In a remarkable testament to the enduring power of music and the influence of social media, the late singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley has posthumously secured his first-ever entry on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. This historic achievement arrives nearly three decades after his tragic passing, propelled by a viral resurgence of his poignant 1994 ballad, "Lover, You Should've Come Over," on platforms like TikTok.
A Viral Revival on Social Media
The track, which originally featured on Buckley's only studio album, Grace, debuted at No. 97 on the Hot 100, as announced by Billboard. Notably, the song was never released as an official single during Buckley's lifetime. Its chart entry is attributed to an impressive 3.8 million streams in the United States over a single week in late January. Industry analysts point directly to TikTok, where the song's haunting and emotional introductory segment has been widely adopted by users, overlaying it on introspective and heartrending video clips, thus introducing Buckley's work to a new generation of listeners.
The Story Behind the Song
"Lover, You Should've Come Over" was penned by Buckley about the dissolution of his relationship with girlfriend Rebecca Moore. In a 1995 concert in Italy, he shared the intimate origins of the track, stating, "I wrote this song while lying listening to the telephone in my apartment. But she never called." The song's lyrical depth and raw emotion have clearly resonated across time.
This is not the track's first appearance on Billboard's radar. It initially charted on the Hot Rock and Alternative Songs list in April of last year, briefly fell off, then returned a month prior to the August 2025 release of Amy Bergman's critically acclaimed documentary, It's Never Over: Jeff Buckley. Since its return, it has remained a chart fixture, peaking at No. 12 on the rock and alternative charts.
Jeff Buckley's Legacy and Tragic End
Jeff Buckley, the son of musician Tim Buckley, first cultivated a dedicated following in the early 1990s through performances in New York City's East Village. After signing with Columbia Records in 1992, he released Grace in 1994 to critical acclaim. He began work on a second album, tentatively titled My Sweetheart the Drunk, in 1996.
Tragically, in May 1997, while awaiting his band's arrival in Memphis, Tennessee, Buckley went for a swim in the Wolf River. He was caught in the wake of a passing tugboat and drowned in an accidental death at the age of 30. His musical legacy, however, has continued to grow posthumously through numerous compilations, live recordings, and demo releases.
A Musical Journey Remembered
Buckley's artistic journey was one of exploration and depth. Prior to his breakthrough, he worked as a session musician, delving into a diverse repertoire that included Sufi devotional music and influences from artists like Van Morrison and Nina Simone. A pivotal moment came in 1991 when he performed at a tribute to his late father in a Brooklyn church, covering Tim Buckley's song "I Never Asked to Be Your Mountain"—a track written about the father's departure when Jeff was just an infant.
The current chart success of "Lover, You Should've Come Over" underscores how digital platforms can breathe new life into classic artistry, ensuring that Jeff Buckley's voice and emotional resonance continue to captivate audiences long after his passing.
