About the song
Lisa Stansfield’s “All Around the World” is one of those songs that seems to defy time. Released in 1989, it became an instant classic, topping charts globally and solidifying Stansfield’s status as a powerhouse vocalist. But this song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a masterclass in soulful pop, expertly blending elements of R&B, dance, and even a touch of cinematic drama.
One of the first things that strikes you about the song is its production. Lush strings, a driving beat, and those iconic horns create a sonic landscape that is both grand and intimate. It’s a sound that owes a debt to the classic soul of the 70s, and in particular, the legendary Barry White. In fact, the song’s spoken-word intro is a direct homage to White’s signature style, adding a touch of old-school cool to the proceedings.
But at the heart of “All Around the World” is Stansfield’s extraordinary voice. Her vocals are rich, powerful, and brimming with emotion. She delivers each line with a combination of vulnerability and strength, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of heartbreak and longing. You can hear the raw emotion in her voice as she sings about searching for a lost love, her journey taking her, quite literally, all around the world.
What truly elevates this song beyond a typical pop ballad is its sophisticated arrangement. The way the strings swell and recede, the interplay between the horns and the rhythm section, the subtle use of backing vocals – all of these elements contribute to a sonic tapestry that is both complex and accessible. It’s a testament to the skill of the songwriters and producers, who managed to create a pop masterpiece that is both commercially successful and artistically satisfying.
“All Around the World” is a song that has resonated with audiences for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a timeless piece of music that combines exceptional vocals, masterful production, and a universal theme of love and loss. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
I don’t know where my baby is
But I’ll find him, somewhere, somehow
I’ve got to let him know how much I care
I’ll never give up looking for my baby
Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby
But I’m gonna find him
We had a quarrel and I let myself go
I said so many things, things he didn’t know
And I was, oh, oh, so bad
I don’t think he’s coming back, mm, mhm
He gave the reason, the reasons he should go
And he said things he hadn’t said before
And he was, oh, oh, so mad
And I don’t think he’s coming back, coming back
I did too much lying
Wasted too much time
Now I’m here and crying, I, I, I
Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby
But I’m gonna find him
So open hearted, he never did me wrong
I was the one, the weakest one of all
And now I’m, oh, oh, so sad
I don’t think he’s coming back, coming back
I did too much lying
Wasted too much time
Now I’m here and crying, I, I, I
Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby
But I’m gonna find him
Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby
But I’m gonna find him
I’m going to find him, my baby
I did too much lying
Wasted too much time
Now I’m here and crying, I, I, I
Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby
But I’m gonna find him
I’ve been around the world
Looking for my baby
Been around the world
And I’m gonna, I’m gonna find him
Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby