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Stevie Wonder – Higher Ground – 1973

About The Song

“Higher Ground” is a classic song by Stevie Wonder released in 1973 on his album “Innervisions.” The song is known for its upbeat and funky vibe, combining elements of soul, funk, and rock. Stevie Wonder wrote, produced, and played most of the instruments on the track, showcasing his multi-talented musical prowess.

Five facts about Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”:

  1. Message of Resilience: The lyrics of “Higher Ground” convey a message of resilience and spiritual optimism. Stevie Wonder reflects on overcoming challenges and finding a higher purpose in life.
  2. Clavinet Mastery: Stevie Wonder’s distinctive sound in “Higher Ground” is partly attributed to his masterful use of the Hohner Clavinet, a keyboard instrument. The iconic clavinet riff is a key element of the song’s infectious groove.
  3. Synthesized Bass Line: Wonder used a TONTO (The Original New Timbral Orchestra), a groundbreaking synthesizer, to create the memorable synthesized bass line in “Higher Ground.” This contributed to the song’s futuristic and innovative sound.
  4. Influence on Other Artists: “Higher Ground” has been widely covered and sampled by various artists across different genres. Red Hot Chili Peppers famously covered the song in 1989, putting their own rock-infused spin on it.
  5. Recognition and Awards: The song received critical acclaim and commercial success. It earned Stevie Wonder a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. “Higher Ground” remains one of Stevie Wonder’s signature tracks and a timeless classic in the world of music.

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