Rocket Love
Stevie Wonder · Hotter Than July [1980]
Do-do-doo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
I longed for you since I was born
A woman sensitive and warm
And that you were
With pride and strength no one would test
But yet had feminine finesse
And so much more
(reprise)
You took me riding in your rocket
Gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven
You dropped me back down to this cold, cold world
You took me riding in your rocket
Gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven
You dropped me back down to this cold, cold world
A female Shakespeare of your time
With looks to blow Picasso's mind
You were the best
Your body moves with grace and song
Like symphonies by Bach or Brahms
Nevertheless
(reprise)
Da-da-daa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
The passion burning in your heart
Would make hell's fire feel like a spark
Where did it go?
Just why that you would overnight
Turn love to stone as cold as ice
I'll never know
(reprise) repeat
I would not do that to a dog, baby
Ohhh, oh baby – rocket love!
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
Do-do-doooo
I longed for you since I was born
A woman sensitive and warm
And that you were
With pride and strength no one would test
But yet had feminine finesse
And so much more
(reprise)
You took me riding in your rocket
Gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven
You dropped me back down to this cold, cold world
You took me riding in your rocket
Gave me a star
But at a half a mile from heaven
You dropped me back down to this cold, cold world
A female Shakespeare of your time
With looks to blow Picasso's mind
You were the best
Your body moves with grace and song
Like symphonies by Bach or Brahms
Nevertheless
(reprise)
Da-da-daa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
Da-da-daaaa
The passion burning in your heart
Would make hell's fire feel like a spark
Where did it go?
Just why that you would overnight
Turn love to stone as cold as ice
I'll never know
(reprise) repeat
I would not do that to a dog, baby
Ohhh, oh baby – rocket love!
Rocket Love
Stevie Wonder's "Rocket Love" stands as a vibrant centerpiece on the 1980 album Hotter Than July, showcasing his mastery of funk and R&B during a period of prolific creativity. The track features his signature multi-instrumental approach, blending intricate guitar lines with a driving bassline and a soaring, soulful vocal performance that captures the energy of the era. As a key element of his discography from this time, the recording exemplifies his ability to fuse complex musical arrangements with accessible, emotive songwriting. It remains a testament to his influence on the genre, reflecting the optimistic and rhythmic spirit that characterized his work in the early 1980s.