Higher Ground
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


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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

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 Red Hot Chili Peppers' song "Higher Ground" focus on the challenges and struggles of life, as well as the need for perseverance and effort to overcome them. The first verse describes how people continue to learn and soldiers continue to fight, while the world keeps turning. Despite the turmoil, it won't be too long until things change. The next verse highlights how those in positions of power lie and cheat, while people suffer and die. However, just like the turning world, change is coming.


The chorus focuses on personal growth and improvement. The singer is grateful for a second chance to make things right and become a better person. The teachers, preachers, lovers, and believers are all doing their part and pushing forward until they reach their highest ground. In the final verse, the singer declares that nobody will bring them down, and they will continue to sail on the funky, funky sound until they reach the highest ground.


Overall, the lyrics suggest that life is a constant struggle, but with effort and determination, we can overcome the challenges and rise to new heights.


Line by Line Meaning

People keep on learnin'
Despite the challenges and setbacks we face, humanity is constantly educating itself and advancing forward


Soldiers keep on warrin'
The destructive nature of war persists as fighting continues without end in sight


World keep on turnin'
The Earth continues to revolve on its axis, and time marches forward regardless of what happens


'Cause it won't be too long
The persistence of these phenomena is not guaranteed; change will come soon enough


Powers keep on lyin'
The corrupt and the powerful continue to deceive and manipulate those beneath them


While your people keep on dyin'
Simultaneously, ordinary people suffer and die due to the actions of their oppressors


I'm so darn glad he let me try it again
The singer is grateful for a chance to start fresh and make up for past transgressions


'Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
The artist acknowledges their past wrongdoing and the negative impact it had on the world


I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
The artist has grown and matured over time, acquiring new knowledge and wisdom


Gonna keep on tryin'
The artist is determined to keep working hard and striving to improve themselves


Till I reach my highest ground
The singer's ultimate goal is to achieve their highest potential and become the best version of themselves


Teachers keep on teachin'
Dedicated educators continue to impart knowledge and skills to the next generation


Preachers keep on preachin'
Religious leaders continue to spread their message of hope and faith to their followers


Lovers keep on lovin'
Romantic relationships persist and continue to provide comfort and joy to those involved


Believers keep on believin'
People who hold strong convictions and beliefs continue to hold fast to their values


Sleepers just stop sleepin'
Even those who are apathetic or uninterested in the world cannot escape the inevitability of change


An' Stevie knows that nobody's gonna bring me down
The artist has a role model in musician Stevie Wonder, who inspires them to keep going and not let anyone discourage them


Till I reach the highest ground, 'cause me 'n' Stevie, see
The singer envisions themselves and Stevie Wonder as kindred spirits, both dedicated to reaching their full potential


We're gonna be a sailin' on the funky, funky sound (till I reach the highest ground)
Together, the singer and Stevie will ride the wave of a lively, upbeat musical style as they climb higher and higher


Bustin' out and I'll break you out, 'cause I'm sailin' on
The artist's enthusiasm for their journey is contagious and they hope to inspire others to break free of their limitations with them


(Till I reach the highest ground)
Repeating the chorus emphasizes the importance of this goal to the artist


Just sailin' on, sailin' on the higher ground (till I reach the highest ground)
The artist remains focused on their ultimate goal as they move steadily forward




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Alex Alvarez


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