01-14-19
The “higher ground,” it’s a concept that’s used in a multitude of ways. Stevie Wonder uses it as a way to describe heaven and the point to which he strived to acclaim to. Throughout the song, Stevie speaks to the things we should focus on to reach our highest ground, “teachers keep on teaching,” “lovers keep on loving,”
Truthfully, the first memory I have of this song isn’t even Stevie’s version, but rather the Red-Hot Chili Peppers, when It was used as a background song on the Power Rangers first movie. At the time, having the entire cast of the Power Rangers, on the BIG SCREEN, skydiving with this song in the background, it was the coolest thing I could imagine. From that moment forward whenever I needed something to get me “pumped” for something this song became one of the first “go-to’s.”
Stevie is talking about reaching the highest ground on a moral/ethical level, salvation being the main priority. I always looked at the meaning a bit more defensively. To have the high ground is to keep oneself in a more advantageous state, at least when it comes to any direct conflict. Perhaps one of the most common memories of learning the importance of this fact was watching Anakin Skywalker try and defeat Obi-Wan. However he had lost the high ground, and ultimately he lost…well every other appendage.
So, whether it’s the high ground on a moral level, or the high ground from a defensive posture I think we’re still supposed to be vigilant of our actions and responses. Both focuses require us to maintain an astute focus so as not to get distracted and taken off track.
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
People keep on learning
Soldiers keep on warring
World keep on turning
‘Cause it won’t be too long
[Verse 2]
Powers keep on lying
While your people keep on dying
World keep on turning
‘Cause it won’t be too long
[Chorus]
I’m so darn glad he let me try it again
Because 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
[Verse 3]
Teachers keep on teaching
Preachers keep on preaching
World keep on turning
‘Cause it won’t be too long
Oh no
[Verse 4]
Lovers keep on loving
Believers keep on believing
Sleepers just stop sleeping
‘Cause it won’t be too long
Oh no
[Chorus]
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
Going to keep on trying
‘Til I reach my highest ground
Woo
[Outro]
‘Til I reach my highest ground
No one’s going to bring me down
Oh no
‘Til I reach my highest ground
Don’t you let nobody bring you down (they’ll sho ’nuff try)
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