I Wish You Were Here (song)

## **I Wish You Were Here**

"**I Wish You Were Here**" is the first promotional and third track off of Sean Kennedy's fourth studio album, *Forever Us*. The track was first teased on February 28, 2023. It was officially announced on March 3, 2023, for a release on March 10. The song includes similar themes to the album's lead single, "Memory", in which Sean expresses concern about leaving for college and an inevitable long distance relationship.

## Background and Release

In an Instagram story post announcing the song, Kennedy explained that "I Wish You Were Here" was the first time he had collaborated with producer Francesco Massidda, after trying out the song with several other producers. He also went on to say he wrote the song right before leaving for college, and that it represented an important theme within his upcoming record.

On February 28, 2023, the Instagram account @SeanKennedyOfficial started posting three images a day until the cover art was revealed. The song was officially announced on March 3 for a release the following week.

Upon its release, Sean confirmed the song was recorded in three different locations. His lead vocal was recorded on campus at Holy Cross, his backing vocals were recorded in his home studio, and Francesco Massidda co-produced the song from his studio in Italy. CD singles of the song were sold on Kennedy's website.

On March 27, a more straightforward pop remix of the song by American producer Dan Schmalz was released. It is possile the remix is one of the other versions of the track made by various producers before Sean chose the final version.

The song made its radio debut on June 24 on the *Formula Indie* Radio Station.

## Composition

Musically, "I Wish You Were Here" is an up-tempo pop-rock song. It is composed in the key of A♭ Major, and it's in common time with a tempo of 145 beats per minute. The song features acoustic and electric guitars, pianos, synthesizers, drums and percussion.

## Dan Schmalz Remix

The remix of "I Wish You Were Here" maintains many aspects of the original song, but replaces the electric guitars with big synthesizers and utilizes programmed drums. It remains in the key of A♭ Major, and it's in common time with a tempo of 145 beats per minute.

## Lyric Video

The lyric video for "I Wish You Were Here" was released alongside the song.

#### Remix Lyric Video

The song's lyric video was re-edited to go alongside the release of the Dan Schmalz remix.

## Commercial Release

### Digital Release

**I Wish You Were Here - Single**

**I Wish You Were Here (Dan Schmalz Remix) - Single**

## Cross-References

* Gold and blue are mentioned in "Happy Birthday".
* The line "I wish you were here" is interpolated in "Mine".
* The phrase "In my arms" is also used in "Time of My Life".
* Driving is mentioned in "Another Life", "Memory" and "Serene", among others.
* Stars are mentioned in "Memory".

## Official Versions

* Single Version - 4:11
* Dan Schmalz Remix Version - 4:11
* Lyric Video Version - 4:15

## Lyrics

A coruscate of gold in all the blue

Getting used to waking up and you're right here

To talk it through

But summer's come and gone with no alert

Soon we both go on to school and I just hope

We'll make it work

There’s a calmness to your voice

And I can’t even make a choice

‘Cause there is something taking all my words away

But every day and every night

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

(You should know it, baby)

Every time I see you I smile

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

I close my eyes to see your face again

1,300 miles away, but you're still here

When I pretend

There’s a cracking in my voice

And now I know I’ve made my choice

‘Cause I can’t fathom that you’re not here in my arms

But every day and every night

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

(You should know it, baby)

Every time I see you I smile

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

And I know, I know, I know

That you're mine

But I can't sit back and wait

For the time

That I get to have you in my arms tonight

You should know it, baby

Every day and every night

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

Driving 'round through the endless night and

You're brighter than every star that's shining

I hope you know that I'll never let you go

(You should know it, baby)

Driving 'round through the endless night and

You're brighter than every star that's shining

I hope you know that I'll never let you go, no, no

Every day and every night

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

(You should know it, baby)

Every time I see you I smile

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

And I know, I know, I know

That you're mine

But I can't sit back and wait

For the time

That I get to have you in my arms tonight

You should know it, baby

Every day and every night

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

Every day and every night

I wish you were here

I wish you were here

## References

1. ↑ Sean's "SK4" Story Highlight.
2. ↑ SeanKennedyOfficial Instagram Teaser.
3. ↑ I Wish You Were Here Announcement.
4. ↑ I Wish You Were Here Credits.
5. ↑ *Formula Indie* Programming Times.