About the song
“Higher Ground” is a funk-rock song written, produced, and performed by Stevie Wonder, released in 1973 as part of his album “Innervisions.”
Background:
- Composition and Release: Wonder wrote, produced, and recorded the song in a three-hour session, playing all the instruments himself. The song was released as a single in July 1973.
- Chart Success: “Higher Ground” reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B chart. It was a critical and commercial success.
- Cultural Impact: The song has been covered by numerous artists, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose version introduced it to a new generation. It has also been featured in various films and TV shows.
Lyrics and Themes:
- Reincarnation and Spiritual Growth: The lyrics address the theme of reincarnation, with Wonder expressing gratitude for a second chance at life. The song encourages striving for spiritual growth and reaching a “higher ground” of understanding and enlightenment.
- Social Commentary: The song also touches on social issues, referencing war, political lies, and the need for change. It encourages listeners to be aware of the world’s problems and to strive for a better future.
- Optimism and Perseverance: Despite the challenges and injustices in the world, “Higher Ground” maintains an optimistic tone. It encourages listeners to keep moving forward, to keep learning and growing, and to never give up on their dreams.
Video
Lyrics
Are you ready? (yeah)
Can we do this? (yeah)
Here we go
Battete le mani con me
Battete le mani con me
Everybody clap your hands
People keep on learnin’
Soldiers keep on warnin’
World keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long
Powers keep on lyin’, yeah
While your people keep on dyin’
World keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long
Oh, no
I’m so darn glad He let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
‘Til I reach my highest ground
Lovers keep on lovin’
Believers keep on believin’, um yeah
Sleepers just stop sleepin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long, oh, yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah
I’m so darn glad He let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
‘Til I reach my highest ground, whoo
‘Til I reach my higher ground, oh no
No one’s gonna bring me down
They’re sure gonna try
I’m gonna go higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher)
Ooh, ooh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(Higher) Higher
Higher (higher)
Higher (higher), yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Don’t you let nobody take you to a low level
Just keep on and keep on until you reach higher ground
Don’t you let nobody take you to some low, low level
Just keep on and keep on until you reach higher ground
And a high, and a how
Grazie