Stevie Wonder – As

About the song

“As” by Stevie Wonder is a remarkable masterpiece that epitomizes the essence of love and spiritual connection. Released on September 28, 1976, this soulful track is part of Wonder’s groundbreaking album “Songs in the Key of Life,” widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in music history. With its rich musicality and profound lyrics, “As” has transcended generations, remaining a timeless anthem of devotion and unity.

The Meaning of “As”

At its core, “As” is a celebration of unconditional love. The song’s poetic lyrics revolve around the idea that love is eternal and transcendent. Stevie Wonder employs celestial and natural imagery, singing lines like “Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky” and “Until the ocean covers every mountain high” to emphasize the boundless and enduring nature of true affection. It’s not only a romantic ode but also a universal expression of love’s permanence and power, resonating with listeners on both a personal and spiritual level.

The word “As” in the title represents a moment of affirmation and presence—acknowledging love as it exists in the here and now, while also envisioning its infinite future. This duality of immediacy and eternity gives the song a profound emotional depth that few tracks achieve.

The Musical Composition

Stevie Wonder’s musical genius shines in every aspect of “As.” The song blends elements of soul, funk, and gospel into a rich tapestry of sound. The instrumentation features lush keyboard harmonies, intricate basslines, and a steady groove that builds into an ecstatic, celebratory climax. Wonder’s distinctive vocal delivery is both tender and powerful, carrying the weight of the song’s message with remarkable sincerity.

The gospel influences become particularly evident in the latter part of the song, where the choir-like background vocals create a sense of communal celebration. This dynamic arrangement makes “As” not just a listening experience but a deeply emotional journey that uplifts the spirit.

Social and Cultural Impact

Released during a period of social and political change in the mid-1970s, “As” served as a beacon of hope and positivity. Stevie Wonder, known for his activism and humanitarian work, often used his music to address themes of love, equality, and unity. “As” embodies these ideals, offering a vision of a world where love endures despite life’s challenges.

Over the years, “As” has been embraced by audiences worldwide and remains a favorite in Wonder’s repertoire. It has been covered by numerous artists, most notably George Michael and Mary J. Blige, whose duet introduced the song to a new generation in the late 1990s. The track’s inclusion in weddings, films, and celebrations further underscores its universal appeal as an anthem of everlasting love.

A Timeless Legacy

“As” by Stevie Wonder is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the infinite connections that bind us all. Its profound lyrics, masterful composition, and emotional resonance ensure that it continues to inspire listeners, decades after its release. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it as an old favorite, “As” remains a testament to Stevie Wonder’s unparalleled ability to create music that touches the soul and unites the human spirit.

Video

Lyrics

As around the sun the earth knows she’s revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may
Just as hate knows love’s the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I’ll be loving you always

As now can’t reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all that’s born is new
You know what I say is true
That 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 nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day

Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I’ll be loving you always

As today I know I’m living but tomorrow
Could make me the past but that I mustn’t fear
For I’ll know deep in my mind
The 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 troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet your lifetimes that and twice it’s double
That god knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
So make sure when you say you’re in it, but not of it
You’re not helpin’ to make this earth
A place sometimes called hell
Change your words into truths
And then change that truth into love
And maybe our children’s grandchildren
And their great grandchildren will tell
I’ll be loving you

Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Loving you
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Loving you
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Be loving you
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Loving you
Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away
Loving you
Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four
Loving you
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Loving you
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Be loving you
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Loving you
Until dear mother nature says her work is through
Loving you
Until the day that you are me and I am you
Now ain’t that loving you
(Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky) Ain’t that loving you
(Until the ocean covers every mountain high) and I’ve got to say always
(Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea) always
(Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)
(Until the day is night and night becomes the day) always
(Until the trees and seas just up and fly away) always
(Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four)
(Until the day that is the day that are no more) always
(Until the day the earth starts turning right to left)
(Until the earth just for the sun denies itself) always
(Until dear mother nature says her work is through)
(Until the day that you are me and I am you)
(Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
(Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
(Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea)
(Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)
(Until the day is night and night becomes the day)
(Until the trees and seas just up and fly away)
(Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four)
(Until the day that is the day that are no more)
(Until the day the earth starts turning right to left)
(Until the earth just for the sun denies itself)
(Until dear mother nature says her work is through)
(Until the day that you are me and I am you)