About the song
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers is not just a song but a timeless anthem that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of soul and R&B music. Co-written by Withers and Skip Scarborough, this soulful masterpiece was released on December 21, 1977, as part of Withers’s sixth album, Menagerie. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its inclusion at No. 402 on Rolling Stone’s prestigious “Top 500 Best Songs of All Time” list in 2021, a testament to its lasting impact and universal resonance.
Upon its release, “Lovely Day” quickly ascended the charts, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1978. Internationally, it achieved similar success, reaching the top ten in the United Kingdom at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s popularity endured over the decades, prompting multiple re-releases and adaptations that kept it in the public consciousness.
In the United Kingdom, the song saw renewed interest in 1987 when the original version re-entered the charts, followed by a popular remix titled the “Sunshine Mix” by Ben Liebrand in 1988, which soared to number four on the UK Singles Chart. These re-releases sparked fresh enthusiasm for Withers’s classic, ensuring its place in the cultural zeitgeist well beyond its initial debut.
Beyond its chart success, “Lovely Day” has enjoyed a vibrant presence in various media and cultural moments. It was prominently featured in advertisements for brands like Tetley tea, Gap, and Allstate, underscoring its timeless appeal and ability to evoke positivity and joy across generations. Its significance was further underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic when Demi Lovato performed the song alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda and frontline healthcare workers as part of the Celebrating America broadcast following President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
Musically, the song’s arrangement is a testament to collaborative genius. Producer Clarence McDonald crafted the original sound with contributions from notable musicians such as Ray Parker Jr. on guitar, Jerry Knight on bass, and Russ Kunkel on drums, culminating in a rich tapestry of soulful instrumentation that perfectly complemented Withers’s velvety vocals. A standout moment in the song occurs towards the end, where Withers holds a note for an impressive 18 seconds, setting a record that remains unmatched in American pop history.
“Lovely Day” continues to resonate deeply with listeners worldwide, its infectious optimism and timeless melody ensuring its place not just as a song, but as a cultural touchstone that transcends generations and genres. Whether through its chart-topping success, memorable remixes, or enduring presence in film and advertising, Bill Withers’s masterpiece remains an enduring testament to the power of soulful music to uplift and inspire.
Video
Lyrics
When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way
Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
And when someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way
Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)