About the song
**Part-Time Lover: Stevie Wonder’s Timeless Ode to a Casual Relationship**
Stevie Wonder, a musical genius whose soulful voice and innovative compositions have captivated audiences for decades, released “Part-Time Lover” in 1982. This iconic track, a standout from his acclaimed album “Hotter than July,” showcases Wonder’s ability to blend funk, R&B, and pop elements into a seamless and infectious groove.
At its core, “Part-Time Lover” is a playful and candid exploration of a casual relationship. Wonder paints a vivid picture of a man who is content with a non-committal arrangement, relishing the freedom and excitement that comes with it. However, beneath the surface, there is a hint of longing and vulnerability, as he contemplates the possibility of a deeper connection.
The song’s infectious melody, driven by a pulsating bassline and Wonder’s signature keyboard work, immediately grabs the listener’s attention. Wonder’s vocals, as always, are soulful and expressive, conveying a range of emotions from carefree joy to introspective contemplation. The lyrics, filled with clever wordplay and relatable imagery, perfectly capture the nuances of a part-time lover’s perspective.
One of the most memorable aspects of “Part-Time Lover” is Wonder’s ability to create a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus evoke feelings of carefree summers and youthful exuberance. However, the underlying themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships give the track a deeper resonance that transcends its initial appeal.
In addition to its musical excellence, “Part-Time Lover” is also notable for its social commentary. Wonder subtly addresses issues such as societal expectations and the pressure to conform to traditional relationship norms. By presenting a counter-narrative, he challenges the idea that love must always be exclusive and committed.
“Part-Time Lover” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its infectious groove, soulful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics make it a must-listen for fans of Stevie Wonder and lovers of great music. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a newcomer to Wonder’s catalog, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
Call up, ring once, hang up the phone
To let me know you made it home
Don’t want nothing to be wrong with part-time lover
If she’s with me i’ll blink the lights
To let you know tonight’s the night
For me and you my part-time lover
We are undercover passion on the run
Chasing love up against the sun
We are strangers by day, lovers by night
Knowing it’s so wrong, but feeling so right
If i’m with friends and we should meet
Just pass me by, don’t even speak
Know the word’s “discreet” when part-time lovers
But if there’s some emergency
Have a male friend to ask for me
So then she won’t peek its really you my part-time lover
We are undercover passion on the run
Chasing love up against the sun
We are strangers by day, lovers by night
Knowing it’s so wrong, but feeling so right
We are undercover passion on the run
Chasing love up against the sun
We are strangers by day, lovers by night
Knowing it’s so wrong, but feeling so right
I’ve got something that I must tell
Last night someone rang our doorbell
And it was not you my part-time lover
And then a man called our exchange
But didn’t want to leave his name
I guess that two can play the game
Of part-time lovers
You and me, part-time lovers
But, she and he, part-time lovers