Recordings
The Undertakers Unearthed 1963-65
The Lomax Alliance and CBS Recordings 1966-1967
Is This What You Want? 1968-1969
Heavy Jelly 1970
Home Is In My Head 1971
Three 1972
White Lady /Badger 1974
Livin' For Lovin' 1976
Did You Ever Have That Feeling? 1977
True Voices (Various Artists) 1991
The Ballad of Liverpool Slim 2001 & 2004
Higher Ground
Jackie Lomax Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But its Saturday anyway
You say that you need more money
A Playboy Bunny
Couldn't spend more money, honey
Its such a crime to bring each other down
Its time for me to head for higher ground
You say that you're feeling restless
Edgy, even helpless
I can't help your feelings
Its so revealing
What you say with your feelings
Its such a crime to bring each other down
Its time for me to head for higher ground
Above the water line
I'm gonna head for the mountains
Set my sights higher
I'm gonna be over the horizon
Before you look for me
You say that you need more time
To turn it over in your mind
You've had time enough
Ain't got to cry
Don't cause a fuss
Its such a crime to bring each other down
Its time for me to head for higher ground
Above the water line
In Jackie Lomax's song "Higher Ground," the lyrics imply a relationship that has reached its limit. The chorus "It's such a crime to bring each other down, it's time for me to head for higher ground, above the water line" indicates that the relationship is pulling both parties down and it is time to move on from it. Even though the person is saying that they need more of something, be it money or time, the lyrics suggest that it is not going to solve anything. It's a way of deflecting from the real issue that the relationship has run its course. The imagery of heading for the mountains and being over the horizon suggests that the person is ready to move on to a happier place, both mentally and physically.
The verse "You say that you're feeling restless, edgy, even helpless, I can't help your feelings, it's so revealing what you say with your feelings" implies that the other person is having trouble dealing with their emotions and is perhaps dragging their partner down with them. The lyrics show that the singer is aware of their partner's emotions but also know that they can't fix them if the other person isn't willing to change. The song is saying that it's time to move on and let go of the relationship that is bringing each other down.
Line by Line Meaning
You say that you need a holiday
Even though it's already the weekend, you claim to need a break
You say that you need more money
You feel like you don't have enough money, but it's unlikely anyone could spend as much as a Playboy bunny
Its such a crime to bring each other down
It's not right to drag each other down and create negative energy
Its time for me to head for higher ground
Above the water line
It's time for me to elevate myself above the negativity and chaos of daily life, to stay above my problems
You say that you're feeling restless
Edgy, even helpless
You feel uneasy, almost powerless and trapped in your own emotions
I can't help your feelings
Its so revealing
What you say with your feelings
I can't change how you feel, but your emotional state reveals a lot about your inner thoughts and desires
I'm gonna head for the mountains
Set my sights higher
I'm gonna be over the horizon
Before you look for me
I'm going to seek the peace and tranquility of the mountains, set my aspirations higher, and move on with my life before you even realize I'm gone
You say that you need more time
To turn it over in your mind
You've had time enough
Ain't got to cry
Don't cause a fuss
You claim to need more time to think, but you've already had plenty, so there's no need to get upset or make a scene
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JACKIE LOMAX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind