About the song
Released in 1989 as the lead single from her nineteenth studio album Heart of Stone, “If I Could Turn Back Time” marked one of Cher’s most iconic comebacks — a power ballad that fused emotional yearning with bold, arena-ready production. Written by hitmaker Diane Warren and produced by Peter Asher, the song was initially rejected by Cher herself, who thought it didn’t suit her. Thankfully, Warren persisted — and Cher ultimately delivered one of the most memorable performances of her career.
The track became a major hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and returning Cher to the top of the pop charts. But it wasn’t just the song’s soaring chorus that captured attention — it was also the music video, featuring Cher on the deck of the USS Missouri in a black, sheer bodysuit, that sparked headlines and controversy.
The story and style
“If I Could Turn Back Time” is a song about regret — not subtle, not complicated, just pure, raw remorse over pushing someone away. The lyrics are direct and vulnerable:
“Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes…”
Cher sings from a place of emotional power, not passivity. The song is a plea, but it’s not desperate — it’s bold, declarative, and charged with a mix of sorrow and defiance. It’s a classic “power apology,” wrapped in the kind of soaring vocal that demands attention.
That mix of emotion and confidence is quintessential Cher — even when she’s sorry, she’s strong.
The sound and production
Musically, “If I Could Turn Back Time” is a power ballad in the grand tradition of late ‘80s pop-rock. It opens with a stark, chiming guitar riff before building into a sweeping chorus, complete with pounding drums, layered backing vocals, and Cher’s unmistakable contralto cutting through the mix.
Diane Warren crafted a melody that gave Cher room to soar, and Peter Asher’s production makes every beat hit like an emotional drum. It’s lush, anthemic, and built for maximum singalong potential. The guitar solo — provided by Steve Lukather of Toto — adds a touch of rock swagger to an otherwise radio-ready production.
Legacy and cultural impact
The song became one of Cher’s signature tracks, revitalizing her music career just as her acting star was also on the rise. The music video — banned by MTV during daytime hours for its risqué visuals — made Cher a talking point across generations, cementing her reputation as fearless, provocative, and utterly iconic.
“If I Could Turn Back Time” has since appeared in films, TV shows, and pop culture references galore. It remains a karaoke favorite and a staple of Cher’s live performances, often closing her concerts with a spectacular, costume-laden finale.
The track helped position Cher not just as a ‘60s and ‘70s icon, but as a pop force well into the MTV generation — a rare feat for any artist, let alone one already decades into her career.
Final thoughts
“If I Could Turn Back Time” is pure, unapologetic power-pop — emotional without being weak, theatrical without being hollow. It’s a towering anthem of remorse that still manages to feel empowering, thanks to Cher’s unparalleled vocal force and magnetic presence.
More than just a hit song, it’s a moment in pop history. Whether blasting through arena speakers or echoing in late-night heartbreak playlists, the song captures that universal feeling of wanting a do-over — and turns it into something fierce, fabulous, and unforgettable.
Video
Lyrics
“If I Could Turn Back Time”
If I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I’d take back those words that’ve hurt you
And you’d stayI don’t know why I did the things I did
I don’t know why I said the things I said
Pride’s like a knife it can cut deep inside
Words are like weapons they wound sometimesI didn’t really mean to hurt you
I didn’t wanna see you go
I know I made you cry, but babyIf I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I’d take back those words that’ve hurt you
And you’d stay
If I could reach the stars
I’d give them all to you
Then you’d love me, love me
Like you used to doIf I could turn back time
My world was shattered I was torn apart
Like someone took a knife and drove it deep in my heart
You walked out that door I swore that I didn’t care
But I lost everything darling then and thereToo strong to tell you I was sorry
Too proud to tell you I was wrong
I know that I was blind, and darlingIf I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I’d take back those words that’ve hurt you
And you’d stay
If I could reach the stars
I’d give them all to you
Then you’d love me, love me
Like you used to doOh
If I could turn back time
If I could turn back time
If I could turn back time
Oh babyI didn’t really mean to hurt you
I didn’t want to see you go
I know I made you cry, but ohIf I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I’d take back those words that’ve hurt you
If I could reach the stars
I’d give them all to you
Then you’d love me, love me
Like you used to doIf I could turn back time (Turn back time)
If I could find a way (Find a way)
Then maybe, maybe, maybe
You’d stay
Reach the stars
If I could reach the stars…