Back Where You Belong

"Back Where You Belong"
Single by 38 Special
from the album Tour de Force
B-side	"Undercover Lover"
Released	1983
Recorded	1983
Studio	Studio One
Genre	Southern rock hard rock
Length	4:29
Label	A&M
Songwriter(s)	Gary O'Connor
Producer(s)	Rodney Mills Don Barnes Jeff Carlisi
38 Special singles chronology
"If I'd Been the One" (1983) "Back Where You Belong" (1983) "One Time for Old Times" (1984)
Music video
"Back Where You Belong" on YouTube

"Back Where You Belong" is a song by American rock band 38 Special and the second single from their sixth studio album Tour de Force (1983).

Composition

"Back Where You Belong" is a Southern rock song that combines guitars and keyboards in the instrumental. Lyrically, it is about the singer's wish for a lover who has left them to return and reconcile with them.^[1]

Critical reception

Bret Adams of AllMusic regarded "Back Where You Belong" as "more of a straightforward pop/rock song" than "If I'd Been the One", another track from Tour de Force.^[2] Skip Anderson of Classic Rock History wrote that Rodney Mills' "production expertise helped craft the song's crisp and dynamic sound, highlighting the dual guitar interplay of Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi, along with the robust rhythm section provided by bassist Larry Junstrom and drummer Steve Brookins. The track is driven by a powerful guitar riff and a hook-laden chorus that effectively captures the band's energetic style. The interplay between the guitars, keyboards, and strong vocal harmonies sets it apart, providing an infectious blend that is both Southern and arena rock at its core." He additionally remarked, "The sentimentality in the lyrics is balanced by the upbeat tempo and rock-driven arrangement, making it both a reflective and invigorating listening experience."^[1]

Charts

Chart (1984)	Peak position
US Billboard Hot 100[3]	20
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[4]	4

References

1. Anderson, Skip (May 9, 2017). "10 Essential 38 Special Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
2. Back Where You Belong at AllMusic
3. "Billboard Hot 100: Week of March 24, 1984". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
4. "Mainstream Rock Airplay: Week of February 18, 1984". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2024.