America, we needed this. Stevie Wonder performs at the funeral of Aretha Franklin, August 31, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan.

[YouTube Link]

Stevie Wonder: 'We need to make love great again. Because Black Lives Do Matter.' #ArethaHomegoing — Xeni Jardin ??‍? (@xeni) August 31, 2018

Read the lyrics below. Read them.

When Stevie performed this at the Queen of Soul's funeral, my beloved and I were watching, yesterday, surrounded by our dogs, mourning her loss along with the world. When he sang the spoken word part, man. Chills.

We all know sometimes life's hates and troubles

Can make you wish you were born in another time and space

But you can bet your lifetimes that and twice it's double

That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed

So make sure when you say you're in it, but not of it

You're not helpin' to make this earth

A place sometimes called hell

Change your words into truths

And then change that truth into love

And maybe our children's grandchildren

And their great grandchildren will tell

Below, the studio recording of 'As,' from 'Songs in the Key of Life.' A great and timeless composition. The whole album is one of the greatest works of art, just the best.

Brings me to my feet and to tears every single time.

Below, also, an earlier live performance of the song by the great Stevie Wonder.

Read the damn lyrics and know they mean something. Always.

LYRICS

As

Stevie Wonder

As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving

And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may

Just as hate knows love's the cure

You can rest your mind assure

That I'll be loving you always

As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow

But in passing will grow older every day

Just as all that's born is new

You know what I say is true

That I'll be loving you always

Always

(Until the ocean covers every mountain high)

Always

(Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea)

Always

(Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)

Did you know that true love asks for nothing

No no her acceptance is the way we pay

Did you know that life has given love a guarantee

To last through forever and another day

Just as time knew to move on since the beginning

And the seasons know exactly when to change

Just as kindness knows no shame

Know through all your joy and pain

That I'll be loving you always

As today I know I'm living

But tomorrow could make me the past

But that I mustn't fear

For I'll know deep in my mind

The love of me I've left behind

'Cause I'll be loving you always

Always

(Until the trees and seas just up and fly away)

Always

(Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four)

Always

(Until the day that is the day that are no more)

Did you know you're loved by somebody

(Until the day the earth starts turnin' right to left)

Always

(Until the earth just for the sun denies itself)

I'll be lovin' you forever

(Until dear mother nature says her work is through)

Always

(Until the day that you are me and I am you)

Always

(Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky

Until the ocean severs every mountain high)

Always

We all know sometimes life's hates and troubles

Can make you wish you were born in another time and space

But you can bet your lifetimes that and twice it's double

That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed

So make sure when you say you're in it, but not of it

You're not helpin' to make this earth

A place sometimes called hell

Change your words into truths

And then change that truth into love

And maybe our children's grandchildren

And their great grandchildren will tell

I'll be loving you until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky

Songwriters: Stevie Wonder

As lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC