The track was written primarily by and Lou Adler , who worked under the pseudonym Barbara Campbell (named after Cooke's high school sweetheart).

: It was released in mid-April 1960 and became his biggest hit single since 1957's "You Send Me".

Cooke’s delivery is celebrated for its smooth, effortless vocal style that bridged the gap between gospel and popular music.

: The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014 and appears on Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

: Beyond its romantic surface, some modern interpretations view the song as an ode to the Black experience and enduring hope. The Official Lyric Video

The "Official Lyric Video" was released by as part of a digital legacy project to make Cooke’s music accessible to younger generations. These videos use clean, thematic typography to highlight the iconic lyrics, ensuring the "King of Soul's" message of optimism continues to resonate.