Too High by Stevie Wonder Lyrics Meaning – Dissecting the Psychedelic Commentary on Excess
Lyrics
Do, do, do-do, do, do-do
Do-do, do-do, do, do
Do-do, do, do, do, do-do
Do, do, do, do, do-do, do
Do-do, do-do, do-do
I’m too high
I’m too high
But I ain’t touched the sky
I’m too high
I’m too high
But I ain’t touched the sky
She’s a girl in a dream
She sees a four-eyed cartoon monster on the TV screen
She takes another puff and says, “It’s a crazy scene”
That red is green
And she’s a tangerine
I’m too high
I’m too high
But I ain’t left the ground
I’m too high
I’m too high
I hope I never ever come down
She’s the girl in her life
But her world’s a superficial paradise
She had a chance to make it big more than once or twice
But no dice
She wasn’t very nice
Ooh
Do-do, do, do, do, do-do
Do, do, do-do, do, do-do
Do, do, do, do, do, do
Do-do, do, do, do, do-do
Do, do, do-do, do, do-do
Do-do, do-do, do-do, do-do, do-do, do-do
I’m too high
I’m too high
I can’t ever touch the sky
I’m too high
I’m so high
I feel like I’m about to die
She’s a girl of the past
I guess that I got to her at last
A did you hear the news about the girl today
She passed away
What did her friend say
They said she’s too high
Too high
Can’t hang around anyway
Do-do, do, do, do, do-do
Do, do, do-do, do, do-do
Do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Amidst the kaleidoscopic tapestry of Stevie Wonder’s 1973 album ‘Innervisions’ lies an often overlooked gem, ‘Too High’. A masterwork of funk and soul, the song is a cerebral exploration of the perils of indulgence. While groove reigns supreme, it’s the poignant narrative that elevates ‘Too High’ to a tale worth telling in vivid lyrical colors.
Unraveling the layers of ‘Too High’ reveals not only the artistry of Wonder’s songwriting but also delivers a potent message against the backdrop of a society caught in the swirl of excess and escapism. The track echoes the larger societal concerns, intertwining them with a personal story that resonates as deeply today as it did back in the 70s.
Under the Groove: Exploring the Sonic Texture
The first stratum of ‘Too High’ is its irresistible groove—an intricate interplay of clavinet, drums, and horns. This enchanting soundscape invites listeners into a spectacle of sound while stealthily setting the stage for a cautionary narrative. It would be a mistake to let the music’s infectious hooks overshadow the lyrics’ complexity, as they’re the vessel for Wonder’s message.
The track’s sophisticated use of jazz harmonies and chords belie a complexity. It encapsulates a time when music was morphing, pushing boundaries as much in content as in form, during an era of unprecedented social change. Wonder uses this backdrop to create a multi-layered commentary disguised as an upbeat tune.
The Highs and Lows of Illusionary Bliss
The protagonist in ‘Too High’ is trapped in a ‘superficial paradise’, relying on substances to transcend her mundane reality. Yet, the elevation she achieves is illusory. She experiences a height unaccompanied by enlightenment, a soaring without liberation. Through these poignant lyrics, Wonder illustrates the inherent emptiness in chasing euphoria through artificial means.
The narrative progression in the lyrics mirrors the character’s descent, from the initial carefree ‘too high’ to the fall symbolized by her passing. Wonder thus encapsulates the tragedy of potential unfulfilled and lives lost to the siren calls of excess.
The Overlooked Warning: ‘Too High’s’ Lesson on Life’s Edge
Stevie Wonder becomes the sage through this song, offering a cautionary tale that transcends mere moralism. ‘Too High’ isn’t just a commentary; it’s a heartfelt plea, a waking call to resist the temptation of destructive escapism. It is a reminder that the quest for the otherworldly often comes at an earthly cost.
This interpretation converges on the broader narrative of ‘Innervisions’, critically examining the causes and effects of inertia in personal growth and societal development. ‘Too High’ thus blends seamlessly into an album that persistently questions the socio-political landscape of the time.
Entwined in Metaphor: The Allure of Wonder’s Words
‘She’s a tangerine’ isn’t just a striking image but a metaphorical revelation. In ‘Too High’, the fruitfulness suggested by the citrus is negated; it is not the fruit of creation but a bitter harvest of delusion. The lyrics are a masterstroke of symbolism, each line painting part of a portrait that becomes more distressing the longer one gazes.
Stevie Wonder’s tactful use of language transforms the song into a poetic canvas, illustrating a life paradoxically high yet low, ostensibly colorful yet dull at its core. It is these contrasts woven into the song’s fabric that render ‘Too High’ an ever-relevant piece of art.
Climbing the Ladder of Legendary Lines
Certain phrases burrow into collective memory, and in ‘Too High’, it is ‘But I ain’t touched the sky’. This line, while simple, resonates a powerful truth—the mere act of ascending does not guarantee reaching celestial heights. It encapsulates the human experience with sublime succinctness, marking ‘Too High’ as not just a song but a landmark of lyrical genius.
These indelible lines serve as both the hook and the heartbreak of the song, at once catchy enough to sing along to and profound enough to ponder long after the music stops. It’s a testament to Stevie Wonder’s capacity to combine pop appeal with poetic depth.
