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.”

Higher Ground
Stevie Wonder 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'
'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

that higher ground

In Stevie Wonder's song, "Higher Ground," the lyrics speak to the cyclical nature of life and the need for progress and learning. The song starts by acknowledging that people and soldiers continue to learn and war, respectively, despite the world constantly turning. The powers that be will continue to lie while people die, but this won't last forever. The singer then talks about his personal journey towards enlightenment, recognizing that in his past life, he lived in sin, but he's grateful for the opportunity to try again and to continue to learn until he reaches his highest ground. The song also calls out teachers and preachers to keep teaching and preaching, while lovers should keep loving and believers keep believing. The lyrics encourage listeners not to let anyone bring them down because God will show them higher ground.

Overall, "Higher Ground" is a message about perseverance and a call to action to keep striving towards self-improvement and the greater good. It acknowledges the challenges and hardships that may come along the way but encourages listeners to keep going until they reach their own highest ground.

Line by Line Meaning

People keep on learnin'
Individuals continue to seek knowledge to better themselves

Soldiers keep on warrin'
Military conflicts persist, creating suffering and pain

World keep on turnin'
Life continues on, regardless of the individual struggles or events happening

'Cause it won't be too long
This current state of affairs is temporary and will eventually change

Powers keep on lyin'
Leadership is dishonest and manipulative

While your people keep on dyin'
Ordinary citizens are the ones who suffer the consequences of such deceitful leadership

I'm so darn glad he let me try it again
I am grateful for the opportunity to improve and do better after a past mistake

'Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
My past actions were immoral and harmful to others

I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
I have grown in knowledge and understanding since my past mistake

Gonna keep on tryin'
I will continue to work hard and improve myself

'Til I reach my highest ground
Until I reach a state of moral excellence and inner peace

Teachers keep on teachin'
Educators persist in instructing future generations

Preachers keep on preachin'
Spiritual leaders remind us of higher values and virtues

Oh no
Expressing concern and disbelief at the problems present in the world

Lovers keep on lovin'
Romantic relationships continue bringing joy and fulfillment

Believers keep on believin'
Those with faith hold onto hope and trust in something greater than themselves

Sleepers just stop sleepin'
Those who are ignorant or indifferent must awaken to the problems facing the world

'Cause it won't be too long
Change will come eventually, and we must be ready to face it

No one's gonna bring me down
I refuse to let negativity or challenges defeat me

Don't you let nobody bring you down (they'll sure 'nough try)
Do not let anyone discourage you or prevent you from achieving your goals

God is gonna show you
Only with faith and optimism can we face and overcome difficult times

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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