About the song
“Reasons” is a poignant love ballad by the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire, featured on their acclaimed sixth studio album, *That’s the Way of the World*. The song showcases the exquisite falsetto of lead vocalist Philip Bailey, whose emotive performance has captivated audiences since its release. Despite its heartfelt delivery and romantic undertones, “Reasons” tells a more complex story of fleeting love.
Listeners often associate “Reasons” with traditional love songs, making it a popular choice for weddings. This is somewhat surprising to the band, given that the song’s narrative revolves around a one-night stand. The lyrics reflect the transient nature of such encounters, capturing both the passion of the moment and the subsequent disillusionment. As the song poignantly expresses, “Longing to love you, just for a night,” it explores the ephemeral joy and eventual realization that “after the love game has been played / All our illusions were just a parade / And all our reasons have to fade.”
Critics have lauded “Reasons” for its beauty and depth. Alex Henderson of AllMusic described the track as “a gorgeous ballad,” while Rolling Stone’s Gordon Fletcher highlighted it as part of the band’s collection of soulful ballads reminiscent of The Four Tops and Tavares. Over two decades later, one music guide recognized “Reasons” as one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s seminal hits, cementing its place in the pantheon of great love songs.
In essence, “Reasons” stands out not only for its soulful melody and emotional delivery but also for its introspective take on the transient nature of romance. Its blend of tender lyrics and hauntingly beautiful instrumentation makes it a timeless piece in the Earth, Wind & Fire discography.
Video
Lyrics
Now, I’m craving your body, is this real?
Temperatures rising, I don’t want to feel
I’m in the wrong place to be real
Whoa, and I’m longing to love you, just for a night
Kissing and hugging and holding you tight
Please let me love you with all my might
Reasons, the reasons that we’re here
The reasons that we fear
Our feelings won’t disappear, oh
And after the love game has been played
All our illusions were just a parade
And all our reasons start to fade
La, la la la, la
La, la la, la
La, la la, la
La, la la, la
La, la la, la
La, la la, la
La, la la, la
After all our reasons why (all our reasons why)
All our reasons were a lie (all our reasons were a lie)
After all ours reasons love
Love was left aside (love)
I’m longing to love you for one night
Please let me love you with all of my might, baby
Ooh, baby
Yeah, reasons, the reasons that we’re here
The reasons that we fear
Our feelings won’t disappear (they won’t disappear)
And after the love games has been played
All our illusions were just a parade
And all the reasons start to fade
And, in the morning when I rise
No longer feeling hypnotized
Find our reasons, our reasons, our reasons
Had no pride
After all our reasons why (after all the reasons why)
All our reasons were a lie (all of our reasons were a lie)
After all ours reasons love (oh)
Love was left aside (love)
Hey, ha-ha, yeah
Oh, why, yeah, ooh, baby
I can’t find the reasons
That my love won’t disappear
Can’t find the reasons
Why I love you, baby, my dear
Can’t find the reasons
Wanna love you all night
Can’t find the reasons
Gotta squeeze ya, real tight
Can’t find the reasons
Baby, yeah
For my tears
Can’t find the reasons why I love you