About the song
“Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder is one of the most iconic songs in his extensive catalog, first released in 1973. It appears on his album “Innervisions”, which is widely regarded as one of his most groundbreaking works. This album marked a significant evolution in Stevie Wonder’s musical style, blending elements of soul, jazz, funk, and pop with socially conscious lyrics. “Higher Ground” stands out not only for its dynamic sound but also for the deep message it conveys.
The song was released as a single in 1973, and it became an instant hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success was not only in its chart performance but also in its influence on the music landscape. The song’s upbeat, funky rhythms and infectious melodies made it an anthem of the era, resonating with listeners worldwide. “Higher Ground” was a departure from traditional soul and funk, embracing more complex instrumentation and innovative use of synthesizers, particularly the clavinet sound that became a hallmark of Stevie Wonder’s music.
The meaning of “Higher Ground” is both personal and universal. Wonder wrote the song during a time when he was going through personal growth and facing various challenges. The lyrics speak to the themes of resilience, transformation, and spiritual elevation. The chorus, “I’m so glad that I know more / And I can move on to higher ground,” reflects a sense of overcoming adversity and striving for improvement in both personal and societal contexts. It’s a song about not only personal redemption but also societal progress and overcoming obstacles that hold us back.
In terms of social impact, “Higher Ground” became an anthem for self-empowerment and social consciousness. During a period of social upheaval in the 1970s, Wonder’s message resonated with a generation searching for hope and progress. The song is often seen as a call to rise above the challenges of life and continue to pursue a higher purpose, both individually and collectively. It also draws on the notion of spiritual enlightenment, a theme that was central to the “Innervisions” album, which touched on political, social, and philosophical issues.
Musically, “Higher Ground” has influenced numerous artists across genres. Its funky, rhythmic pulse and Wonder’s distinctive vocals have made it a timeless classic. The song has been covered by many artists, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose 1993 version helped to introduce the song to a new generation of listeners. The legacy of “Higher Ground” is undeniable, both as a musical innovation and as a piece of work that continues to inspire people to strive for personal growth and social justice.
Video
Lyrics
Are you ready? (yeah)Can we do this? (yeah)Here we goBattete le mani con meBattete le mani con meEverybody clap your handsPeople keep on learnin’Soldiers keep on warnin’World keep on turnin’‘Cause it won’t be too longPowers keep on lyin’, yeahWhile your people keep on dyin’World keep on turnin’‘Cause it won’t be too longOh, noI’m so darn glad He let me try it again‘Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sinI’m so glad that I know more than I knew thenGonna keep on tryin’‘Til I reach my highest groundLovers keep on lovin’Believers keep on believin’, um yeahSleepers just stop sleepin’‘Cause it won’t be too long, oh, yeah, yeahOh, yeah, yeah, yeahI’m so darn glad He let me try it again‘Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sinI’m so glad that I know more than I knew thenGonna keep on tryin’‘Til I reach my highest ground, whoo‘Til I reach my higher ground, oh noNo one’s gonna bring me downThey’re sure gonna tryI’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) HigherHigher (higher)Higher (higher), yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahDon’t you let nobody take you to a low levelJust keep on and keep on until you reach higher groundDon’t you let nobody take you to some low, low levelJust keep on and keep on until you reach higher groundAnd a high, and a howGrazie