We'll Be Coming Back (feat. Example)

"We'll Be Coming Back" explores the complex and often conflicting emotions that follow the end of an intense relationship. The song's central meaning revolves around nostalgia, regret, and the unwavering belief in an eventual reunion. It tells the story of a love that was dismantled, perhaps due to its own intensity, but left an indelible mark on the narrator. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing for a past time that felt vibrant and all-consuming, encapsulated in phrases like "I miss that day" and the recurring question, "Are we ever gonna feel the same?". The core message is one of hope and inevitability; despite the separation and the pain of leaving things behind, the connection is too profound to be permanently erased. The repeated promise, "We'll be coming back for you one day," acts as the song's thesis, suggesting that some bonds are destined to be revisited, driven by the powerful memories of a love that once "stole our hearts.".

The song delves into the duality of looking back at a passionate romance. On one hand, there is the euphoria of being "blinded by the lights" and "riding that wave"—a period of exhilarating, almost reckless joy. On the other hand, there is the sober realization that such intensity could not be sustained, leading to a point where "Someone had to draw a line." This creates a bittersweet tone, where the energetic, dance-driven music contrasts with the melancholic reflection of the lyrics. The overall meaning is a testament to the enduring power of a significant past love, acknowledging both its destructive potential and its magnetic pull that promises an eventual return.

The narrative of the song unfolds from the perspective of someone reminiscing about a past relationship that has ended. The opening lines, "We took it all apart but I'm wishing I'd stayed," immediately establish a sense of regret and a longing for what was lost. The speaker recalls a specific moment, something their partner said in a back room, highlighting how vivid and significant these memories remain. There's a feeling that the relationship ended prematurely, as expressed in the line, "We didn't wanna call it too early." Now, that shared past feels like a distant world, yet the memory of a particular day is intensely missed, prompting the poignant question: "Are we ever gonna feel the same?"

The chorus captures the emotional peak of the story, a mixture of reckless abandon and an inevitable conclusion. The imagery of "Standing in the light 'til it's over, out of our minds" suggests a period of intense, perhaps overwhelming, happiness and passion that they knew couldn't last forever. The relationship reached a breaking point where "Someone had to draw a line." Despite this separation, the core promise of the song emerges: "We'll be coming back for you one day." This refrain is not just a hopeful wish but a declaration of intent, a belief that their connection is too strong to be permanently severed. It’s a recurring thought, a haunting feeling that they will eventually return to what they left behind. The lyrics acknowledge the pain of the separation—"Sad to leave it all behind"—even while expressing a defiant intent to return.

The second verse expands on the intoxicating nature of the relationship, describing it as "riding that wave" and being "blinded by the lights." This suggests a whirlwind romance, full of excitement and a craving for that intensity. The repetition of missing that specific time reinforces the theme of nostalgia that runs through the entire song. The story isn't just about a simple breakup; it's about the memory of a feeling that the narrator is desperate to recapture.

The bridge introduces a more philosophical reflection on the cyclical nature of their love. Lines like "Gonna rise, gonna fall, getting pulled apart" acknowledge the inherent volatility and challenges within the relationship. Yet, the reason for enduring this turmoil is clear: "And we all do it all 'cause it stole our hearts." This powerful admission suggests that the connection, despite its difficulties, was profoundly meaningful and worth the struggle. The metaphor of lighting up the skies and ignoring the stars implies that their love was so all-consuming it became their entire universe, overshadowing everything else. This intense focus ultimately justifies the pain and reinforces the central promise of return, making the recurring phrase "We'll be coming back" feel like an unavoidable destiny rather than a mere possibility.

"We'll Be Coming Back" was released on July 27, 2012, as the fourth single from Calvin Harris's third studio album, 18 Months. The track is a collaboration with English singer and rapper Example (whose real name is Elliot Gleave), who co-wrote the song with Harris and provided the lead vocals. The song was recorded in 2012 at Fly Eye studio in London. The creation of this track was part of a significant period in Harris's career, as the 18 Months album marked his transition from a vocalist on his own tracks to a full-time producer collaborating with a roster of guest artists. An interesting piece of trivia is that rapper Dizzee Rascal had initially recorded a vocal for the track, but it was ultimately decided that it "didn't sound right," leading to Example's involvement. The song premiered on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show on May 31, 2012. It also appeared as the final track on Example's fourth studio album, The Evolution of Man, released later that year.

The song's rhythm is a defining characteristic, built upon a classic 4/4 time signature common in house and EDM music, with a tempo designed for the dancefloor. The driving kick drum provides a consistent, energetic pulse throughout the choruses and drops, creating a feeling of forward momentum that ironically contrasts with the lyrics' theme of looking backward. The verses have a slightly more subdued rhythmic feel, allowing Example's vocal cadence to take the lead.

The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and effective, primarily using pairs of rhyming lines (AABB) within the verses, such as "stayed" with "say" and "early" with "away" (a slant rhyme). This straightforward structure makes the lyrics memorable and complements the pop-oriented arrangement. For instance, in the bridge, "apart" rhymes with "hearts" and "stars" rhymes again with "hearts," creating a cohesive and impactful section. The rhythmic interplay between Example's syncopated vocal delivery and the steady electronic beat is a key feature, adding a dynamic layer to the song's overall groove.

Musically, "We'll Be Coming Back" is a prime example of Calvin Harris's signature sound from the early 2010s EDM era. The track is built on a progressive house and electro house framework. It begins with a melodic, guitar-driven introduction, which serves to establish the song's nostalgic and slightly melancholic lyrical theme. This softer opening quickly transitions into a high-energy, "hard electro synth-fuelled chorus." Harris employs techniques typical of the genre, including a driving four-on-the-floor beat, layered synthesizers, and a structure that builds tension through verses and pre-choruses before releasing it in an anthemic, instrumental-heavy drop. His production is noted for its polished, radio-friendly quality and catchy melodies.

Lyrically, the song features the distinct vocal style of Example, which blends singing with a rhythmic, rap-like delivery, particularly in the verses. This adds a narrative, conversational feel that contrasts with the soaring, sung chorus. The repetition of the key phrase "We'll be coming back for you one day" serves as a powerful hook, embedding the song's central theme of hopeful return in the listener's mind. The lyrical structure is straightforward, using a verse-chorus form that is easy to follow and enhances the song's pop accessibility.

"We'll Be Coming Back" was a significant commercial success and a defining track of the 2012 summer EDM boom. The song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, where it was held off the top spot for two consecutive weeks. It became Harris's fourth consecutive number-two single in the UK. In Ireland, the song was even more successful, debuting at number one, which marked a first for Example and Harris's second chart-topper in the country. The song also performed well in other countries like Australia.

The track was a cornerstone of Calvin Harris's highly influential album 18 Months, which cemented his status as a global superstar producer and was a landmark album for mainstream EDM. The music video, directed by Saman Kesh, received considerable attention for its high-octane narrative featuring Harris and Example as robbers in a stylish car chase in the Hollywood Hills. This cinematic video, featuring expensive sports cars, further boosted the song's profile. Although sometimes overshadowed by other massive hits from the same album like "We Found Love" and "Sweet Nothing," the song remains a fan favorite and a key track in both Calvin Harris's and Example's discographies.

The lyrics of "We'll Be Coming Back" employ several metaphors to convey the intensity and aftermath of the relationship.

• Blinded by the Lights / Riding That Wave: This imagery symbolizes the exhilarating, all-consuming, and perhaps disorienting nature of the romance. Being "blinded by the lights" suggests a love so bright and powerful it obscured everything else, possibly even red flags or the unsustainability of the situation. "Riding that wave" evokes a sense of being carried away by powerful, uncontrollable forces, highlighting the passion and momentum of their connection.
• Drawing a Line: This phrase is a direct metaphor for setting a boundary or making a definitive decision to end the relationship. It implies a necessary but painful conclusion, a moment of clarity or finality that had to be imposed on an otherwise chaotic emotional state.
• Light Up the Skies, So Ignore the Stars: This metaphor beautifully illustrates the idea that their relationship was the central, most important element in their lives, to the point where it overshadowed everything else. The "skies" represent their world, which they illuminated themselves, making the vastness and beauty of the "stars" (other aspects of life, the outside world) irrelevant. It speaks to the insular and self-contained world they created together.

The most significant recurring lyrical motif is the titular phrase, "We'll be coming back for you one day." This line functions as the song's central thesis and hook. Its repetition throughout the chorus and at the end of the song drills home the core message of inevitable return and unresolved feelings. It's a declaration of promise and hope that defines the entire emotional landscape of the track.

Another recurring phrase is the question, "Are we ever gonna feel the same?" This line, appearing at the end of each verse, serves as a moment of poignant reflection and doubt. It perfectly captures the feeling of nostalgia and the fear that the peak emotional intensity of the past can never be recaptured. This recurring question provides a vulnerable counterpoint to the confident assertion of the main hook, adding emotional depth and complexity to the song's narrative.