Released: December 8, 1968

Songwriter: Stevie Wonder Sylvia Moy Henry “Hank” Cosby

Producer: Henry “Hank” Cosby Stevie Wonder Don Hunter

[Verse 1]
They say your love will surely fade girl
When things go wrong and trouble calls
But they don't know that your sweet sunshine babe
Will never fade when darkness falls
They say that when the chips are down girl
Your love won't stay so long my friend
But they don't know that your sweet lovin' babe
Has been around through thick and thin

[Chorus]
And I'd be a fool right now
If I should hurt you girl
And I'd be a fool right now
If I should leave you girl
And I'd be a fool right now
If I wouldn't love you girl
And I'd be a fool right now
On the outside looking inside

[Verse 2]
They say your love is surely goin'
Just like a snowman in the sun
But they don't know that your sweet lovin' babe
Was here when all my friends were gone

[Chorus]
And I'd be a fool right now
If I should hurt you girl
Oh, such a fool right now
If I should leave you girl
Baby, baby, a fool right now
If I wouldn't love you girl
And I'd be a fool right now
On the outside lookin' inside

[Verse 3]
All my dreams would fall and crumble into dirt
If I walk away from you I'd be the one to hurt
One day my dreams were surely dying, dying, dying baby
Just like a flower without rain
They just don't know that your sweet sunshine babe
Made my life blossom again
And so the story goes around baby yeah y-yeah
That this is just a passing thing
But I believe in your sweet lovin', lovin'... babe
With every summer fallin' rain

[Chorus]
And I'd be a fool right now
If I should hurt you girl
Oh, such a fool right now
If I should leave you girl
I'd be a fool right now
If I wouldn't love you girl
And I'd be a fool right now
Oh, hey!

And I'd be a fool right now
If I should hurt you girl
Oh, such a fool right now
If I should leave you girl
Baby, baby, a fool right now

Stevie Wonder

Despite losing his sight at a young age, Stevie Wonder went on to become one of the most celebrated soul songwriters of the late 20th century. His songs manage to both innovate and catch the ears of listeners of all dispositions, whilst also being big chart hits.

Incredibly influential amongst musical circles, his voice rendered modern British soul-songwriter James Morrison close to tears the first time he heard it.