"Time After Time" is a song by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, released as the second single from her debut studio album, She's So Unusual (1983). The song was officially released as a single on January 27, 1984.
Co-written by Lauper and Rob Hyman (of The Hooters), and produced by Rick Chertoff, Lauper, and Hyman, the ballad became one of Lauper's signature songs and a major international hit. It reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart on June 9, 1984, marking her first number-one single in the United States. The song also achieved chart success in numerous countries worldwide.
Lyrically, "Time After Time" explores themes of enduring commitment and unwavering support in a relationship, characterized by its introspective and emotionally resonant narrative. Musically, it blends elements of synth-pop and soft rock, featuring a distinctive keyboard riff and Lauper's powerful yet vulnerable vocal performance. The song garnered critical acclaim upon its release for its lyrical depth and melodic craftsmanship. It was nominated for Song of the Year at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards in 1985.
The accompanying music video, directed by Edd Griles, depicts Lauper leaving her boyfriend (played by her then-manager David Wolff) and traveling, interspersed with flashback and home movie-style footage. It features cameo appearances by Lauper's mother, Catrine Lauper, and professional wrestler Captain Lou Albano, who had also appeared in her video for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." The video's narrative and visual style contributed significantly to the song's popularity and cultural impact.
"Time After Time" has been extensively covered by a diverse array of artists across various musical genres and has been prominently featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a beloved and enduring pop classic.