Al Jarreau was a wizard. That’s the only way to describe a man who could turn his voice into a flute, a percussion kit, and a cello all in the same breath. But when people search for after all lyrics al jarreau, they aren’t usually looking for his scat-singing pyrotechnics or his jazz-fusion experiments. They’re looking for the heart of a 1984 ballad that somehow became the definitive "making it work" anthem for a generation.
It’s a song about the messy, non-linear reality of long-term love.
The Story Behind the Lyrics
"After All" wasn't just another track on the High Crime album. It was a calculated, beautiful pivot. By the mid-80s, Jarreau was already a legend in the jazz world, but the R&B and pop charts were calling. He teamed up with Jay Graydon and David Foster—the architects of that polished, "West Coast Sound"—to create something that felt both sophisticated and accessible.
When you look at the after all lyrics al jarreau sang, you realize they aren't your typical "I love you" fluff. The opening lines set a specific scene: "There's no use bringing tea to the kettle / There's no use bringing light to the sun."
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It’s poetic. It’s also slightly cryptic. Basically, it’s saying that some things are just fundamental truths. You don't need to add to them. Love, in the context of this song, is one of those self-evident forces. But the song quickly pivots to the struggle. It admits that "the road was a long one" and "the river was deep."
This isn't a song about a brand-new crush. It’s a song about two people who have been through the ringer, probably broke up a few times, or at least thought about it, and finally decided to stop fighting the inevitable.
Why the Hook Works So Well
"After all the best of intentions, this love's taking over us."
That’s the core. It suggests that despite our plans, our ego, or our attempts to walk away, something larger is in control. Foster’s production on this track is legendary. He uses those signature 80s Rhodes pianos and a soaring arrangement that builds right alongside Al’s vocal intensity.
Interestingly, Al Jarreau didn't write these lyrics alone. He collaborated with Jay Graydon and David Foster. While Foster is often criticized for being "too commercial," his ability to structure a lyric for maximum emotional impact is undeniable here. He knew exactly where the crescendo needed to land.
Deconstructing the Meaning
A lot of people misinterpret the "After All" lyrics as a simple wedding song. And sure, it gets played at weddings constantly. It’s a staple. But if you listen closely, there’s a sense of relief mixed with exhaustion in the performance.
- The "Intentions" Factor: When the lyrics mention "best of intentions," they're talking about the ways we try to control our lives. Maybe the couple tried to stay apart. Maybe they tried to date other people.
- The "Taking Over" Element: Love is treated like a force of nature. It’s not a choice; it’s a surrender.
- The Vocal Delivery: Al Jarreau’s phrasing on "After All" is surprisingly restrained for him. He doesn't do the wild vocal gymnastics he's famous for in "Roof Garden" or "Boogie Down." He stays in the pocket because the words need to breathe.
Honestly, the way he hits the word "over" in the chorus—with just a tiny bit of that signature grit—is what sells the whole thing. It sounds like a man who is finally coming home.
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Technical Genius and the High Crime Era
1984 was a weird time for music. Synthesizers were taking over everything. Acoustic jazz artists were feeling the pressure to modernize or disappear. Al Jarreau chose to lean in.
The album High Crime was produced by Jay Graydon, a man known for obsessive perfectionism in the studio. If you listen to the instrumentation behind the after all lyrics al jarreau delivered, you’ll notice how tight the timing is. There isn't a wasted note.
Some jazz purists at the time hated it. They thought Al was selling out. Looking back, that’s such a narrow view. What he was actually doing was proving that "Adult Contemporary" didn't have to be boring. He brought a level of vocal technique to pop music that most singers couldn't even dream of.
Think about the bridge: "Deep in the shadows / There's a light that's shining for me." It’s classic R&B imagery, but Jarreau’s delivery makes it feel like a spiritual revelation. He wasn't just singing notes; he was telling a story about survival.
The Legacy of the Song
Why do we still care? Why do people still Google these lyrics every single day?
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Because modern music often lacks this specific kind of "grown-up" sentiment. We have plenty of "break-up" songs and "falling in love" songs. We don't have many "we survived the mess" songs.
"After All" bridged the gap between different worlds. It was a hit on the R&B charts, the Pop charts, and the Adult Contemporary charts. It even earned Jarreau more Grammy nods. It solidified him as a "vocalist's vocalist"—someone who could command respect in any genre.
Common Misconceptions About the Song
People often think this was a solo writing effort by Jarreau. It wasn't. As mentioned, the Foster-Graydon-Jarreau trio was a powerhouse.
Another mistake? Thinking the song is from the movie Moonlighting. While Jarreau famously sang the theme song for that show, "After All" is a separate beast entirely. It’s easy to see why people get them confused, though. Both songs share that mid-80s, sophisticated-but-soulful vibe that Jarreau mastered.
Also, some people find the lyrics "too simple." On paper, maybe. But lyrics aren't just words on a page. They are a blueprint for a performance. When Jarreau sings "I'm coming home," he isn't talking about a house. He's talking about a person.
The simplicity is the point.
How to Truly Appreciate the Performance
If you want to get the most out of this track, stop listening to it as background music. Put on some decent headphones.
- Listen to the breath control. Notice how Al manages his air during the long, sustained notes of the chorus. He makes it look easy, but it's incredibly difficult.
- Focus on the backing vocals. The layering in the mid-80s Foster productions was intricate. The harmonies on the "after all" refrain are like a warm blanket.
- Track the emotional arc. It starts quiet, almost contemplative. By the end, it's a full-throated celebration.
Actionable Takeaways for Music Fans
If you're diving back into the world of Al Jarreau because of this song, don't stop here. The man's discography is a treasure trove of vocal innovation.
- Check out "We're in This Love Together" for a similar feel-good R&B vibe. It’s probably his most famous track, and for good reason.
- Explore the "Look to the Rainbow" live album if you want to hear what he could do without the 80s production. His live version of "Take Five" will melt your brain.
- Watch the live performances. Al was a physical singer. He used his whole body to produce those sounds. Seeing him perform "After All" live—even in his later years—shows a man who never lost his passion for the message of the song.
- Analyze the songwriters. If you love the sound of this track, look up other David Foster or Jay Graydon productions from the 1982-1986 era (like Air Supply or Chicago). You’ll start to hear the "sonic fingerprints" that made "After All" such a massive success.
The lyrics to "After All" remind us that love isn't just a feeling that happens to us. It's something that remains when everything else is stripped away. It's the "best of intentions" finally giving way to the truth. Al Jarreau didn't just sing those lyrics; he lived them through a career that spanned decades and defied every genre box the industry tried to put him in.