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Wish I Was Here

from Orphans and Singles by John Pippus

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    Confessional. Acoustic folk. Sad and introspective.
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about

Co-written with Trooper's Ra McGuire. I met Ra when I lived in White Rock back in the 90s. At that time, I had songwriting on the back burner. When he Googled me a few years ago, he found all these references that were about (recently rediscovered) songwriting and performing career. He got in touch, and I suggested we co-write sometime.

And so one day in 2007 I drove out to his house and we wrote this song. I had the bare bones, chords and lyrical idea for it, but I thought the chorus was coming in too late. Ra fixed the problem by saying, "Don't call it the chorus, call it the bridge". Simple! Problem solved.

What's it like to write a song with a guy who has a dozen top 10 hits and a wall full of gold records? It's pretty similar to co-writing with anyone actually. You're just caught up in the moment, trying to get something down that doesn't suck too bad so you can move on to the next line or section. Like playing in the sandbox. Share and play nice does it every time.

As with a lot of these performances of mine, I'm not completely happy with my vocal ability. I strain to hit some notes, and my phrasing can be awkward. If I could get someone like Michael Bolton (don't laugh, the guy has amazing pipes) or Rod Stewart to sing it, I would be a lot happier when I'm listening to it.

lyrics

I came in late, demons in my head
Passed out on the sofa, feeling halfway dead
I didn’t see the note until I felt the morning light
There beside the mirror where you left it last night

It said: “I’m sorry darlin’
Wish I was here
Instead of leaving you behind
With this sad souvenir
All the times I loved best
Were the times you were near
But even though I still love you
I can’t stay with you here”

With that note in my hand, I’m left with the regret
Of the truths I can’t remember, and the lies I can’t forget
I could have listened or trusted, but I kept you at bay
Until the one who loved me best, was finally driven away

And just like you
I wish I was here
With my feet on the ground
And my pathway clear
All the times I loved best
Were the times you were near
For your sake alone
I wish I was here

Wish I was here for you
Wish I could see your face
Wish I could be the man I know I could be
Wish I was here

Now I sit alone, weighing hope against fear
I know it’s down to me now, I wish I was here
More than you’ll ever know
I wish I was here.


© 2007 Ra McGuire / John Pippus

credits

from Orphans and Singles, released October 1, 2010
Words and music: Ra McGuire and John Pippus
Guitar and vocal: John Pippus
Produced by: Winston

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John Pippus Vancouver

"Reminiscent and harkening in spirit, in some ways, to Neil Young’s classic “Harvest,” Pippus and friends have made something much richer in tone and certainly more fitting for 2022.”

-Review of “Hermosa Star”, Great Dark Wonder ... more

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