Higher Ground
Red-Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

An' Stevie knows that nobody's gonna bring me down
Till I reach the highest ground, 'cause me 'n' Stevie, see
We're gonna be a sailin' on the funky, funky sound (till I reach the highest ground)
Bustin' out and I'll break you out, 'cause I'm sailin' on




(Till I reach the highest ground)
Just sailin' on, sailin' on the higher ground (till I reach the highest ground)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers convey the message that despite adversity and the evil forces in the world, people must keep on pushing forward to attain their "highest ground." The song is an ode to perseverance and determination, urging people to never give up, despite the difficulties they encounter. The lyrics also allude to the idea of spiritual salvation, with the singer expressing gratitude for being given another chance in life and striving to be a better person.


The lines, "People keep on learnin', Soldiers keep on warrin', World keep on turnin'" imply that while the world continues to change and evolve, people must continue to educate themselves and fight for what they believe in. The lyrics "Powers keep on lyin', while your people keep on dyin'" criticizes those in positions of power for being corrupt and not taking care of their citizens.


Towards the end of the song, the singer brings up Stevie Wonder, stating that Stevie knows that nobody can bring him down until he reaches the "highest ground." This alludes to the idea that Stevie Wonder is someone who has overcome adversity and become successful, which is something to aspire to.


Line by Line Meaning

People keep on learnin'
Despite challenges and obstacles, people continue to educate themselves and gain knowledge


Soldiers keep on warrin'
Despite the tragedy of war, conflicts and battles continue to be fought


World keep on turnin'
The world and everything in it continues to move and change, no matter what happens


'Cause it won't be too long
The situation will eventually change, and things will improve or come to an end


Powers keep on lyin'
Those in positions of authority or influence continue to deceive and mislead others


While your people keep on dyin'
While innocent people continue to suffer and die due to the actions of others


I'm so darn glad he let me try it again
The singer is grateful for another chance at something they may have failed at before


'Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
The artist has made mistakes in the past and is thankful for the opportunity to make things right


I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
The artist has gained knowledge and insight since their last attempt and feels more prepared


Gonna keep on tryin'
The artist refuses to give up and will continue to work towards their goal


Till I reach my highest ground
The singer is determined to achieve their ultimate objective or reach their fullest potential


Teachers keep on teachin'
Educators continue to instruct and guide students towards enlightenment and growth


Preachers keep on preachin'
Religious leaders continue to spread their message and help their followers find spiritual fulfillment


Lovers keep on lovin'
Romantic relationships continue to blossom and thrive despite external challenges


Believers keep on believin'
Those with faith continue to trust in their beliefs and find strength in their convictions


Sleepers just stop sleepin'
Those who are unaware or ignorant must wake up and pay attention to what is happening in the world


An' Stevie knows that nobody's gonna bring me down
The artist has support and encouragement from someone they admire, giving them strength and confidence


Till I reach the highest ground, 'cause me 'n' Stevie, see
The singer and Stevie share a common goal, and they are working together to achieve it


We're gonna be a sailin' on the funky, funky sound
The singer and Stevie are embarking on a journey filled with joy and positivity


Bustin' out and I'll break you out, 'cause I'm sailin' on
The artist is determined to help others who may be struggling, because they are confident in their own abilities


Just sailin' on, sailin' on the higher ground
The artist is focused on their own upward trajectory, but also intends to bring others along with them




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Stevie Wonder

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions