About the song
Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Reasons” is a song shrouded in a fascinating paradox. On the surface, its smooth melody and Philip Bailey’s soaring falsetto vocals paint a picture of a passionate love ballad, a staple at weddings for years. However, a closer examination of the lyrics reveals a far more intriguing story – a story of fleeting passion and the disillusionment that follows.
Released in 1975 on their sixth studio album, “That’s the Way of the World,” “Reasons” quickly captured listeners’ hearts. The song’s critical reception was equally positive, with critics like Alex Henderson of AllMusic praising it as “a gorgeous ballad.” Yet, the band members themselves were surprised by its frequent use at weddings.
The reason for this surprise lies within the song’s lyrics. Lines like “Longing to love you, just for a night” hint at a one-night stand rather than a lasting love. As the song progresses, the illusion of romance shatters: “After the love game has been played / All our illusions were just a parade / And all our reasons have to fade.”
This deceptive nature adds a layer of complexity to “Reasons.” While the music evokes a sense of euphoria, the lyrics reveal the transient nature of the encounter. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding listeners that passionate encounters can be fleeting and built on shaky foundations.
Despite its underlying message, “Reasons” remains a musical masterpiece. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Earth, Wind & Fire’s talent for crafting catchy melodies and soulful vocals. However, understanding the song’s true meaning adds another dimension to its appreciation, revealing a story of hidden depths beneath its glittering surface.
Video
Lyrics
Now, I’m craving your body
Is this real?
Temperatures rising
I don’t want to feel
I’m in the wrong place to be real
Whoa, when I’m longing to love you
Just for a night
Kissing and hugging
And holding you tight
Please, let me love you
With all my might
Reasons
The reasons that we’re here
The reasons that we fear
Our feelings won’t disappear
Ooh, and after the love game
Has been played
All our illusions
Were just a parade
And all our reasons start to fade
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, oh
After all our reasons why (all our reasons why)
All our reasons were a lie (all our reasons were a lie)
After all our reasons
Love was left aside (love, love)
I’m longing to love you
For one night
Please let me love you
With all of my might
Baby, ooh, baby
Yeah, reasons
The reasons that we’re here
The reasons that we fear
Our feelings won’t
They won’t disappear
And after the love games has been played
All our illusions
Were just a parade
And all the reasons start to fade
And in the morning when I rise
No longer feeling hypnotized
For no reason, our reasons
Our reasons had no pride
After all our reasons why
All our reasons were a lie (all of our reasons were a lie)
After all our reasons
Love was left aside
Hey, yeah
Oh, yeah, yeah
Ooh, baby
I can’t find the reasons
That my love won’t disappear
Can’t find the reasons
Why I love you baby, my dear
Can’t find the reasons
Wanna love you all night
Can’t find the reasons
Gotta squeeze ya, real tight
Can’t find the reasons baby, yeah
For my tears
Can’t find the reasons
Why I love ya
Why I need ya