Part-Time Lover

Stevie Wonder

About Part-Time Lover

"Part-Time Lover" is a single by Stevie Wonder, from his 1985 album In Square Circle. The song reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, R&B, dance, and adult contemporary charts. The song's simultaneous chart successes made Wonder the first artist to score a number-one hit on four different Billboard charts. The song was also released as a special 12" version. "Part-Time Lover" also reached number three on the UK Singles Chart thanks in large part to a performance by Wonder on Top of the Pops in late 1985. The song featured R&B singer Luther Vandross singing the ad-libs and backing vocals, in addition to Syreeta Wright and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire. Wonder earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1986, for the song. Wonder is noted in the liner notes of the 4-CD set Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection Volume 2 1972-1992 as describing the music for the song as an ode to "You Can't Hurry Love" and "My World Is Empty Without You", both by the Supremes, former Motown labelmates of Wonder. 


Year:
1985
4:12
202 

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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 lover 
If she's with me I'll blink the lights 
To let you know tonight's the night 
For me and you my part-time lover 

We 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 right 

If I'm with friends and we should meet 
Just pass me by, don't even speak 
Know the word's "discreet" when part-time lovers 
But 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 lover 

We 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 right 
(Repeat) 

I've got something that I must tell 
Last night someone rang our doorbell 
And it was not you my part-time lover 
And 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

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Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Morris (born May 13, 1950 as Stevland Hardaway Judkins), known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. Blind since shortly after birth, Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at the age of eleven, and continues to perform and record for Motown to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: Stevie Wonder

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Part-Time Lover" was released by Motown Records on August 31st, 1985 as a part of Stevie Wonder's twenty-first studio album titled "In Square Circle".
Chart Performance
The song hit the peak on four different Billboard charts. It made Stevie Wonder the first artist who simultaneously topped the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, R&B, and Dance charts.
Musical Style
"Part-Time Lover" is generally categorized as Pop and R&B music. The track showcases Stevie Wonder's signature electronic synthesizer sound, melodious harmonies, and catchy pop hooks.
Collaboration
The song features background vocals from then session singer and future star, Luther Vandross. Syreeta Wright, Wonder's ex-wife, also contributed backing vocals.
Critical Reception
The song was met with positive critical reception. It was praised for its catchy melody and strong synthesizer-based production.
Lyric Themes
"Part-Time Lover" is a song about infidelity, with lyric themes revolving around a secret romantic relationship.
International Success
The track also had impressive international success, reaching the top of the charts in countries like Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden. It also reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
Award Recognition
For its popularity and musicality, "Part-Time Lover" was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 28th Grammy Awards in 1986.
Music Video
The music video for the song captures the dual life of the song's subject matter while emphasizing the 80s music scene with its retro aesthetic.
Cultural Influence
"Part-Time Lover" has been covered by various artists, showcasing its influence and relevance within pop culture and the music industry.

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    Part-Time Lover

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #1


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