Higher Ground

Stevie Wonder

About Higher Ground

"Higher Ground" is a funk song written by Stevie Wonder which first appeared on his 1973 album Innervisions. The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the US Hot R&B Singles chart. Wonder wrote and recorded the song in a three-hour burst of creativity in May 1973. The album version of the song contains an extra verse and runs 30 seconds longer than the single version. The unique wah-clavinet sound in the song was achieved with a Mu-Tron III envelope filter pedal. The bass line is provided by a Moog synthesizer and using overdubs, Wonder played all instruments on the track, including drums and percussion. The song was released in the UK but achieved only modest success, reaching number 29 in the UK Singles Chart. 


Year:
1973
3:42
127 
#1

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People keep on learnin'
Soldiers keep on warrin'
World keep on turnin'
'Cause it won't be too long

Powers keep on lyin'
While your people keep on dyin'
World keep on turnin'
'Cause it won't be too long

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'
Till I reach my highest ground

Teachers keep on teachin'
Preachers keep on preachin'
World keep on turnin'
'Cause it won't be too long

Oh no
Lovers keep on lovin'
Believers keep on believin'
Sleepers just stop sleepin'
'Cause it won't be too long

Oh no
I'm so glad that 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'
Till I reach my highest ground
Whew!
Till I reach my highest ground

No one's gonna bring me down
Oh no
Till I reach my highest ground
Don't let nobody bring you down (they'll sure 'nough try)
God is gonna show you higher ground

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Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Morris (born May 13, 1950 as Stevland Hardaway Judkins), known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. Blind since shortly after birth, Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at the age of eleven, and continues to perform and record for Motown to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: Stevie Wonder

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Reception
"Higher Ground" was released by Stevie Wonder in 1973 as a part of the album "Innervisions." The song was met with critical acclaim and commercial success.
Chart performance
Upon its release, "Higher Ground" topped the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and reached the fourth position on the Billboard Hot 100.
Instrumentation
Stevie Wonder played all the instruments in the song, which includes drums, programming, clavinet, and synthesizer.
Lyrics and Theme
The song's lyrics have been interpreted as a reflection of Stevie Wonder's spirituality and believe in reincarnation. The song helps to reinforce a positive outlook and promotes resilience in times of trouble.
Music Video
There is no official music video for the song. However, it has been performed live many times, and these performances have been shared widely on video-sharing platforms.
Accolades
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed "Higher Ground" at number 265 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "Higher Ground" over the years, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose version was a hit in its own right and earned the band a Grammy nomination.
Film Soundtrack
The song was used in the superhero film "Guardians of the Galaxy" as a part of their soundtrack.
Personal Significance
According to Stevie Wonder, he wrote the song immediately after experiencing a frightening dream. The song was completed in three hours.
Social Impact
"Higher Ground" has also been recognized for its social impact, reflecting the struggles of the civil rights movement happening around the time of its creation.

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    Higher Ground

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #4


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