Friday Song: "Wish I Knew You," the Revivalists
A haunting song with a big concept and a beautiful circle of chords at its heart
By Kent Anderson
Sometimes, a song’s structure is so wonderful and appropriate, it leaves you a little shaken. For me, the Revivalists’ “Wish I Knew You” is one such song. Telling the story of two lives that connect later than either would have liked, it’s all about two lines intersecting gracefully if belatedly to form a circle. To match this big concept, the chord structure drifts up to a very satisfying chorus, where a lovely circle of chords emerges and repeats — Cm, Fm, Bb, Eb, Gm, and back to Cm to start it all again, like a waltz, and it’s almost dizzying as you listen to it.
Appropriately, the video shows a couple dancing, the harmony and circularity of the song and concept perfectly captured visually.
David Shaw, the group’s vocalist, wrote the song sitting on his front porch. It became the band’s first hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Rock chart. It charted on other lists, as well, including the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was featured in the season finale of the USA series, “Suits,” marking Meghan Markle’s last appearance in the show, due to her impending marriage to Prince Harry.
Have a good weekend!