This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Never thought I would, find the words that could
Stand up through any weather
Something I could say, you could hear today
But stay with you forever
Just when I was losing my faith, and I was losing my way
It came to me as clear as day
[Chorus]
Even if I wake up and find I'm alone
Cause the whole world's turned to stone
And my God says it's time I take you home
I'll be happy going knowing that I loved you
Innocent and mild, must be heaven's child
Sent to make me believe (Make me believe)
On my darkest night, all you have to do is smile
And you breathe new life into me
Just when I was losing my faith, and losing my way
You came to me as clear as day
[Chorus]
There'll be a time
When I'm gonna have to leave this sweet place behind
But baby before I go, I gotta make sure you know
Bout the joy that you bring to my life
[Chorus: x2]
I'll be happy going knowing that I loved you [Repeat: x3]
Stand up through any weather
Something I could say, you could hear today
But stay with you forever
Just when I was losing my faith, and I was losing my way
It came to me as clear as day
[Chorus]
Even if I wake up and find I'm alone
Cause the whole world's turned to stone
And my God says it's time I take you home
I'll be happy going knowing that I loved you
Innocent and mild, must be heaven's child
Sent to make me believe (Make me believe)
On my darkest night, all you have to do is smile
And you breathe new life into me
Just when I was losing my faith, and losing my way
You came to me as clear as day
[Chorus]
There'll be a time
When I'm gonna have to leave this sweet place behind
But baby before I go, I gotta make sure you know
Bout the joy that you bring to my life
[Chorus: x2]
I'll be happy going knowing that I loved you [Repeat: x3]
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Nice homage to a Stevie Wonder song.