Stevie Wonder - I Wish Lyrics Meaning

Sneaking out the back door to hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine- I used to sneak out at night to see a boy and my grandparents always called my friends hoodlums.

Greeted at the back door with, "Boy, thought I told you not to go outside"
Reminds me of my grandparents who were very protective. I was only allowed to go to school. Couldn’t do anything after school or on weekends.

Tryin' your best to bring the water to your eyes
Thinking it might stop her from whoopin' your behind
My mom chasing me around with a fly swatter when I’d get in trouble when I was on elementary school.

Brother said he's telling 'bout you playin' doctor with that girl
Just don't tell and I'll give you anything you want in this whole wide world - I played Dr with a boy in grade school. And he said don’t tell – but nothing happened.

Mama gives you money for Sunday school
You trade yours for candy after church is through - Buying drugs at the Catholic school I went to instead of lunch.

Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (You nasty boy) - Smoking cigarettes and weed in the bathroom of the Catholic school I went to.

Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the hall
I got sent to the principal’s office after smoking weed in a Catholic school

You grow up and learn that kind of thing ain't right
But while you were doing it, it sure felt outta sight
The first time I had sex.