Cher – If I Could Turn Back Time
A power ballad that rewrote the rules—and the charts
In June 1989, Cher released “If I Could Turn Back Time” as the lead single from her nineteenth studio album Heart of Stone. Written by hitmaker Diane Warren, the song almost didn’t happen—Cher hated the demo and refused to record it until Warren famously begged her, even grabbing her leg in the studio. But once Cher sang it, she knew it was something special. The result? A soaring pop-rock anthem that became one of her biggest hits and most iconic moments.
Sound: rock polish with emotional punch
Produced by Diane Warren and Guy Roche, the track blends soft rock and pop rock with a crunchy, ’80s-style arrangement. Electric guitars, piano, and drums build a dramatic backdrop for Cher’s powerhouse vocals. Guitar legend Steve Lukather leads the charge, with additional riffs from Glenn Sciurba and Gene Black. The production is bold but clean—anthemic without being overblown.
Cher’s voice is front and center, recorded with a vintage U47 tube mic, and backed by a chorus of seasoned vocalists including Desmond Child, Maria Vidal, and Robin Beck.
Lyrics: regret, pride, and a plea for forgiveness
The song’s message is simple but powerful: wishing you could undo the damage caused by words spoken in anger. Lines like: “Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes…”
cut deep. Cher sings from a place of vulnerability, admitting fault and longing for reconciliation. It’s a confessional wrapped in a rock ballad, and her delivery makes it feel personal and universal all at once.
Music video: cannon straddling and MTV controversy
Directed by Marty Callner, the video was filmed aboard the USS Missouri in Long Beach, California. Cher performs for a crowd of sailors in a now-infamous outfit: a fishnet bodystocking under a black one-piece, revealing her tattoo and sparking outrage. The Navy expected a jumpsuit—what they got was pure Cher.
MTV initially banned the video, then restricted it to post-9pm airings. Despite (or because of) the controversy, the video became iconic, helping the song gain massive traction.
Chart climb: global success and a comeback crowned
The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 in Australia, and No. 6 in the UK. It also topped the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart, and hit the Top 10 in Canada, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, and New Zealand. Certified Gold in the U.S., Platinum in the UK, and 2× Platinum in Australia, it helped Heart of Stone sell over 4 million copies worldwide.
Legacy: a signature hit with staying power
“If I Could Turn Back Time” became a defining moment in Cher’s career. It’s been featured in Deadpool 2, ranked on Rolling Stone’s “Sexiest Music Videos” list, and named one of Billboard’s Top 100 LGBTQ+ Anthems. Cher has performed it on seven concert tours, most recently during Here We Go Again (2018–2020).
It’s more than a hit—it’s a cultural touchstone. A song that turned hesitation into triumph, and a video that turned heads for decades.