I Wish

About this song

Skee-Lo's debut single became an international hit, reaching the top 30 in several countries and peaking at number 13 in the US in September 1995. It is his only song to appear on the Hot 100. He wrote most of the lyrics during a college study session, then added music after hearing a horn section in an old record, and came up with the chorus while freestyling in a parking lot. Unlike the boastful rap of the time, the lyrics are self-deprecating. Skee-Lo later said he never earned money from the song's first five years of success and stepped back from his career in protest against his record label.

What it's about

The song is Skee-Lo lamenting his personal and financial shortcomings, which he blames for his failed attempts to get a girlfriend.

Fun facts

• Samples “Spinnin' by Bernard Wright” and “Love's Taken Over by Chanté Moore”.
• Sampled in 10 other songs, like “History of Rap 5 by Jimmy Fallon (Ft. Justin Timberlake)”.
• Covered 2 times, including “I Wish by The Secret Handshake”.
• Written by Alvin Flythe Jr., Anne Dudley, Malcolm McLaren, Skee-Lo and Trevor Horn.
• Produced by Skee-Lo and Walter Kahn.