Stevie Wonder: I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)

SONG I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)

WRITTEN BY Stevie Wonder, Syreeta Wright

PERFORMED BY Stevie Wonder

APPEARS ON Talking Book (1972); At The Close Of A Century (1999); High Fidelity (Original Soundtrack) (2000)

One of the most uplifting popular songs ever written, "I Believe" starts as a simple ballad, develops as an anthem, and concludes as a full bore gospel shouter that initially overlays the gospel and anthemic verses. It's representative of Stevie Wonder's unique ability to apply sophisticated arrangements and songwriting skills to a fundamental sentiment, and is as bravura a piece of songwriting, arranging, and singing that you're likely to hear.

The opening piano-guitar-cymbal statement introduces an emotionally devastated man with seemingly nothing to live for. But Wonder immediately introduces the simple pleasures of shared experience as a prelude to his immutable belief that he will fall in love and that when he does it will be forever. When this happens, the "shattered dreams" and "worthless years" will give way to the "joys of caring," "strength," and the "truths of love."

These truths, Wonder fervently believes, come from God. No matter how simple the "joys of caring" might be, they are divinely inspired and therefore demand the adoration and epic sweep expressed by this song, this prayer. So come on, says Stevie: Let's fall in love. You have nothing lose but a "hollow shell" and paradise to gain. And, if the closing beat says anything, it's that you'll dance your ass off, too.

I could sing this song and it would still be great; Wonder's vocals are a marvel. His inimitable tenor moves from the sadness to hope to joy with remarkable conviction, expressing each emotion with such empathy and intimacy that one's own feelings mirror his throughout. If there's a such thing as a perfect song delivered perfectly, "I Believe" is it.

LYRICS
Shattered dreams, worthless years,
Here I am encased inside a hollow shell.
Live began, then was done,
Now I stare into a cold and empty well.

The many sounds that meet our ears,
The sights our eyes behold,
Will open up our merging hearts
And feed our empty souls.

I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever

Without despair we will share,
And the joys of caring will not be replaced.
What has been must never end,
And with the strength we have won't be erased.

When the truths of love are planted firm
They won't be hard to find.
And the words of love I speak to you
Will echo in your mind.

I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever

God surely answered my prayer
(I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)
God surely answered my prayer
(I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)
You know God surely answered my prayer
(I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)
You know God surely answered my prayer
(I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)
God always will answer your prayers
(I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)
Believe in one who will answer my prayer
(I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)
Thank you God
(I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)

I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever...

Come on, let's fall in love
You're the woman I've been waiting for
Come on, let's fall in love
You're the girl that I really adore
Come on, let's fall in love...