Written by Lauper and Rob Hyman, who also provided backing vocals, the song was produced by Rick Chertoff.

It has since been named as one of the greatest pop songs of all time by many media outlets, including Rolling Stone, Nerve, MTV, and many others.

While Lauper was still writing material for She's So Unusual in the spring of 1983, her producer, Rick Chertoff introduced her to American musician Rob Hyman, a founding member of the Hooters.

Wolff felt that "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" could become a successful pop anthem and was a better choice; ultimately the label agreed and released it as the lead single.

Pam Avoledo of Blogcritics speculates that, "In 'Time After Time,' the speaker believes she is a difficult person, unworthy of love.

The website declared that "'Time After Time' was a change in tack for Lauper, whose musical persona had previously been unstoppably light and frothy.

[36] In Mexico's Notitas Musicales or Hit Parade the song was number 2 for four weeks, beginning on June 15, 1984.

[37] Portions of the video were also shot in front of Betty's Department Store at the intersection of South Main Street and East Central Avenue[40] in Wharton, New Jersey, which was a staple of the community in the 1970s.

In addition, Cyndi's "home" where she says goodbye to her mother still stands today on Hurd Street in Wharton, New Jersey.

British synthwave band Gunship covered the song and included it on their 2018 album Dark All Day.

American alternative rock/pop punk band Quietdrive covered the song for their debut album When All That's Left Is You in 2006.

The cover version was featured in the 2006 romantic comedy film John Tucker Must Die starring Jesse Metcalfe and Brittany Snow.

[142] American folk artist Iron and Wine created a cover of the song as a single in 2016.

[148] Lauper later stated that while the song has been recorded by dozens of musicians, "The most honored I ever felt was when Miles Davis covered it", adding: "the way he played it was pure magic.

"[149] In 1993, Mark Williams and Tara Morice recorded a cover for the Strictly Ballroom soundtrack.

[150] Lauper did a parody of the song on a 1995 episode of Late Show with David Letterman as "Lactose Intolerant".

[151] American indie rock band Sarge recorded a cover of the song in 1997, which was included on a 7" single that year.

[155] Lil' Mo recorded a cover of the song for her 2001 album Based On A True Story.

Director David Mirkin explained that he felt it "was the only song that had the proper emotion" to fit the scene.

[citation needed] The song was featured in the Snow Ball dance scene in Netflix series Stranger Things season 2 as Nancy Wheeler dances with her brother's (Mike) best friend Dustin Henderson after he was rejected by another girl.