In a remarkable turn of events, legendary singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley has secured his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 nearly three decades after his tragic passing. The surge in popularity stems from his haunting 1994 ballad “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” which has found new life through social media platforms, particularly TikTok. The song debuted at No. 97 on the chart, marking a significant milestone in Buckley’s enduring legacy.
A Song Resurrected
“Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” featured on Buckley’s iconic album *Grace*, has experienced a resurgence, racking up an impressive 3.8 million streams in the United States within just one week, from January 16 to 22. This new wave of interest can largely be attributed to its emotional resonance in TikTok videos, where users have paired the song’s poignant introduction with their own heartfelt moments.
Buckley’s poignant lyrics reflect the complexities of relationships, being inspired by his own experiences with love and loss. He once shared with an audience in Italy, “I wrote this song while lying listening to the telephone in my apartment. But she never called.” The raw honesty of his words continues to strike a chord, nearly 30 years after his untimely death.
Charting New Territory
Though never released as an official single, the track has made waves on various charts. It first appeared on the Hot Rock and Alternative Songs charts in April last year before temporarily dropping off. However, with the release of Amy Bergman’s acclaimed documentary *It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley* in August 2025, the song has surged back, peaking at No. 12 and demonstrating Buckley’s lasting impact on music.
Buckley, who tragically drowned in 1997 at the tender age of 30, had previously spent years honing his craft as a session musician. His influences ranged from Sufi devotional music to the works of Van Morrison and Nina Simone. He broke into the music scene in the early 1990s, captivating audiences in New York’s East Village and eventually signing with Columbia Records.
The Legacy of a Musical Icon
His debut album, *Grace*, released in 1994, established Buckley as a formidable talent. Following its success, he began work on what would be his second album, tentatively titled *My Sweetheart the Drunk*. Despite his promising career, Buckley’s life was cut short under tragic circumstances in May 1997 when he drowned while swimming in the Wolf River in Memphis.
In the years following his death, numerous compilations and live recordings have been released, further amplifying his legacy. The posthumous success of “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” serves as a powerful reminder of his artistic brilliance and the profound connection he established with listeners.
Why it Matters
The revival of Jeff Buckley’s music nearly thirty years after his death underscores the timeless quality of his artistry and the evolving dynamics of music consumption. Platforms like TikTok have the ability to breathe new life into classic songs, connecting them with younger audiences and ensuring that the artists’ legacies endure. Buckley’s haunting melodies and poignant lyrics continue to resonate, illustrating the enduring power of music to transcend time and space.
