Stevie Wonder, Higher Ground | Throwback Vibez

In the 187^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 187^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Higher Ground” performed by Stevie Wonder.  

“People, keep on learning / Soldiers, keep on warring / World, keep on turning / ‘Cause it won’t be too long.”

Prudent, thought-provoking lyrics by the one-and-only Stevie Wonder (Stevland Hardaway Morris, b. 1950). “Higher Ground” marks one of many big-time, notable hits from the Award-winning prodigious musical icon. “Higher Ground” is the fifth track from Wonder’s first of three albums to win the highly coveted Grammy for Album of the Year, Innervisions, released in 1973. The song, written and produced by Wonder, was a rousing success on the pop charts, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

There is a lot to love about “Higher Ground.” The funky clavinet is a key to the success. The riffs are on fire 🔥! Beyond that sensational clavinet, the bass, and an electrifying drum groove provide a mighty anchor.  While it is officially set in E-flat major, it borrows from E-flat minor and E-flat Dorian.  Beyond its brilliant musical accompaniment and the intriguing music theory behind it, the star of the show is Stevie Wonder, specifically, his high-flying vocals. He gives an authentic performance, singing with incredible expression as he brings the tuneful melodies and memorable, sincere lyrics to life.  He encourages everyone to keep on, whether it’s “Teachers, keep on teaching / Preachers, keep on preaching,” or “Lovers, keep on loving / Believers, keep on believing,” particularly in a rough-and-tumble world. He suggests life is fleeting, and there is plenty of unrest in the world, but God decides when and where life ends (“God is gonna show you highest ground / He’s the only friend you’ll have around / ‘Cause the rest of the world will bring you down”). The chorus, which distinguishes itself from the verses, is the crowning achievement, where Wonder is thankful to continue to have the opportunity to live despite being imperfect:

“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
Going to keep on trying
‘Til I reach my highest ground.”

Word. Stevie Wonder is a once-in-a-lifetime musician with so many essential hits.  “Higher Ground” marks another important song from his illustrious catalog.  The funk funks hard on this thoughtful joint about reaching one’s highest ground.