Colin Hay's song "Sometimes I Wish" is about feeling nostalgic for different periods of time in history and the things that those times represent. The song suggests that while we may admire certain aspects of the past, we cannot have it all and must accept the challenges of our current time. The lyrics express a desire to have lived in different eras, such as the 1920s or the 18th century, and to have experienced the culture, music, and fashion of those times. The singer also acknowledges the hardships those periods had, especially referring to the wars in the 20th century. The song concludes with the realization that we cannot have everything we want all the time, and we should appreciate what we have in the present. The sentiment is that while it's natural to look back with fondness and curiosity, we must be content with the time and circumstances that we are in. Overall, the song is about appreciating the past while living in the present, and acknowledging that we cannot have it all. It encourages listeners to find joy in the present while still valuing the rich history of the human experience.
