About the song
Unveiling the Soulful Ballad: Paul Rodgers’ “Wishing Well”
In the realm of rock music, few names resonate with the power and passion of Paul Rodgers. His distinctive voice, honed over decades of electrifying performances, has captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s landscape. Among his vast repertoire of iconic anthems, “Wishing Well” stands as a poignant ballad that unveils the depths of human emotion with raw honesty and heartfelt sincerity.
Released in 1994 as part of Rodgers’ solo album “Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon”, “Wishing Well” emerged as a beacon of solace and introspection, resonating deeply with listeners seeking solace amidst life’s trials and tribulations. The song’s opening notes, a delicate interplay of acoustic guitar and piano, set the stage for Rodgers’ emotive vocals, which effortlessly glide through a melody that is both melancholic and hopeful.
“Wishing Well” is a lyrical masterpiece, crafted by the songwriting duo of Russ Ballard and Bob Harris. Their words paint vivid images of love lost, dreams deferred, and the yearning for a simpler time. Rodgers’ delivery imbues each line with an authenticity that resonates with listeners, transforming the song into a shared experience, a collective journey through the labyrinth of human emotions.
The song’s chorus, with its poignant refrain of “Oh, wishing well, I can’t change the past”, encapsulates the bittersweet acceptance of life’s impermanence. Yet, amidst the melancholy, there lies a glimmer of hope, a belief in the power of resilience and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
“Wishing Well” has become a staple of Rodgers’ live performances, a testament to its enduring appeal and the profound connection it has forged with his fans. As he delivers the song with his characteristic intensity, the audience is transported to a realm of shared emotion, where personal struggles and triumphs intertwine, creating a tapestry of human experience.
In conclusion, “Wishing Well” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to touch the soul and transcend cultural boundaries. It is a song that speaks to the heart, offering solace, understanding, and a gentle reminder of the beauty and fragility of life’s journey. Paul Rodgers’ masterful performance elevates the song to an anthem of resilience and hope, a beacon of light amidst the storms of life.
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Lyrics
Take off your hat, kick off your shoes
I know you ain’t going anywhere
Run round the town singing your blues
I know you ain’t going anywhere
You’ve always been a good friend of mine
But you’re always saying farewell
And the only time that you’re satisfied
Is with your feet in the wishing well
Ooh
Wait
Throw down your gun, you might shoot yourself
Or is that what you’re trying to do
Put up a fight you believe to be right
And someday the sun will shine through
You’ve always got you something to hide
Something you just can’t tell
And the only time that you’re satisfied
Is with your feet in the wishing well
Ooh
Oh, but I know what you’re wishing for
Love in a peaceful world, I can’t hear you now
Love in a peaceful world, tell me, tell me, tell me
Love in a peaceful world
Oh ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma
Wow, oh, yeah
Ooh, look out baby
You’ve always been a good friend of mine
But you’re always saying farewell
And the only time that you’re satisfied
Is with your feet at the wishing well, yeah
Oh but I know
Everybody has a dream
Everybody has a wish
I wish you well
Dream on sweet dreamer
Way down deep in your wishing well
Oh
Wooh, wooh, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
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