from IN THE STONE (single)
written by Maurice White, David Foster & Allee Willis
“In The Stone” was one of the bigger triumphs in Earth, Wind & Fire’s stunning catalogue. The song was co-written in 1978 by the band’s leader, the late, great Maurice White (December 19, 1941 to February 4, 2016), with David Foster and lyricist Allee Willis. This catchy, feel-good mid-tempo was included in Earth, Wind & Fire’s milestone I Am album. “In The Stone” was total joy for the most trained music lovers because it had a masterful arrangement, crafted by White and Foster, top-notch vocal and instrumental performances, pristine production, a rousing refrain and a groove delivered with various time changes.
Released in October 1979, “In The Stone” was the third single from the album, but it only reached #58 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #23 on the R&B Singles chart. The song’s commercial performance was probably affected by the fact that most fans already knew “In The Stone” from its parent album. I Am’s double-platinum success was fueled by its two previous chart toppers. “Boogie Wonderland” and “After The Love Has Gone.”
Although it wasn’t a top hit, time has been kind to “In The Stone.” Its superior musical quality has been recognized by EWF and their loyal followers as a concert staple and fan favorite. Since its release, “In The Stone” was one of the most performed tunes by marching bands everywhere. Its epic intro, that features outstanding horns and strings arranged by Jerry Hey and Foster, has been used on many radio and TV shows and sports events. Different from other EWF hits, the complexity and uniqueness of “In The Stone” made it very hard to be covered. A great rendition was crafted a few years ago by Tomi Malm for Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster with Bill Champlin on lead vocals. Malm gave a clever, new spin to the classic that gained him high praises from both Foster and Hey. There’s also an EWF live performance of “In The Stone” from their 2002 Live In Rio cd which can be found in the archives by clicking here.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Earth-Wind-Fire-In-The-Stone-Audio.mp3|titles=In The Stone|artists=Maurice White]
Lead Vocals: Maurice White
Drums: Fred White
Bass: Verdine White
Keyboards: David Foster
Synthesizers: Larry Dunn
Percussion: Philip Bailey & Ralph Johnson
Guitar: Al McKay & Johnny Graham
Backing Vocals: Maurice White & Philip Bailey
Horns Arrangement by Jerry
String Arrangement by David Foster
Produced by Maurice White
Lyrics
I found that love provides the key
Unlocks the heart and souls of you and me
Love will learn to sing your song
Love is written in the stone
Every man, I meet is walking time
Free to wander, past his conscious mind
Love will come and take you home
Love is written in the stone
Do you believe, my friend, in what you claim
People of the world, all doubt the same
Bringing questions of their own
Truth is written in the stone
In the stone, you’ll find the meaning
You’re not standing tall
In the stone the light is shining
Ever touching all
Life experience a passing day
Time will witness, what the ole folks say
Getting stronger every day
Strength is written in the stone
Deep inside your hearts for you to keep
Lies a spark of light that never sleeps
The greatest love you’ve ever known
Yeah is written in the stone
In the stone, you’ll find the meaning
You’re not standing tall
In the stone the light is shining
Ever touching all
Never, never my darling, never you’ll be alone
Never, never my darling, never you’ll be alone
Ever forever my darling
True love is written in the stone
Never, never my darling, never you’ll be alone
Ever forever my darling
True love is written in the stone
Never, never my darling, never you’ll be alone
Ever forever my darling
True love is written in the stone
Never
Ever
Written in the stone
Never
Written in the stone
Never