About the song
**”Isn’t She Lovely”** is a heartwarming track by the legendary Stevie Wonder, featured on his 1976 album *Songs in the Key of Life*. This touching song is a heartfelt celebration of the birth of Wonder’s daughter, Aisha Morris, and it stands out as a personal and joyous ode within his extensive catalog.
The song, which opens Side 3 of *Songs in the Key of Life*, begins with an evocative sound—a baby’s first cry recorded during Aisha’s actual birth. This intimate and unique introduction sets the tone for the rest of the track, which evolves into a soulful and exuberant tribute to fatherhood. Wonder further enhances the emotional depth of the song by incorporating a recording of him bathing Aisha as an older toddler, blending it seamlessly with his extended chromatic harmonica solo towards the end of the song.
In terms of instrumentation, Wonder showcases his remarkable talent by playing all the instruments heard in the song, with the exception of some keyboard parts contributed by Greg Phillinganes. Although bassist Nathan Watts initially laid down a bass line as a guide, Wonder chose to replace it with his own keyboard bass performance, demonstrating his desire for a personal touch in every aspect of the song’s creation.
Despite its popularity and significant airplay, “Isn’t She Lovely” was never released as a single, primarily because Wonder was unwilling to cut the song to fit the 7″ 45 rpm format. Nevertheless, it garnered enough radio play to reach number 23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in January 1977. Its enduring charm has cemented it as a jazz and pop standard, with numerous artists covering the song over the years.
The song’s impact extended beyond its initial release. On June 4, 2012, Stevie Wonder performed “Isn’t She Lovely” at the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II. For this special occasion, Wonder modified the lyrics to honor the Queen, showcasing the song’s versatility and enduring appeal.
Though not issued as a commercial single, “Isn’t She Lovely” managed to chart in the UK (#94) following its performance at the Jubilee, reflecting its lasting popularity and the emotional resonance it continues to hold with audiences around the world.
Video
Lyrics
Isn’t she lovely
Isn’t she wonderful
Isn’t she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we’d be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn’t she lovely, made from love
Isn’t she pretty
Truly the angel’s best
Boy, I’m so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can’t believe what God has done
Through us he’s given life to one
But isn’t she lovely, made from love
Isn’t she lovely
Life and love are the same
Life is Aisha
The meaning of her name
Londie, it could have not been done
Without you who conceived the one
That’s so very lovely, made from love, hey