If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher

By Ron Powers

Back in June of 1989 Cher, the Goddess of Pop, released a top 10 hit called “If I Could Turn Back Time”. The song was the lead single off Heart of Stone, her 19th studio album. Interestingly, Cher originally balked at the idea of recording the song presented to her in demo form. However, producer Guy Roche was certain of the song's potential and convinced Cher to move forward with recording it. Together with songwriter Diane Warren, Roche produced this rock-ballad classic and Cher delivered a performance for the ages. The arena-sized guitars and soaring melodies of “If I Could Turn Back Time” have been filling hearts with its one-of-a-kind feeling for over 3 decades and the song’s timeless qualities will likely continue doing so for the foreseeable future.

Session guitarist Steve Lukather gets things started with a gently played chord progression that intersperses palm-muted and open-string strumming techniques. The guitar is processed through large-room reverb and delay effects along with overdrive to give the sound some bite. We also hear subtle and smooth synthesizer chords and cymbal taps sprinkled in creating a subtle shimmer in the music. This simple arrangement sets the stage for Cher’s distinct and powerful voice to deliver the iconic lines: “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 stay”. Here, the structural choice to include the chorus with the intro music sets the song up for success and hooks the listener right from the start.

After the intro chorus, things pick up slightly with two note chords palm muted and played with a quarter note rhythm. We also hear kick drum and touches of tom drums join with the guitar giving the verse music a simple but effective shape. Lyrically, Cher describes a remorseful scenario expressing regret for speaking unkind words to a former partner. As things move along, the energy increases dramatically with blasts of guitar and synth punctuated by drum crashes. Between each flurry of guitar and drums we hear Cher answer the music with increased energy and feeling in her vocals. Finally, the vocal melody and music join forces building toward the chorus with pop-sense perfection.

For the chorus we hear Cher’s vocals and the music revving things up hitting on all cylinders with that unmistakable 80s pop sound. The lyrical hook “If I could turn back time” is dramatically emphasized with epically huge harmonies and a heartfelt performance by Cher. After hearing just one line of the chorus it’s hard to imagine this song being anything else but a massive hit. Bassist John Pierce also plays a central role in creating the upbeat feel of the chorus with his simple yet effective staccato-quarter-note bassline. Additional sparkle is created with three catchy synth notes which fill the space between each line of Cher’s melody. Wrapping things up for the chorus, the music shifts to gentle synth chords while Cher sings “If I could turn back time” with a slightly hushed delivery. 

Cher is currently working on release plans for the second part of her memoir. She also continues her work toward rescuing wildlife from captivity and rehoming them to animal sanctuaries. If you would like to find out more about Cher and what she’s been up to you can follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. If you would like to listen to “If I Could Turn Back Time” or any of Cher’s other music you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold.

Ron Powers