Unlike the "burned-out relationship" themes found in other similarly-titled songs (like Bob Dylan's "One of Us Must Know"), Graham’s track is celebratory and relentless. He sings about having "so much love burnin'" in his heart and tells his subject they "can't run away". Impact and Chart Success
In the early 1980s, Larry Graham—the pioneer of the slap-bass technique—found himself at a creative crossroads. After dominating the charts with the soulful ballad "One in a Million You" in 1980, he risked being pigeonholed as a strictly romantic crooner. In 1982, he corrected course with the album and title track "Sooner or Later," a release that successfully bridged his funk roots with the evolving electronic sounds of the decade. The Vibe: Electro-Funk Evolution SOONER OR LATER - Larry Graham
The track crossed the Atlantic, reaching #54 on the British pop charts. Legacy of the Album Unlike the "burned-out relationship" themes found in other
Graham took the lead as writer and producer for the majority of the album, though he collaborated with the legendary George Duke on select tracks like "Still Thinkin' of You" and "Walk Baby Walk". Lyrical Theme: Persistent Pursuit After dominating the charts with the soulful ballad
The narrator insists that "sooner or later," he will "make you mine" and that it’s "just a matter of time".
While the groove was heavy, Graham didn't abandon his baritone charm; critics at the time noted he still added enough of a croon to keep listeners swooning.
Larry Graham's Spiritual Journey and Influence on Prince - Facebook