“Ribbon in the Sky” is a soulful ballad by Stevie Wonder, first featured on his 1982 greatest hits album, Stevie Wonder’s Original Musiquarium I. Released as a single on June 13, 1982, the song blends elements of R&B, soul, and jazz, showcasing Wonder’s signature emotive style. It achieved notable chart success, reaching No. 54 on the US pop chart, No. 21 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and No. 10 on the R&B chart.
The song is a heartfelt expression of love, destiny, and divine blessing. Wonder’s lyrics convey a sense of predestined love, symbolized by the metaphor of a “ribbon in the sky.” This ribbon represents a visible and tangible sign of the special bond between the narrator and their beloved, suggesting that their relationship is not a mere coincidence but something meant to be, blessed by a higher power.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“Ribbon in the Sky” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
“Oh so long for this night I prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day
Where a ribbon’s in the sky for our love
If allowed may I touch your hand
And if pleased may I once again
So that you too will understand
There’s a ribbon in the sky for our love”
In the first verse, the narrator expresses that they have longed and prayed for this moment. The imagery of a star guiding the way suggests a sense of destiny or divine intervention. The “special day” refers to a significant moment in their relationship, and the “ribbon in the sky” symbolizes a visible, tangible sign of their love. The narrator seeks permission to touch their partner’s hand, hoping that this gesture will help convey the depth of their feelings.
Chorus
“Do…Do
Do Do Do Do Do
HMM HMM”
The chorus is a melodic interlude with nonsensical syllables, serving as a musical bridge that emphasizes the emotional tone of the song rather than conveying specific meaning through words.
Verse 2
“This is not a coincidence
And far more than a lucky chance
But what is that was always meant
Is our ribbon in the sky for our love, love
We can’t lose with God on our side
We’ll find strength in each tear we cry
From now on it will be you and I
And our ribbon in the sky
Ribbon in the sky
A ribbon in the sky for our love”
In the second verse, the narrator emphasizes that their meeting and relationship are not due to mere chance but are part of a greater plan. The “ribbon in the sky” is again referenced as a symbol of their destined love.
The narrator expresses confidence that with divine support (“God on our side”), they can overcome any challenges (“find strength in each tear we cry”). The verse concludes with a reaffirmation of their commitment to each other and the enduring symbol of their love.
Outro
“There’s a ribbon in the sky for our love”
The outro reiterates the central metaphor of the song, emphasizing the enduring and visible nature of their love, symbolized by the “ribbon in the sky.” This closing line reinforces the theme of a love that is both destined and blessed.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Ribbon in the Sky”
Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky” is fundamentally about a love that feels destined and meant to be. The song suggests that the relationship between the narrator and their significant other is not a matter of coincidence but something that was always meant to happen. This sense of fate is a central theme, as the narrator believes their love is written in the stars and symbolized by the “ribbon in the sky” .
In the lyrics, the narrator reflects on the anticipation and hope they’ve felt for this moment. They have prayed for a guiding star to bring their loved one to them, signifying a sense of divine or fated intervention. The “special day” alludes to a significant event in their relationship, possibly a wedding or anniversary.
The “ribbon in the sky” serves as a metaphor for the special bond and celebration of their love. Ribbons are often used in festive and celebratory contexts, and in this song, the ribbon symbolizes the visible and tangible nature of their love. It is something to be cherished and celebrated, much like a ribbon fluttering in the sky .
The song also incorporates the idea of divine blessing and support. The narrator expresses confidence that their love is blessed by a higher power, which is reinforced by the line “We can’t lose with God on our side.” This divine endorsement provides strength and reassurance to the couple, especially during challenging times .
Overall, the song repeatedly emphasizes that their relationship is not a coincidence but something meant to be. The ribbon in the sky serves as a symbol of this predestined love.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.