You're The Wish You Are I Had
XTC · The Big Express [1984]
I turned around with the world and she simply was there
My blood ran like ice right through
She had your face and your lips
And your eyes and your hair
You're the wish you are I had
You're the wish you are I had
You're the wish that I had
I wonder if she knows that when I made her up
I made her eat an apple
And I made her drink a cup or two
Wish wish wish wish wish
Wish wish wish wish wish for you
Who'd believe me if I said
I brought an angel to earth by the power of mind
Think I'm going off my head
She caught the same bus as me and she sat down behind
You're the wish you are I had
You're the wish you are I had
You're the wish that I had
Little did I know that on a rainy day
All the little wishes I had put away
Would bring you
Wish wish wish wish wish
Wish wish wish wish wish for you
Well if wishing is bad bad bad
Then send me to hell hell hell
But If you take my wish away
Then this cold world would burn as well
You're the wish you are I had
You're The Wish You Are I Had
XTC's 'You're The Wish You Are I Had' stands as a standout track from their 1984 album, The Big Express. During this period, the band was refining their signature blend of new wave and art pop, moving away from the raw energy of their early years toward more intricate arrangements. This recording captures the group's ability to weave complex melodies with witty, observational lyrics, a hallmark of their extensive discography. The song reflects the sophisticated songwriting that defined their mid-eighties output, showcasing the interplay between Andy Partridge's composition and the band's tight musicianship. As part of a celebrated era in British rock, the track remains a testament to XTC's enduring influence on alternative music and their capacity for creating memorable, emotionally resonant work without relying on overt commercial hooks.