About the song
“As” by Stevie Wonder is a timeless ballad that transcends mere romantic love, delving deep into themes of eternal devotion and profound interconnectedness. Released in 1977 as part of Wonder’s magnum opus album, *Songs in the Key of Life*, the song captivated audiences with its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics.
The genesis of “As” traces back to a pivotal moment in Stevie Wonder’s life. Following a near-fatal car accident in 1973, Wonder contemplated stepping away from music. Seeking solace and a new perspective, he temporarily relocated to Ghana. There, amidst efforts to aid underprivileged children, Wonder found inspiration anew. This period of introspection and humanitarian work profoundly influenced his outlook, infusing his music with a deeper sense of empathy and love for humanity.
At its core, “As” is a lyrical promise of enduring love. The central lyric, “Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky / Until the ocean covers every mountain high,” paints a vivid picture of love that defies the bounds of time and possibility. Each fantastical scenario described in the song—like dolphins flying and parrots living at sea—serves as a metaphor for the implausible nature of the love being professed. It’s a testament to a love so strong that it persists even in the face of the impossible.
Musically, “As” is a masterclass in composition and performance. Stevie Wonder, accompanied by a talented ensemble including Nathan Watts on bass and Herbie Hancock on Fender Rhodes, delivers a soul-stirring vocal performance that resonates with sincerity and emotion. The song’s lush instrumentation and rich harmonies underscore its romantic sentiment, making it a standout in Wonder’s illustrious discography.
Over the years, “As” has not only endured but also inspired numerous covers and interpretations by artists across genres. From jazz renditions by Gene Harris and Kimiko Kasai to soulful versions by Sister Sledge and modern interpretations by artists like Najee, the song’s universality and timeless message continue to captivate new audiences.
In popular culture, “As” has found resonance beyond its original release. It has been featured prominently in films and television, its poignant lyrics often echoing pivotal moments of love and connection. Its inclusion in various media underscores its enduring relevance and emotional impact.
Ultimately, “As” stands as a testament to Stevie Wonder’s unparalleled ability to blend soul, R&B, and profound lyricism into a singular masterpiece. It remains a cherished anthem of love’s enduring power, reminding listeners of the boundless possibilities of human connection and the transcendent nature of true love.
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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)