About the song
Released in 1973, “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” is one of Aretha Franklin’s most beloved songs, showcasing her ability to blend soul, R&B, and pop with effortless grace. The song was included on her 1974 album “Let Me in Your Life” and became a major hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts. This track remains one of the defining moments of Franklin’s legendary career, proving once again why she was rightfully crowned the “Queen of Soul.”
A Song with a Rich History
Though it became a signature hit for Aretha Franklin, “Until You Come Back to Me” was originally written by Stevie Wonder, along with Morris Broadnax and Clarence Paul, in the mid-1960s. Wonder recorded a demo of the song but never officially released it at the time. The song eventually made its way to Franklin, who transformed it into a smooth yet deeply emotional ballad, infused with her signature gospel-tinged vocals and an irresistible groove.
Meaning and Emotional Depth
Lyrically, “Until You Come Back to Me” is a song about longing, devotion, and the determination to win back a lost love. Franklin’s delivery is both pleading and confident, as she sings about refusing to give up on someone who has left. The chorus, where she declares, “That’s what I’m gonna do,” captures the essence of the song—a mix of heartache, resilience, and unwavering love.
The instrumentation blends a smooth, jazz-influenced piano line with a subtle yet rhythmic bassline, giving the song a timeless appeal. The backing vocals and the warm, flowing orchestration create a sense of both intimacy and grandeur, making it a classic example of 1970s soul music.
Impact and Legacy
“Until You Come Back to Me” solidified Aretha Franklin’s status as an artist who could take a song—no matter who originally wrote it—and make it entirely her own. Her ability to inject raw emotion and gospel influences into pop-oriented tracks was unmatched. The song has since been covered by various artists, but Franklin’s version remains the definitive recording.
This track remains a staple in soul and R&B history, frequently played on classic radio stations and included in Franklin’s greatest hits compilations. It is a testament to her unparalleled artistry, proving that even a song originally penned by another legend—Stevie Wonder—could reach its fullest potential in her hands.
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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 doWhy 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 doLiving 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 doI’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