About the song
**”Part-Time Lover”** is a standout track by American R&B icon Stevie Wonder, released as the lead single from his twentieth studio album, *In Square Circle* (1985). This song not only showcases Wonder’s versatility and enduring appeal but also holds a special place in his discography as his final number-one hit to date.
Upon its release, “Part-Time Lover” made an impressive mark across multiple Billboard charts, reaching number one on the Hot 100, R&B, Dance, and Adult Contemporary charts. This remarkable achievement made Stevie Wonder the first artist to top four different Billboard charts simultaneously, cementing his legacy as a groundbreaking musician. The song’s success was further amplified by the release of a special 12″ version, adding to its dance floor appeal.
Lyrically, “Part-Time Lover” explores the complexities of infidelity through a compelling narrative. The song tells the story of a man who, while engaging in an affair with a mistress, discovers that his own wife is also unfaithful. This twist adds a dramatic layer to the song, illustrating a poignant and somewhat ironic reflection on the nature of relationships and deception.
In the UK, “Part-Time Lover” achieved significant success, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart, largely due to a memorable performance by Wonder on *Top of the Pops* in late 1985. This exposure helped solidify the song’s international appeal.
The track features notable contributions from R&B legend Luther Vandross, who provides ad-libs and backing vocals, as well as Syreeta Wright and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, adding depth to the song’s rich sound. Stevie Wonder’s homage to the classic Motown sound is evident, with the song’s music being described in the liner notes of *Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection Volume 2 1972-1992* as an ode to the Supremes’ hits “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “My World Is Empty Without You.”
In recognition of its success and impact, “Part-Time Lover” earned Stevie Wonder a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1986. This accolade further underscores the song’s critical and commercial success.
Overall, “Part-Time Lover” stands as a testament to Stevie Wonder’s exceptional talent and his ability to blend storytelling with sophisticated musical arrangements. The song’s blend of catchy melodies, poignant lyrics, and stellar vocal performances ensures its place as a memorable hit in the annals of R&B and pop music history.
Video
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 loverIf she’s with me I’ll blink the lights
To let you know tonight’s the night
For me and you my part-time loverWe 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 rightIf I’m with friends and we should meet
Just pass me by, don’t even speak
Know the word’s “discreet” when part-time loversBut 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 loverWe 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 rightWe 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 rightI’ve got something that I must tell
Last night someone rang our doorbell
And it was not you my part-time loverAnd 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