevie Wonder’s 1967 album “Down to Earth.”
- Aretha’s Rendition: Aretha Franklin released her powerful rendition in 1973, making the song a huge commercial success. Her passionate vocals and the song’s arrangement transformed it into a timeless soul anthem.
- Significance: The song is considered a landmark in Aretha’s career and a classic of the soul genre.
Lyrics & Themes
The lyrics express deep longing and unwavering devotion to a lost love. Here are the central themes:
- Heartbreak and Longing: The speaker is consumed by sadness in the lover’s absence. Every day feels empty and incomplete.
- Unwavering Devotion: Despite the pain, the speaker remains steadfast in their love, vowing to wait patiently until their beloved returns.
- Persistence & Hope: The song carries a tone of determination. While there’s sadness, there’s also a sense of enduring hope that love will eventually find its way back.
Musical Style
Aretha’s version exemplifies classic soul music:
- Powerful Vocals: Aretha’s raw, gospel-infused vocals are the heart of the song, conveying the intense emotional landscape of the lyrics.
- Piano & Organ: The piano and organ create a rich, soulful base for the song.
- Call and Response: The backing vocals and Aretha’s own call and response within the song add to the passionate, yearning atmosphere.
Legacy
“Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” remains a beloved song, frequently covered by artists and used in movies and television. It’s a testament to the power of love, loss, and the enduring hope of the human spirit.
Video
Lyrics
Though you don’t call anymoreI sit and wait in vainI guess I’ll rap on your door (your door)Tap on your windowpane (tap on your windowpane)I want to tell you, babyChanges I’ve been going throughMissing you, listen you
‘Til you come back to me, that’s what I’m gonna do
Why did you have to decideYou had to set me free?I’m going to swallow my pride (my pride)I’m gonna beg you to pleaseBaby, please see me (baby won’t you see me?)I’m going to walk by myselfJust to prove that my love is trueAll for you baby
‘Til you come back to me, that’s what I’m gonna do
Living for you, my dearIs like living in a world of constant fearHear my plea (hear my plea)I’ve got to make you see (got to make you see)That our love is dying (our love is dying)
Although your phone you ignoreSomehow I must, somehow I must, how I must explainI’m going to rap on your door (your door)Tap on your windowpane (tap on your windowpane)I’m going to camp by your stepsUntil I get through to youI’ve got to change your view, baby
‘Til you come back to me, that’s what I’m gonna do‘Til you come back to me, that’s what I’m gonna do‘Til you come back to me, that’s what I’m gonna do
I’m going to rap on your door (tap on)Tap on your windowpaneOpen out baby, I’m gonna rap on your door (tap on)Tap on your, tap on your (tap on)Tap on your, tap on your windowpane (tap on your windowpane)I’m going to rap on your door (rap on it)Tap on your windowpaneOpen out baby