Turn Back the Clock

Song written by Clark Datchler.
‘Turn Back the Clock’ was the title track of Johnny Hates Jazz‘s debut album, which was released on 11 January 1988. The single ‘Turn Back the Clock’ was released as the third single from that album, just a few weeks before the album was released. The music video was directed by Brian Grant.
Kim Wilde performed backing vocals on this song.

Versions

Two versions of ‘Turn Back the Clock’ were released originally: the album version and the 12″ extended mix. In the extended mix, Kim’s backing vocals are featured more prominently.
A remastered version of the album in 2008 featured an ‘unreleased version’ of ‘Turn Back the Clock’, featuring a different arrangement and without backing vocals by Kim.
In 2018, a deluxe edition of the album featured an acoustic version of ‘Turn Back the Clock’, but without backing vocals by Kim. The album also included the original demo version of the song, also recorded without Kim.

Formats

‘Turn Back the Clock’ was released on 7″, 12″, CD-single and cassette single.
See this page in the discography.

Kim about ‘Turn back the clock’

I have known Calvin Hayes since the ‘Kids in America’ days. In fact he’s on my very first album sleeve! I bumped into him while going to the dry cleaners one day, and I told him how much I liked ‘I Don’t Want to Be a Hero’, and if he wanted anymore backing vocals to give me a call. So he did.

Highest chart positions

Belgium: 9
Finland: 12
Germany: 19
Iceland: 1
Ireland: 17
Netherlands: 5
New Zealand: 3
Sweden: 20
UK: 12


Lyrics

Another day is ended
And I still can’t sleep
Remembering my yesterdays
I begin to weep
If I could have it over
Live my life again
I wouldn’t change a single day

I wish that I could turn back the clock
Bring the wheels of time to a stop
Back to the days when life was so much better

Lying here in silence
Picture in my hand
Of a boy I still resemble
But I no longer understand
And as the tears run freely
How I realise they were the best years of my life

I wish that I could turn back the clock
Bring the wheels of time to a stop
Back to the days when life was so much better

You might say it’s just
A case of giving up
No
But without these memories where is the love
Where is the love

If I could have it over
Live my life again
I wouldn’t change a single day

I wish that I could turn back the clock
Bring the wheels of time to a stop
Back to the days when life was so much better

Why can’t I turn back the clock
Bring the wheels of time to a stop
Back to the days
Oh no no
I remember when
Life was so good
I’d go back if I could
Oh oh I wouldn’t change a single day
Don’t let the memories slip away
I wouldn’t change a single day
Don’t let the memories slip away