The Eternal Promise of Love in Stevie Wonder's 'As'
Stevie Wonder's 'As' is a soulful ode to the everlasting nature of love. The lyrics use natural and cosmic imagery to express the timelessness and certainty of the singer's love. The opening lines draw parallels between the reliability of the earth's orbit and the blooming of roses to the steadfastness of the singer's love. This sets the tone for a song that equates love with the most fundamental and unchangeable forces of nature.
The chorus uses hyperbolic and fantastical scenarios to emphasize the enduring quality of love. Phrases like 'until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky' and 'until the ocean covers every mountain high' suggest a commitment that extends beyond the conceivable limits of time and reality. These exaggerated conditions serve to reassure the loved one that the singer's love is infinite and unending.
The song also touches on philosophical and spiritual themes. It speaks to the idea that true love is selfless ('true love asks for nothing') and that it is a guiding force in life ('life has given love a guarantee'). The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace love as a transformative power that can make the world a better place, hinting at a broader message of hope and unity. Stevie Wonder, known for his soulful voice and profound lyrics, delivers a message that resonates with anyone who believes in the enduring power of love.