After Stevie was injured in a near-fatal car accident that subsequently res… Read Full Bio ↴After Stevie was injured in a near-fatal car accident that subsequently resulted in the loss of his sense of smell, he fell into a coma. His manager hummed the melody to this song into his ear, and Stevie moved his fingers along with the music, the first sign of consciousness he exhibited after the accident.

According to the Higher Ground Songfacts, guided by a mix of Christian morality and astrological mysticism, Wonder believed he was writing a “special song” whose lyrics suggested a coming day of judgement. “I did the whole thing in three hours” he told Q magazine. It was almost as if I had to get it done. I felt something was going to happen. I didn’t know what or when, but I felt something.”

261 Higher Ground
Stevie Wonder 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'
'Til 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'
'Til I reach my highest ground
Woo
'Til I reach my highest ground

No one's gonna bring me down
Oh no
'Til I reach my highest ground

Don't you let nobody bring you down (they'll sure 'nough try)
God is gonna show you

Overall Meaning

"Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder is a song that encourages individuals to persist in their personal and societal growth despite the setbacks they may face. The lyrics indicate that people continue to learn, soldiers continue to war, and the world continues to turn despite challenges, and it is up to individuals to push forward towards their highest ground. The song alludes to the idea that individuals must overcome their sins, learn from their mistakes, and continue striving for their greatest potential. The lyrics express a message of hope, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Stevie Wonder, known for his powerful vocals and energetic performances, composed the song himself, and it first appeared on his album "Innervisions" in 1973. Since then, "Higher Ground" has become one of his most popular and well-known songs. The song has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Barbra Streisand, and Bruno Mars.

Line by Line Meaning

People keep on learnin'
Despite the changing world, society never stops learning.

Soldiers keep on warrin'
War and conflict continue to persist.

World keep on turnin'
The world is in constant motion, and change is inevitable.

'Cause it won't be too long
Change on the horizon, and we must prepare for it.

Powers keep on lyin'
Those in power maintain deception to retain their positions.

While your people keep on dyin'
Injustice and oppression cause harm to individuals and communities.

I'm so glad that he let me try it again
The singer is grateful for a second chance, having lived a life of sin and mistakes.

'Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
The singer regrets past mistakes and acknowledges the need for self-improvement.

I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
The singer has gained wisdom and knowledge through experience.

Gonna keep on tryin'
The singer is committed to personal growth and improvement.

Till I reach my highest ground
The singer strives for self-actualization and fulfillment.

Lovers keep on lovin'
Romantic love endures despite the challenges of the world.

Believers keep on believin'
Faith remains a source of strength in difficult times.

Sleepers just stop sleepin'
A call to action, urging individuals to wake up and take action.

'Cause it won't be too long
The future is uncertain and action must be taken to prepare for it.

No one's gonna bring me down
The singer is determined to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.

Don't let nobody bring you down (they'll sho 'nough try)
Others may try to discourage or impede progress, but one must stay resilient.

God is gonna show you higher ground
Faith in a higher power offers guidance and support in the pursuit of self-improvement.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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