Lenny Kravitz’s second studio album, Mama Said, arrived in June 1991, and its second single “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” hit the airwaves on June 3. The song is a mid-tempo ballad steeped in Motown and Philly soul traditions, drawing clear inspiration from Earth, Wind & Fire’s lush arrangements. Its closing horn line, performed by the Phenix Horns, cements the track’s classic vibe, while the title itself borrows a famous Yogi Berra–ism.
A Personal Anthem
At the time, Kravitz was weathering a rocky stretch in his marriage to Lisa Bonet, and he channeled that mix of resolve and vulnerability into this track. One night in an L.A. hotel room, he sat down at a Fender Rhodes and crafted the chord structure, playing every instrument except the strings and horns himself. Although he feared the song’s commercial potential might compromise his underground credibility, his label ultimately persuaded him to keep it on Mama Said.
Chart Climbs and Lasting Legacy
Listeners immediately gravitated toward its timeless groove. “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” became Kravitz’s breakthrough hit, soaring to No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and matching that peak in Canada. It also landed in the top 10 in Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, while peaking at No. 11 in the UK. The Jesse Dylan–directed video further amplified its reach, and critics praised its “swirling Philly soul” and “instantly addictive” hooks.
Over the decades, the song has popped up in films like Boxing Helena and Hope Springs, underscoring its emotional pull. It even turned up in a 2021 Stella Artois Super Bowl commercial, and British singer Mutya Buena sampled it for her 2007 hit “Real Girl,” proving that Kravitz’s blend of heartfelt lyrics and retro flair remains as vibrant as ever.