About the song
In the realm of soul music, few voices resonate with the raw emotion and heartfelt sincerity of Luther Vandross. His velvety vocals, capable of soaring heights and tender whispers, have captivated audiences for decades, imbuing each note with an authenticity that has cemented his status as a legendary R&B icon. Among his vast repertoire of soulful gems, “Here and Now” stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, a ballad that celebrates the power of living in the present moment and cherishing the love that surrounds us.
Released in 1985 as part of Vandross’s critically acclaimed album “The One I Love”, “Here and Now” quickly established itself as a timeless classic. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal human desire to find meaning and joy in the midst of life’s fleeting moments.
Vandross’s masterful delivery of the song’s lyrics, penned by renowned songwriter Phillip Bailey, paints a vivid portrait of a heart seeking solace and inspiration in the face of adversity. The opening lines, “When you’re feeling lost and low / And you don’t know where to go,” set the stage for a journey of self-discovery and emotional renewal.
As the song progresses, Vandross’s voice swells with emotion, conveying the protagonist’s growing sense of determination to embrace the present moment and find gratitude amidst life’s challenges. The lyrics, “Here and now, let’s make the most of it / Let’s make it last, let’s live it to the fullest,” serve as a powerful mantra, urging listeners to seize the day and cherish the love and beauty that surrounds them.
The song’s poignant chorus serves as a triumphant declaration of hope, echoing the protagonist’s newfound resolve to embrace life’s fleeting moments with open arms:
“Here and now, we’re gonna make it work Here and now, we’re gonna make it hurt Here and now, we’re gonna make it count Here and now, we’re gonna shout”
Vandross’s vocal performance in the chorus is nothing short of breathtaking, his voice soaring to impassioned heights as he conveys the depth of the protagonist’s newfound optimism. Each note is infused with a palpable sense of determination, resonating with listeners who have faced their own challenges and emerged stronger and more resilient.
“Here and Now” is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of resilience and hope, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to find joy and meaning in the present moment. Vandross’s masterful interpretation of the lyrics, coupled with the song’s timeless melody and uplifting message, has cemented its place as an enduring classic, a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire the human spirit.
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Lyrics
One look in your eyes and there I seeJust what you mean to meHere in my heart I believeYour love is all I’ll ever needHoldin’ you close through the nightI need you, yeahI look in your eyes and there I seeWhat happiness really meansThe love that we share makes life so sweetTogether we’ll always beThis pledge of love feels so rightAnd, ooh, I need youHere and nowI promise to love faithfully (Faithfully)You’re all I needHere and nowI vow to be one with thee (You and me), heyYour love is all (I need) I needSay, yeah, yeahWhen I look in your eyes, there I’ll seeAll that a love should really beAnd I need you more and more each dayNothin’ can take your love awayMore than I dare to dreamI need youHere and nowI promise to love faithfully (Faithfully)You’re all I needHere and nowI vow to be one with thee (You and me), yeahYour love is all I needOoh, and I’m starting nowI believe (I believe in love), I believe(Starting here) I’m starting right here(Starting now) Right now because I believe in your loveSo I’m glad to take the vowHere and now, ohI promise to love faithfully (Faithfully)You’re all I needHere and now, yeahI vow to be one with thee (You and me), yeahYour love is all I need