About the Song
Background
- Album: Released in 1976 on Wonder’s iconic album Songs in the Key of Life
- Inspiration: The song was inspired by a period of spiritual reflection Stevie Wonder experienced during a trip to Ghana. He developed an appreciation for the enduring nature of love and its connection to the natural world.
- Success: “As” spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been covered by many notable artists including George Michael and Mary J. Blige.
Themes
- The Eternal Nature of Love: The central theme is the everlasting quality of love. Wonder proclaims his love will endure throughout time, even beyond seemingly impossible events.
- Connection to Nature: Wonder repeatedly uses natural imagery to symbolize the enduring and cyclical quality of love.
- Spiritual Love: The song can be interpreted as an expression of love for a person, a spiritual higher power, or the world as a whole.
Lyrics
- Everlasting Promises: Wonder boldly declares his love using phrases like “until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky…always,” and “until the day that you are me and I am you.”
- Impossible Imagery: The lyrics paint a picture of grand impossibilities to drive home the point that the love Wonder feels will exist even when the laws of nature seem upside-down (oceans covering mountains, dolphins flying, etc.).
Legacy
“As” remains one of Stevie Wonder’s most beloved songs. Its message of enduring love and its lush, soulful musical arrangement have cemented its place as a timeless classic. It’s a popular choice for weddings and other events celebrating profound love.
Video
Lyrics
As around the sun the earth knows she’s revolvingAnd the rosebuds know to bloom in early mayJust as hate knows love’s the cureYou can rest your mind assureThat I’ll be loving you always
As now can’t reveal the mystery of tomorrowBut in passing will grow older every dayJust as all that’s born is newYou know what I say is trueThat I’ll be loving you always
always(Until the ocean covers every mountain high) always(Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea) always(Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)
Did you know that true love asks for nothingHer acceptance is the way we payDid you know that life has given love a guaranteeTo last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginningAnd the seasons know exactly when to changeJust as kindness knows no shameKnow through all your joy and painThat I’ll be loving you always
As today I know I’m living but tomorrowCould make me the past but that I mustn’t fearFor I’ll know deep in my mindThe love of me I’ve left behind‘Cause I’ll be loving you always
always(Until the trees and seas just up and fly away) always(Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four) always(Until the day that is the day that are no more)Did you know you’re loved by somebody?(Until the day the earth starts turnin’ right to left) always(Until the earth just for the sun denies itself) I’ll be lovin’ you forever(Until dear mother nature says her work is through) always(Until the day that you are me and I am you) always(Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)Until the ocean severs every mountain high) always
We all know sometimes life hates and troublesCan make you wish you were born in another time and spaceBut you can bet your lifetimes that and twice it’s doubleThat god knew exactly where he wanted you to be placedSo make sure when you say you’re in it, but not of itYou’re not helpin’ to make this earthA place sometimes called hellChange your words into truthsAnd then change that truth into loveAnd maybe our children’s grandchildrenAnd their great grandchildren will tellI’ll be loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the skyLoving youUntil the ocean covers every mountain highLoving youUntil the dolphin flies and parrots live at seaLoving youUntil we dream of life and life becomes a dreamBe loving youUntil the day is night and night becomes the dayLoving youUntil the trees and seas up, up and fly awayLoving youUntil the day that eight times eight times eight is fourLoving youUntil the day that is the day that are no moreLoving youUntil the day the earth starts turning right to leftBe loving youUntil the earth just for the sun denies itselfLoving youUntil dear mother nature says her work is throughLoving youUntil the day that you are me and I am youNow ain’t that loving you