About the song
Background
- Original Artists: The Four Seasons, led by the iconic falsetto of Frankie Valli.
- Written By: Songwriting duo Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell.
- Released: 1966
- Success: Reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100. While popular, it wasn’t one of their biggest chart toppers.
- Notable Covers:
- The Spinners had a successful soul version in 1979.
- Boyzone included it in their 1999 album.
Themes
- Regret and Reconciliation: At its core, the song is about a person who has made mistakes in a relationship and is filled with regret. They express deep remorse for their actions.
- Determination: There’s an unwavering determination to mend the relationship. The narrator expresses a willingness to do whatever it takes.
- Persistence: The idea of “working my way back” implies ongoing effort and a refusal to give up on the love they lost.
- Forgiveness: There’s an underlying hope for forgiveness and a second chance at happiness.
Lyrics Analysis
Here’s a look at some key lines and what they mean:
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“Forgive me for being untrue, I’ve wandered far away from you”
- An acknowledgment of betrayal and breaking the partner’s trust.
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“But now I see my foolish ways, I’m coming home, I’ll spend my days…”
- A realization of the errors made, along with a clear declaration to return.
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“Working my way back to you babe, with a burning love inside…”
- The central theme of effort and commitment. The love is described as “burning”, signifying its intensity and that it was never truly extinguished.
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“Nothing to do but confess, I’ve been a fool and I long for your caress…”
- Openly admitting wrongdoing and expressing a deep longing to be reunited with their partner.
Overall
“Working My Way Back to You” is a classic song about the complexities of relationships, second chances, and the enduring power of love. The Four Seasons’ vocals and the song’s heartfelt lyrics are what have made it resonate for decades.
Video
Lyrics
I’m workin’ my way back to you babe
With a burnin’ love inside
Yeah I’m workin’ my way back to you babe
And the happiness that died
I let it get away
Paying every day
When you were so in love with me
I played around like I was free
Thought I could have my cake and eat it too
But how I cried over losin’ you
See me down and out
But I ain’t about to go livin’ my life without you
For every day, I made you cry
I’m payin’ girl, till the day that I die
I’ll keep workin’ my way back to you babe
With a burnin’ love inside
I’m workin’ my way back to you babe
And the happiness that died
I let it get away
Been payin’ every day
I used to love to make you cry (Make you cry)
It made me feel like a man inside (Baby, baby)
But if I’d been a man in reality (Cry, cry)
You’d still be here babe, lovin’ me
Now the nights are long and lonely
And I ain’t too strong babe, I just miss you so
And you’re too proud, you won’t give in
But when I think, about all I could win
I keep workin’ my way back to you babe
With a burnin’ love inside
Mmm, I’m workin’ my way back to you babe
And the happiness that died
I let it get away
Been payin’ every day
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I’m workin’ my way back to you babe
With a burnin’ love inside
Ooh, I’m workin’ my way back to you babe
And the happiness that died
Oh, how I cried
Workin’ my way back to you babe
With a burnin’ love inside
I’m workin’ my way back to you babe