Goin' Back (Goldie)

3 MARCH 1966

The Carole King-penned song 'Goin' Back' was successfully covered by artists such as Dusty Springfield and the Byrds, but it was first recorded and released in March 1966 by US singer Genya Ravan ('Goldie', of Goldie and the Gingerbreads). However, she made some changes to the lyrics that King disagreed with and the record was quickly withdrawn. Dusty Springfield then released her own version of the song a couple of months later and had a big hit with it.

Goldie and the Gingerbreads were the first all-female rock act signed to a major label (Decca in 1963). Their biggest hit was ‘Can You Hear My Heartbeat’ in 1965, which reached #25 in the UK charts, but before they could release the song in the USA, Herman’s Hermits rushed out their own version there and scored a big hit with it.

'I think I'm goin' back

To the things I learned so well in my youth

I think I'm returning to those days

When I was young enough to know the truth

Now there are no games to only pass the time

No more electric trains, no more trees to climb

Thinking young and growing older is no sin

And I can play the game of life to win

I can recall a time

When I wasn't ashamed to reach out to a friend

Now I think

I've got a lot more than just my toys to lend

Now there's more to do

Than watch my sailboat glide

And every day can be

My magic carpet ride

A little bit of courage is all we lack

So catch me if you can, I'm goin' back'