When You Were Mine
The Church · Other Songs - The Church
A hundred lifetimes ago
You on a shore, across the point
I looked through my hands and you drew me a line
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
On a world like this
A hundred turns left to go
Deep in a room, which I've never seen
Outside it's so cold but I'm waiting for time
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
Plenty of islands between now and then
Rocks break the boats of the painted face men
And they drown, and they're born and they live once again
And this all happens when you were mine
In a storm like this
A hundred kisses of snow
You with another so easily sleep
What's real and what's dreamt become close and entwine
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
Plenty of islands between now and then
Rocks break the boats of the painted face men
And they drown, and they're born and they live once again
And this all happens when you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you were mine
When you, when you were mine
When You Were Mine
Released by The Church, "When You Were Mine" stands as a defining track of the 1980s alternative rock and post-punk revival scene. The song showcases the band's signature blend of jangly guitars, driving rhythms, and emotive vocals, characteristic of their work during the era when they were gaining international recognition. As a staple of their discography, the recording captures the raw energy and melodic sophistication that defined their catalogue, influencing countless artists in the indie and folk-rock genres. It remains a powerful example of how The Church transformed the sound of the decade, balancing aggressive instrumentation with introspective songwriting that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.