Every now and then there is an artist whose creativity speaks to multiple facets of the human struggle. Love by that person is not just described as a beautiful emotion but by the complex and indecisive nature of its feelings once it evolves. Life by that person is examined for its frailties and through the exploration of the journey to peace, happiness and self awareness. This artist is unafraid to use music to ask heaven to help us all and to let us know that complacency is a pastime disguising itself as paradise. Stevie Wonder a musical legend is one of my favorite artists who use’s the gift of music to celebrate life, inspire people and encourage social activism. The following are ten of what I consider the best songs by Mr. Stevie Wonder, my favorite artist and a great source of inspiration to me.
1. Ribbon in the Sky- This is a beautiful song about finding true love after praying and waiting for a special someone to share one’s innermost feelings and desires of the heart with. The song is most commonly sung at weddings. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “We can’t lose with God on our side, We’ll find strength in each tear we cry, From now on it will be you and I, And our ribbon in the sky.” The song continues to stress the lyrics that there is a ribbon in the sky for two people who are madly in love who have God on their side. I appreciate the gentleness of the words in this song and the imagery of using a ribbon in the sky to describe love.
2. Pastime Paradise- This is a song of activism and a declaration of the need for social change. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “They’ve been wasting most their time, Glorifying days long gone behind, They’ve been wasting most their days, in remembrance of ignorance oldest praise.” I enjoy this song because it raises consciousness of race relations, destitution and many of the pains and sorrows that exists in the world.
3. All in Love is Fair- This is a song on how love is at first seen as ideal but once it begins its up and down in bringing two people closer together or apart. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “The future none can see, the road you leave behind, Ahead lies mystery, But all is fair in love.” I enjoy the honesty in this song because it tells a story of love and how it can be cold sometimes but all in love is fair.
4. Happy Birthday to You- This is a song dedicated to honoring the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “And we all know everything, that he stood for time will bring, for in peace our hearts will sing, Thanks to Martin Luther King.” This is an outstanding tribute and joyous song that I am happy to sing with a crowd honoring Dr. King’s birthday. I enjoy this song because it commerates the life of an extraordinary civil rights leader.
5. Never Dream You’d Leave in Summer- This is a song about losing love and having no idea why the relationship ended. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “You said there would be warm love in springtime, that was when you started to be cold, I never dreamed you’d leave in summer, But now I find myself all alone.” I enjoy this song because it explores the vulnerability in love and how it can escape without you being the first one to let go.
6. As- This is a song about unconditional love without being affected by the nature of the world. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “As today I know I’m living but tomorrow Could make me the past but that I mustnt fear, For I’ll know deep in my mind, The love of me I’ve left behind, Cause I’ll be loving you always.” I enjoy this song because it says no matter what is going on around someone he or she can love the object of their affection throughout the test of time.
7. Superstition- This is a song about the many superstitions people accept but don’t really understand. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “Very superstitious, wash your face and hands, Rid me of the problem, do all that you can, Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin’ strong, You don’t wanna save me, sad is my song.” I enjoy this song because it makes me think about the many things that I should ask questions about so that I can fully understand its true meaning.
8. Master Blaster (Jammin) – This is a song with a reggae inspired beat that makes the listeners want to dance and enjoy the moment wherever they are. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “They want us to join their fighting, but our answer today, is to let all our worries, like the breeze through our fingers slip away.” I enjoy this song because it is fun and exciting and an encouraging celebration of life.
9. You and I – This is a song about two people uniting in love. The first time I heard this song performed was on the show Good Times when Michael Evans did his rendition at his sister Thelma’s wedding. I have also heard this song at a wedding for one of my friends. My favorite lyrics in this song are, “Here we are on earth together, and it’s you and I, God has made us fall in love, it’s true, I’ve really found someone like you.” I enjoy this song because the words are heartwarming and would leave me speechless and teary eyed if it was sung at my own wedding.
10. Isn’t She Lovely- This is a song in celebration of the birth of Stevie Wonder’s daughter Aisha. The song opens with the sound of a baby’s cry during birth. My favorite lyrics in this song are “We have been heaven blessed, I can’t believe what God has done, and through us he’s given life to one.” Overall, it is a musical celebration in honor of the gift of human life. I enjoy this song because the lyrics are beautiful and I am happy Stevie Wonder wanted to share his admiration for the birth of his daughter with his fans.
My top ten songs by Stevie Wonder is not intended to diminish his extraordinary body of work, there are dozens of other songs that are equally profound as the list mentioned here. Stevie Wonder will always be one of my favorite artists. Overall, just as Mr. Wonder uses music to capture the beauty of life and the promise of tomorrow it is my hope to use some of my writings to do the same.
Source for lyrics: www.lyricsfreak.com
Official Stevie Wonder site: http://www.steviewonder.net/
