15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 5 | Playlist 🎧

1. Johnnie Taylor, “Who’s Making Love”

💿 Who’s Making Love… • 🏷 Fantasy, Inc. / Stax • 🗓 1968 

“What I’m gonna, gonna ask you now / You better think about it twice.” Hmm, what were you going to ask, 🎙 Johnnie Taylor? Well, “While you’re out cheatin’ on your woman / There is something you never even thought of / And that is: / Who’s making love to your old lady / While you were out making love?” Ooh wee, Johnnie! That legitimate question and memorable lyrics hail from the 1968 soul gem, 🎵 “Who’s Making Love”, which appears on the album, also titled, 💿 Who’s Making Love…

Johnnie Taylor, The Philosopher of Soul, was an incredibly talented, dynamic soul singer.  He shines with his assertive, gritty vocals on top-five, Billboard Hot 100 hit that encompasses cheating and sex. While making love is intriguing, what is even more interesting is how Taylor seems to defend women being cheated on.

“I’ve seen so, so many fellows

All in that same old bag

Thinkin’ that a woman is made to

To be beat on and treated so bad

Oh, fellows, let me ask you somethin’

I’m sure that you never even dreamed of

And that is:

Who’s making love to your old lady

While you were out making love?”

He makes a terrific point! Tit for tat! Somehow, he never won a 🏆 Grammy, sigh.  It’s worth noting, however, “Who’s Making Love” was one of three contenders for the highly coveted award, so there’s that.

Appears in 🔻:

• Johnnie Taylor, “Who’s Making Love”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 83 (2022)

2. Barry White, “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me”

💿 Barry White Sings for Someone • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 1977

“I did not know you had me hypnotized / There’s a movement of your body dancin’ in my eyes?” Oh, snap! Deep-voiced soul singer 🎙 Barry White had no shortage of hits during an illustrious career. The lushly produced, sexy gem, 🎵 “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me”, from his 1977 album, Barry White Sings for Someone You Love, is no exception. “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at no. 4.  It’s worth noting, White didn’t compose “Ecstasy”; it was written by 🎼 ✍ Ekundayo Paris and 🎼 ✍ Nelson Pigford.

With “Ecstasy,” the listener gets the best of both worlds, in essence.  Clearly, the modus operandi is sex – good, old-school baby-making music! Not only does that sick groove incite body movements, the once-in-a-lifetime vocals, and suggestive lyrics serve as an utterly sublime soundtrack to sex.  “I know I had to hold you and make you mine,” White sings in the pre-chorus, continuing, “Don’t want to control you, just want to have a good time.” Yeah, doesn’t require much thought to brainstorm ways couples “have a good time.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which features those sensual, titular lyrics (“In ecstasy, when you’re layin’ down next to me”). The lyrics, and those sensual pipes of Barry White speak for themselves on 🎵 “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me”.  What a funky disco/soul classic! Additionally, you can’t shortchange “Ecstasy” with its magnificent orchestration (John Roberts), executed to perfection by 🎙 The Love Unlimited Orchestra.

Appears in 🔻:

• Barry White, “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me”: After Dark 🕛 🌃 60 (2022)

3. Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)”

💿 Hounds of Love • 🏷 Noble & Brite Ltd • 🗓 1985

“Do you wanna know, know that it doesn’t hurt me? / Do you wanna hear about the deal I’m making?” Those lyrics hail from 🎵 “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”, the biggest hit from 🎙 Kate Bush. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” experienced moderate success in the mid-80s, as the promo single from Bush’s 1985 album, 💿 Hounds of Love.  That said, the opener received greater success in 2022 thanks to being featured in the fourth season of the beloved Netflix series, 📺 Stranger Things.  In the United States, “Running Up That Hill” ascended up the Billboard Hot 100, eventually reaching the top five! Furthermore, Hounds of Love enjoyed new success on the Billboard 200.

The opener from Hounds of Love is idiomatic of the 1980s to the core! Nostalgic synths and pads stand out, as does the drum groove.  Those drums pummel consistently, creating an intense soundtrack that matches the lyrics and overall aesthetic. Bush serves up a compelling vocal performance, exhibiting poise at times, but also digging in when things grow more intense. As this 80s classic progresses, we get additional rhythm (via rhythmic guitar), additional, vintage, boxy drums, and additional bite from Bush.  And what about this deal she references in the first verse? Well, the chorus shed some light:

“And if I only could

I’d make a deal with God

And I’d get him to swap our places

Be runnin’ up that road

Be runnin’ up that hill

Be runnin’ up that buildin’

Say, If I only could, oh.”

Woo! I don’t think such deals go down, but give Kate Bush credit for trying, I suppose.  The lyrics are incredibly captivating, including the likes of “Unaware, I’m tearin’ you asunder / Oh, there is thunder in our hearts.” Like, BOOM! 🎵 “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” is a prime example of a record being “old, but still lit!”  It’s amazing this 1980s gem from Kate Bush unexpectedly found new life and relevance in 2022.  Also, this is a tale to never give up on a song, ever, even if it doesn’t instantly ignite the charts.  It took nearly 37 years for “Running Up That Hill” to receive just due in the US, haha.

Appears in 🔻:

• Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 82 (2022)
• 13 Songs Filled with GOD

4. Major Harris, “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”

💿 My Way • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 1975

“The time is right / You hold me tight / And love’s got me high.” Woo! The late, great 🎙 Major Harris, a solo artist and member of the iconic collective, 🎙 The Delfonics, delivered a surefire soul classic in 1975 with 🎵 “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”. This is the biggest, most notable hit of his solo career, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Penned by 🎼 ✍ Bobby Eli and Vinnie Barrett, it graces Harris’ album, 💿 My Way, also released in 1975. “I need to have you / Next to me / In more ways than one…” Ooh, la-la! As the lyrics suggest, Harris sings about love and sex.

Major Harris sounds amazing on this five-and-a-half-minute slow jam – understatement (Note: there is a shorter, 45 Version).  He’s incredibly expressive, delivering this gem with incredible authenticity.  He’s backed by one of the lusher productions (Bobby Eli) of the 70s, an era noted for its lushness, particularly Philadelphia soul.  Something else that makes “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” stand out are the orgasmic sound effects, which give this classy record a more erotic edge.  Even as the lady in the background doesn’t hold back enjoying the pleasure, Harris maintains a sense of poise and never ‘loses his cool,’ even if “Love Won’t Let [him] wait.”

“I need your love so desperately

And only you can set me free

When I make love to you

We will explode in ecstasy

And I won’t take the blame

That love won’t let me wait.”

Numerous musicians have covered  “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” – it’s an awesome record! Notable interpretations come at the hands of 🎙 Luther Vandross, 🎙 Nancy Wilson, 🎙 Johnny Mathis, 🎙 Seal, and, of course, 🎙 John Legend.

Appears in 🔻:

• Major Harris, “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”: After Dark 🕛 🌃 68 (2022)
• Major Harris vs. John Legend: Head 2 Head 🗣️ 35 (2022)

5. Al Green, “I’m a Ram”

💿 Gets Next to You • 🏷 Hi Records • 📅 1971

“‘Cause I’m a ram, yes I am / And I know just what to do / Think I’ll drive on / And try to get next to you…” 💿 Gets Next to You is one of the great soul albums of the 1970s.  Gets Next to You marks the third studio album by soul and later, gospel icon, 🎙 Al Green.  The best-known Green hit from Can’t Get Next to You is 🎵 “Tired of Being Alone”.  That said, 🎵 “I’m a Ram”, a deeper cut in the Green collection, is a gem in its own right.

“I’m a Ram” may not be considered among the greatest of Al Green’s greatest hits, but it’s an infectious, must-hear soul joint.  The groove is incredibly funky, the riffs are utterly sweet, the horns sublime, and Al – well – he’s beastly.  There’s a certain cool that only Al Green could generate and generate it he does indeed.  He sings incredibly expressive, impressing with his distinct, nuanced pipes.  The question is, is Green really singing this song about an animal – and a ram of all things? Well, yes and no.  Green seems to embody the aggressiveness of the animal as well as being forceful like a battering ram.  And, yes, of course, he mentions the fact that “I’m a ram out in the bush /And he needs to be free.” Woo! Why? To get close to her, of course, which makes sense in the context of the album!

“Hey baby

‘Cause I’m a ram

Bet your life, I do

‘Cause I’m a ram now

And I wanna get next to you

Oh, baby.”

Would it be far-fetched to say that Green was a bit, um, horny 🫢? Those ram horns and all, I mean!

Appears in 🔻:

• Al Green, “I’m a Ram”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 78 (2022)

6. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave”

💿 Heat Wave • 🏷 Motown • 📅 1963 

“Whenever I’m with him / Something inside / Starts to burnin’ / And I’m filled with desire.” Ooh, wee! 🎵 “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” commences 🎙 Martha Reeves & The Vandellas’ 1963 album, 💿 Heat Wave with a surefire BANG! It’s an epic opening statement.  It comes as no surprise that “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” was a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” was written by the legendary team of 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Brian Holland, 🎼 ✍ Eddie Holland, and 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Lamont Dozier (rest in peace, king). Brian Holland and Dozier also produced the record.

“It’s like a heat wave

Burnin’ in my heart (It’s like a heat wave)

I can’t keep from cryin’ (It’s like a heat wave)

It’s tearin’ me apart.”

“(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” features exuberant production and an alluring sound.  Live horns, including a potent, punchy baritone saxophone marks one of the best instrumental features. 🎙 Martha Reeves serves up assertive, high-energy vocals.  Her performance can be characterized by the personality – the attitude and the confidence – she emits while singing (“Has high blood pressure got a hold of me / Or is this the way love’s supposed to be?”).  The lyrics are fun, lighthearted, and novel – incredibly idiomatic of the 1960s. This is a prime example of a vintage soul, pop crossover hit that you can’t help but dance to when it comes on the radio or elsewhere, even 60 years after it first arrived.

Appears in 🔻:

• Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 77 (2022)
• 11 Songs That Generate Tremendous Heat

7. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, “Blinded By The Light”

💿 The Roaring Silence • 🏷 East Central One Limited • 📅 1976

“Blinded by the light / Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.” Classic English rock band 🎙 Manfred Mann’s Earth Band is renowned for one particular record: 🎵 “Blinded By The Light”.  Something that should be noted about “Blinded By The Light” is it’s a Bruce Springsteen cover. That said, 🎙 Manfred Mann and company hold the rare distinction of transforming and usurping the original! “Blinded By The Light” appears in their 1976 album, 💿 The Roaring Silence.

“And go-kart Mozart was checkin’ out the weather chart

To see if it was safe outside

And little Early-Pearly came by in his curly-wurly

And asked me if I needed a ride

Asked me if I needed a ride!”

Okay! On The Roaring Silence, there are two versions of “Blinded By The Light.” The LP commences with the seven-minute-plus version. It concludes with a more accessible, sub-four-minute single edit.  Besides the elite songwriting of Mr. Springsteen (“Some brimstone, baritone, anticyclone, rolling stone preacher from the east…”), what else makes “Blinded By The Light” a surefire vibe? How about colorful production and a palette of sounds including backing vocals, guitars, keys, fat bass line, etc.? Throughout the course of the epic seven-minute original, the listener is blessed by superb lead vocals, an epic groove, which arrives at the beginning, and fantastic guitar riffs and soloing. If this record blinds you, it blinds you with its greatness!

Appears in 🔻:

• Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, “Blinded By The Light”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 79 (2022)
• 15 Blind Songs That Totally Stand Out

8. Etta James, “I’d Rather Go Blind”

💿 Tell Mama • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 1968

“I would rather, I would rather go blind boy / Than to see you walk away from me child.”  Those lyrics hail from the timeless, 🎙 Etta James classic, 🎵 “I’d Rather Go Blind”.  The late, great blues and R&B musician earned a surefire hit with this gem from her 1968 album, 💿 Tell Mama. “Something deep down in my soul said, ‘Cry girl,’ / When I saw you and that girl, walking around.” Intriguing.  James sings with incredible expression and nuance. Furthermore, the music – the arrangement and production – are simply beautiful.  The vintage soul aesthetic is idiomatic of 1960s blues/soul.

From my perspective, thematically, “I’d Rather Go Blind” appears to be about a defunct romantic relationship.  Early on, all indications suggest that that’s the direction Etta James (and her songwriters) were opting for.  “Something told me it was over,” she sings in the first line of the first verse, continuing, “When I saw you and her talking.” That adds up perfectly to an ended relationship.  However, throwing in lyrics like child and even the repeated use of boy open up “I’d Rather Go Blind” to a potentially different interpretation. This is owed to the clever nature of the lyrics.  The other interpretation is perhaps a mother is losing her son and that’s what’s made her feel sad.  I find it to be a slight stretch but songs like “I’d Rather Go Blind” that offer multiple possibilities are truly brilliant.

Appears in 🔻:

• Etta James, “I’d Rather Go Blind”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 75 (2022)
• Blind: 5ive Songs No. 46 (2022)
• 15 Blind Songs That Totally Stand Out

9. The Brides of Funkenstein, “Disco to Go”

💿 Funk or Walk • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 1978 

“A bumping we will go / A bumping we will go / We’ll take some funk / We’ll put it in your rump / And then we’ll make you disco.” Woo! 🎙 Dawn Silva and 🎙 Lynn Mabry served as members of the short-lived funk collective, 🎙 The Brides of Funkenstein.  This didn’t mark the first rodeo for either lady as they were both members of 🎙 Sly & The Family Stone and 🎙 P-Funk – two legendary music groups. Even though The Brides of Funkenstein didn’t last long, the group did leave its mark with one particular single, 🎵 “Disco to Go”. Tongue in cheek to the n^th degree, there’s no way you listen to “Disco to Go” without getting a smile on your face.  Expectedly, it’s funky AF, thanks to writing and production by 🎼 ✍ 🎛 George Clinton (there’s that P-Funk connection) and 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Bootsy Collins – two icons.  “Disco to Go” commences The Bride of Funkenstein’s debut album, 💿 Funk or Go Home, released in 1978.

Just to reiterate, “Disco to Go,” thematically and lyrically, is incredibly TONGUE IN CHEEK. That said, “Disco to Go” delivers some of the most kick-ass, funk you’ll ever hear – the riffs, the horns, the bass line! Lyrically, even if is ridiculous, it’s incredibly entertaining.  The Brides references 💿 The Mothership Connection, associated with Clinton and 🎙 Parliament, of course.  The most entertaining lyrics, of course, involve Old McDonald – I kid you not:

“Old McDonald had some rumps, E-I-E-I-O

But what’s some rumps without some funk, E-I-E-I-O

No humping here, there’s no bumping

Everywhere there’s a lack of funking

E-I-O Disco, McDonald, E-I-O to go.”

Wow!

Appears in 🔻:

• The Brides of Funkenstein, “Disco to Go”: Throwback Vibez No. 66 (2022)

10. Thomas Dolby, “She Blinded Me with Science”

💿 The Golden Age of Wireless • 🏷 The Echo Label Limited • 📅 1982 

“It’s poetry in motion / She turned her tender eyes to me / As deep as any ocean / As sweet as any harmony.” English musician 🎙 Thomas Dolby is the most famous for the song at hand, 🎵 “She Blinded Me with Science”.  “She Blinded me with Science” serves as the opener on his 1982 album, 💿 The Golden Age of Wireless. It’s safe to say, “She Blinded Me With Science” is an infectious record from the start!

“But she blinded me with science / (She blinded me with science!) / Failed me in biology, hey, huh, huh!” “She Blinded Me with Science” makes exceptional use of rhythm.  Furthermore, there is an assortment of cool vocal effects and spoken word lines. This record sounds idiomatic of the 80s with its boxy drum programming, rhythmic guitars, whacky synths, and keyboards. This entertaining record sounds distinct, somewhat weird, and definitely ear-catching. This is a unique listening experience from the get-go. It’s very tongue-in-cheek lyrically (“Ha, it’s poetry in motion / Now she’s making love to me / The spheres are in commotion / The elements in harmony”).  Even so, there are some truly fantastic melodic moments. “Poetry in motion,” indeed!

Appears in 🔻:

• Thomas Dolby, “She Blinded Me with Science”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 80 (2022)
• 15 Blind Songs That Totally Stand Out

11. The Stylistics, “You are Everything”

💿 The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album • 🏷 Amherst • 🗓 1971

When you hear the name 🎙 The Stylistics, one of the first soul gems that come to mind is 🎵 “You are Everything”. The top-10 Billboard Hot 100 hit (no. 9) graces the Philadelphia soul collective’s critically acclaimed, 1971 album, 💿 The Stylistics.  The gold-certified “You Are Everything” was written by 🎼 ✍ Thom Bell and 🎼 ✍ Linda Creed – elite songwriters!

Singing the lead on this lush ballad is 🎙 Russell Thompkins Jr., who also sings background vocals too. “You are Everything” is the perfect soul record, even if only one Stylistic is utilized! The harmonized vocals, using various other vocalists, are stunning, especially against that Philly soul backdrop.  Thematically, it encompasses expired love – one you can’t forget about.  Thompkins asserts, “I just can’t go on / Living life as I do / Comparing each girl with you / Knowing they just won’t do / They’re not you.”  Why are they not you? Well, that’s where the tuneful chorus comes into play: “You are everything / And everything is you.” Woo! All told, The Stylistics’ 🎵 “You are Everything” ranks among the elites when it comes to soul classics.

Appears in 🔻:

• The Stylistics, “You are Everything”: Throwback Vibez No. 69 (2022)
• 11 Epic Songs That Are Everything!

12. The Isley Brothers, “The Heat Is On, Pts. 1 & 2”

💿 The Heat Is On • 🏷 Sony • 📅 2015 

It’s amazing how many different, truly epic, soul collectives thrived back in the day. Among the most iconic is none other than 🎙 The Isley Brothers.  Something that has made 🎙 Ronald Isley and company so enduring is their ability to evolve seamlessly throughout their storied career, which began in the 1950s.  Sure, in the 2020s, it’s Ron and 🎙 Ernie Isley that retain 🎙 The Isley Brothers’ name but back in the day, specifically during the 1970s, when 💿 The Heat Is On was released, The Isley Brothers included 🎙 Rudolph Isley, 🎙 O’Kelly Isley Jr. (deceased), 🎙 Marvin Isley (deceased), and 🎙 Chris Jasper.  Most of the original members appear on the five-and-a-half minutes of funky goodness that is 🎵 “The Heat is On, Pts. 1 & 2”.

From the onset of “The Heat is On,” there is no way you can listen without moving your body.  The groove is incredibly F-U-N-K-Y. The backdrop is gnarly! The keyboard lines (clavinet) kick some serious butt.  Other notes include the expressive, nuanced lead vocals by Ronald Isley.  I love the grit he employs.  Also, the harmonized vocals are another awesome touch.  How about that marvelous guitar 🎸 solo around the 3:15 mark, which gives this soul cut some rock sensibility 🤘. Thematically, this record encompasses love.  In the third verse, Isley sings, “The charge of love is on the way / Make it easy, make me stay / In case you can’t hang on / Move on, the heat is on.” Woo! Truly, while listening to “The Heat is On,” “I [You] can feel the heat.” Sure, 🎙 The Isley Brothers have more renowned hits in their extensive discography.  That said, 🎵 “The Heat is On, Pts. 1 & 2” marks one of their better, and certainly, funkiest moments.  This, my friends, is a certified, surefire, undeniable funk/soul bop.

Appears in 🔻:

• The Isley Brothers, “The Heat is On, Pts. 1 & 2”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 76 (2022)
• 11 Songs That Generate Tremendous Heat

13. Barry White, “You’re the First, The Last, My Everything”

💿 Can’t Get Enough • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 1974

“We got it together, didn’t we? / We’ve definitely got our thing together, don’t we baby?” Ooh wee, 🎙 Barry White! The deep-voiced soul singer had a mega-hit with 🎵 “You’re the First, The Last, My Everything”, which peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. So, why is “You’re the First, The Last, My Everything” so epic? It starts with White; his baritone vocals are dope AF.  Beginning with the intro, the sexiness and sex appeal is on 10. White has a once-in-a-lifetime musical instrument to work with – a tone that is to die for.  Beyond the voice, what about the lushness of the music? The orchestration and production are elite.  And thematically, love is the modus operandi.

“You’re you’re all I’m living for

Your love I’ll keep forevermore

(You’re the first)

You’re the first

(My last)

You’re the last

My everything.”

Perhaps most interesting about “You’re the First, The Last, My Everything” is its origin. Co-writer 🎼 ✍ Peter Sterling Radcliffe initially wrote this as a country record! White transformed it into an utterly sublime disco/soul masterpiece.  🎼 ✍ Tony Sepe is also credited as a songwriter. Barry White is the man, period.

Appears in 🔻:

• Barry White, “You’re the First, The Last, My Everything”: Throwback Vibez 69 (2022)
• 11 Epic Songs That Are Everything!

14. William Bell, “I Forgot To Be Your Lover”

💿 The Very Best of William Bell • 🏷 Concord Music Group • 🗓 2007

🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B artist, 🎙 Jaheim, is responsible for one of my favorite R&B songs from the 00s: 🎵 “Put That Woman First” (💿 Still Ghetto). Why I mention this record is because Ja’ got a little help via interpolating the soul classic, 🎵 “I Forgot to Be Your Lover” by 🎙 William Bell, musically and lyrically. The 1968 classic keeps things short, sweet, and – wait for it – soulful.  William Bell composed this classic alongside another legend, 🎼 ✍ 🎛  Booker T. Jones, who also produced it.

Essentially, Bell hasn’t been a good lover.  He hasn’t done the things that he should’ve done to fully support her.  He asserts at the end of the first verse, “Now I realize that you need love too / I’ll spend my life making up to you.” Similarly, in the second verse, he reflects on the things he didn’t do.  Ultimately, per the chorus he intends to make up for his wrongs: “Oh, I forgot to be your lover / And I’m sorry, I’ll make it up to you somehow.”  In addition to fabulous vocals by Bell, filled with authenticity, the music is utterly sublime, hailing from a different age. Also, worth noting, “I Forgot to Be Your Lover” samples a classic tune: 🎵 “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You”, performed by 🎙 Lulu Belle & Scotty.   

Appears in 🔻:

• William Bell, “I Forgot to Be Your Lover”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 70 (2022)

15. Stevie Wonder, “Living for the City”

💿 Innervisions • 🏷 Motown • 🗓 1973

“A boy is born in hard time Mississippi / Surrounded by four walls that ain’t so pretty.” Just process those lyrics that 🎙 Stevie Wonder sang on his top-10 hit, 🎵 “Living For The City”.  A gem from his 1973 album,  💿 Innervisions, which won the 🏆 Grammy for Album of the Year, Wonder gets serious about black socioeconomic issues, racism, racial inequality, and racial inequity.  That’s not what you expect out of a pop hit.  Clearly, Wonder had a bigger message in mind, as this man is “Living just enough, just enough for the city.” The first verse, just scratches the surface, as the second speaks to the hard work this man’s family endures, still falling short of what they need to survive: “His father works some days for fourteen hours / And you can bet he barely makes a dollar.”

The cycle continues on this incredibly soulful joint, where undoubtedly many folks likely focus on the music and the ‘happy go lucky’ chorus: “Da da da, da da da da…” Verse three depicts the man’s sister, describing her unbecoming clothes, but perseverance through adversity.  The fourth verse returns the focus to the man who first appears, highlighting his intelligence, yet the lack of jobs that fit his intellect due to racism (“To find a job is like a haystack needle / ‘Cause where he lives they don’t use colored people”). Ultimately, the man leaves “hard time Mississippi” for better opportunities in New York City.  Unfortunately, it’s ‘more of the same’ regarding racial issues, a skit depicts the man’s downfall as he’s arrested after accepting money to run drugs across the street… The final two verses speak of the aftermath of his incarceration – a lack of hope (verse five) and the need for change in a broken world (verse six). Wonder says it best: “If we don’t change, the world will soon be over / Living just enough, stop giving just enough for the city.”

Appears in 🔻:

• Stevie Wonder, “Living For The City”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 84 (2022)
• 13 Captivating City Songs