"Wish You Were Here (You Ought To Be Here)" by Isaac Hayes is a heartfelt and emotional song about missing someone deeply. The lyrics express the narrator's longing for the person they love and their regret for hurting them. The song opens with the narrator expressing their sadness and yearning for the presence of their loved one. They feel incomplete without them, comparing it to a portrait without a face or a dancer without grace. The narrator prays for their love to guide them back. The chorus reveals the narrator's sincere apologies for any pain they have caused, acknowledging that they have paid the price and their absence has taken a toll on their sanity. They wish their loved one could see the remorse and love they now hold. The second verse is a plea to remember the happy times they shared. They reminisce about laughter and playfulness, emphasizing the promise that their love would last. The narrator expresses a desire to rebuild their relationship and recapture the joy they once experienced. They confess their deep need for their loved one's love. The bridge of the song demonstrates the narrator's sincerity in making amends, stating that they are willing to do their part to heal the relationship. The pain they feel due to the distance between them is intense, yet they keep hoping for their loved one's return. In the repeated chorus, the narrator continues to express their longing and urge their loved one to come back. They apologize for hurting them and emphasize that their intentions were never to cause harm. The song ends with a plea for their loved one to return, as the separation has been too long and their absence is deeply felt. Overall, "Wish You Were Here (You Ought To Be Here)" conveys the raw emotions of missing someone and the regret and desire to reconcile after hurting them. Isaac Hayes' soulful delivery further enhances the poignant sentiment of the song.
