After All – English Lyrics

• By: Cher, Peter Cetera

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies of "After All" by Cher and Peter Cetera, a timeless ballad that encourages listeners to embrace the universal language of enduring love. Through its expressive English lyrics and the captivating vocal blend of two iconic artists, you can explore themes of destiny, perseverance, and romantic reunion. This song's profound message and classic sound make it a special piece for appreciating English balladry and storytelling through music.

[English]

Well, here we are again

...

I guess it must be fate

We've tried it on our own

But deep inside we've known

We'd be back to set things straight

I still remember when

Your kiss was so brand new

Every memory repeats

Every step I take retreats

Every journey always brings me back to you

After all the stops and starts

We keep coming back to these two hearts

Two angels who've been rescued from the fall

And after all that we've been through

It all comes down to me and you

I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all

...

When love is truly right

This time it's truly right

It lives from year to year

It changes as it grows

And, oh, the way it grows

But it never disappears

After all the stops and starts

We keep coming back to these two hearts

Two angels who've been rescued from the fall

And after all that we've been through

It all comes down to me and you

I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all

Always just beyond my touch

Though I needed you so much

After all what else is living for?

Whoa

After all the stops and starts

We keep coming back to these two hearts

Two angels who've been rescued from the fall

And after all that we've been through

It all comes down to me and you

I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me

After all the stops and starts

We keep coming back to these two hearts

Two angels who've been rescued from the fall

And after all that we've been through

It all comes down to me and you

I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all

...

Key Grammar Structures

• I guess it must be fate

  ➔ Modal verb + Infinitive of obligation/deduction

  ➔ "must" expresses a strong degree of certainty or logical deduction. The speaker believes fate is the only logical explanation. The phrase shows a level of acceptance.

• Every memory repeats

  ➔ Present Simple for habitual action/general truth

  ➔ The present simple here doesn't describe something happening *now*, but rather a recurring pattern. Memories consistently replay themselves. It's a statement of a psychological reality.

• It all comes down to me and you

  ➔ Phrasal Verb - 'come down to'

  ➔ "come down to" means to be reduced to a specific point or to ultimately depend on. The entire situation, all the past experiences, are now focused on the relationship between 'me and you'.

• Though I needed you so much

  ➔ Subjunctive Clause with 'though'

  ➔ "Though" introduces a concessive clause, acknowledging a contrasting situation. Despite a previous need, the speaker is now reunited. The 'needed' is past tense, highlighting a past state.

• After all what else is living for?

  ➔ Rhetorical Question

  ➔ This is a rhetorical question, not seeking an answer, but making a statement. It implies that love is the ultimate purpose of life. The phrasing is somewhat poetic and dramatic.