Expert: Bong Santos - 1/29/2007

Question
Hi Mr. Santos,

Over the last nine months I've been trying to determine the name of the artist for a song that went something like this:

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone, what you gonna do
Whatcha gonna say when I'm gone, what you gonna say

I've checked many lyrics sites to no avail.  Hopefully, you can lead me in the right direction.  Many thanks for your help.

Best Regards,
Ross

Answer
Dear Ross,

Your given clue reminds me of a lot of songs similar to that. But I have a feeling you are looking for this, I hope... WHATCHA GONNA DO by CHILLIWACK from their 1982 album OPUS X. CHILLIWACK was a Canadian rock band formed in 1964 out of Vancouver, British Columbia. OPUS X was their tenth album and earned for producers/members BILL HENDERSON (guitar, vocals) & BRIAN McLEOD (lead guitars, vocals) PRODUCER OF THE YEAR for that years' JUNO AWARDS. WHATCHA GONNA DO was a Billboard Hot 100 hit peaking at #41 on December 4, 1982. Here's how it goes:

WHATCHA GONNA DO / CHILLIWACK

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do
Watcha gonna do when I'm gone

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do
Watcha gonna do when I'm gone

There's no time for changing plans
I must believe it's in your hands
I know you'll wait, but for how long
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

When I'm away
You're going to have a good time

What can I say
Will you remember you're mine

What will you do
When they want to touch you
What will you do
When they want to get you

I know what they'll do
If you ever let em
Are you going to let em

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do (whatcha gonna do)
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do (whatcha gonna do)
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

When the boys all come to call
Will you take them in at all
Or will you send them all away
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

Why don't you run
And do what you wanna do
Ain't nothing wrong
Cause I'll be doing it too

If you give in, I don't wanna hear it
And if he wins, I don't wanna see it
Whatever you do, maybe you could hide it
Try to keep it quiet

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do
Watcha gonna do when I'm gone

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do
Watcha gonna do when I'm gone

And when it's night and I'm not there
When the cold is in the air
Will you make the best of it
With someone there to keep you warm

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

Where you gonna be when I'm gone
Who will be with you
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone
Whatcha gonna do (whatcha gonna do now)
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone

Where you gonna be
When I'm gone (when I'm gone)
Who will be with you
Whatcha gonna do when I'm gone


Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Phillipines