In the midst of all the craziness in the world, music is at the forefront of healing. Music is now recognized as an integral part of people getting through these uncertain times. And one artist that embodies the power of healing in music is the one only Steveland Hardaway Morris, known to the world as Stevie Wonder. If anyone wanted to look at a body of work that speaks the universal language of love, Stevie Wonder’s catalog should be a starting point. Because this playlist is all about music to warm the soul, it is only fitting that Mr. Wonder would be on this playlist numerous times. The track “As” comes from the masterpiece album “Songs in the Key of Life” and honestly the whole album could fit on this playlist; however, I’ll try to narrow it down as much as possible. Lol.
Released in the summer of 1976, “Songs in the Key of Life” spawned five hit singles; however the whole album is a masterpiece. The single “As” was the fifth release off the album back in October 1977 and is one of Stevie’s many signature songs. In true fashion the song speaks of love and implies that the love Stevie has for his partner will never diminish, as he says that he will love her until the physically impossible becomes true. The chorus speaks of these impossible feats, such as: “rainbows burning the stars out in the sky, oceans covering the tops of every mountain, dolphins flying, and parrots living at sea, dreaming of life and life becoming a dream, day becoming night and vice versa, trees and the seas flying away, 8x8x8 equaling 4, this day becoming the last day, the Earth turning right to left, the Earth denying itself, Mother Nature saying her work is through, and “until the day that you are me and I am you.” The song is literally poetry through melody, of a lover serenading his beloved by letting her know I will love you till I am no more. We can also see this song being an expression of the lyricist’s own love for humanity, which I believe is what makes this a universal love song. And a much needed love song.
Almost forty-three years after the release of this song it still remains relevant. It is a song that speaks of the love that each of us has the capability to demonstrate to one another. It speaks of the hope that each one of us has deep within our souls of unifying love. If you have never listened to Stevie or even heard this song, I urge you to take a listen. It has the possibility to move you in ways that is needed at this very moment.
You can learn more about Stevie Wonder here:
