Stevie Wonder – Another Star

About the Song

Background

• Album: “Another Star” is the closing track on side four of Stevie Wonder’s critically acclaimed 1976 double-album masterpiece, Songs in the Key of Life.
• Musicality: The song features a rich and textured sound blending R&B, soul, Latin percussion, and hints of disco. This sonic blend reflects Wonder’s eclectic musical tastes.
• Notable Feature: A captivating flute solo by Bobbi Humphrey adds a touch of ethereal beauty in the latter half of the song.

Themes

• Loss and Hope: The song explores themes of loss and grief, possibly alluding to the death of a loved one. However, it also carries a strong message of hope, suggesting that the spirit of the departed lives on in a metaphorical “star”.
• Spirituality: There’s a spiritual undercurrent, with references to heaven and the idea of the soul transcending physical existence.
• Celebration: Ultimately, “Another Star” is a celebration. It celebrates the life of the one who has passed and the enduring nature of love and memory.

Lyrics

Here’s a look at some key lyrics and their interpretations:

• “Another star, in the sky tonight / Another voice, to guide me with its light”

  • These lines introduce the central metaphor of the deceased person transforming into a guiding star.

• “A song I heard, so many times before / But now it seems, to mean a whole lot more”

  • This suggests the power of memories and how they can take on new meaning in the context of loss.

• “It’s like a part of you, has gone away / But in my heart, you’ll always stay”

  • A clear and poignant expression of the mixed emotions of grief and the enduring power of love.

• “Another star, up in heaven tonight / And though you’re gone, your love will always shine so bright”

  • Reinforces the idea of the deceased transforming into a source of inspiration and comfort.

Overall

Stevie Wonder’s “Another Star” is a beautiful and complex song that touches upon universal themes of loss, love, and the human spirit. It reflects his ability to blend personal experience with profound ideas, all set to a captivating musical backdrop.

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