“Higher Love” is a song from 1986 by English singer Steve Winwood. It was the first song released from his fourth solo album, Back in the High Life. Winwood wrote it with Will Jennings and it was produced by Russ Titelman and Winwood. Chaka Khan provided background vocals and appeared in the music video.
The song carries a strong spiritual message. It suggests the existence of a higher love, possibly representing a divine force like God.
In this article, we’ll explore the deeper meaning of the song’s lyrics.
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“Higher Love” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Steve Winwood]
Think about it, there must be higher love
Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above
Without it, life is wasted time
Look inside your heart, I’ll look inside mine
In the first verse, Steve Winwood reflects on the concept of a higher form of love. He suggests that there must be a love beyond the ordinary, something deeper and more profound.
The lyrics imply that this higher love could be found within oneself (“Down in the heart”) or in something greater, symbolized by “hidden in the stars above.”
Winwood highlights the importance of this higher love by stating that without it, life is meaningless or wasted time. He encourages introspection by urging listeners to “look inside your heart” while he does the same.
[Pre-Chorus]
Things look so bad everywhere
In this whole world, what is fair?
We walk blind and we try to see
Falling behind in what could be
In the pre-chorus, Steve Winwood describes how things appear bleak and difficult everywhere, implying a sense of global turmoil or hardship. The phrase “In this whole world, what is fair?” suggests a questioning of fairness and equity in society.
Despite these challenges, Winwood emphasizes the human tendency to persevere and seek understanding. He mentions how people “walk blind” through life, implying a lack of clarity or insight, yet they continue to strive for a better understanding of their circumstances.
The line “Falling behind in what could be” hints at missed opportunities or unrealized potential due to the struggles faced.
[Verse 2]
Worlds are turning, and we’re just hanging on
Facing our fear and standing out there alone
A yearning and it’s real to me
There must be someone who’s feeling for me
In the second verse, Steve Winwood metaphorically describes the world as constantly changing (“Worlds are turning”) while people are left feeling vulnerable and uncertain, merely “hanging on.”
Winwood acknowledges the challenges and struggles that come with navigating life’s uncertainties. Despite this, there is a sense of hope and yearning for connection, as he expresses the belief that there must be someone else out there who shares similar feelings and emotions (“There must be someone who’s feeling for me”).
[Chorus]
Bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, ohoh
Bring me a higher love
Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?
Bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, ohoh
Bring me a higher love
I could rise above on a higher love
In the chorus, Steve Winwood expresses a longing for a transcendent form of love that elevates and enriches life. The chorus serves as a plea for this higher love to manifest in one’s life.
The repetition of the phrase “Bring me a higher love” emphasizes the yearning and urgency felt by the singer. It’s a request for a love that surpasses the ordinary and mundane, suggesting a desire for deeper meaning and fulfillment.
Winwood’s repetition of the phrase “Bring me a higher love, oh oh” adds a sense of emotional intensity and longing. The use of the word “oh” adds a vocalization of emotion, conveying a sense of urgency and passion.
The chorus also poses a question: “Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?” This line reflects the singer’s reflection on the elusive nature of this higher love. Despite the longing, there’s a sense of uncertainty and searching for answers.
[Bridge 1]
I will wait for it
I’m not too late for it
Until then, I’ll sing my song
To cheer the night along
Bring it
In Bridge 1, Steve Winwood expresses patience and determination in waiting for this elusive higher love to materialize in his life.
The lyrics “I will wait for it, I’m not too late for it” convey a sense of optimism and faith that this higher love will eventually arrive. Winwood acknowledges that despite the passage of time, it’s not too late to experience this transformative love.
The line “Until then, I’ll sing my song to cheer the night along” suggests a commitment to maintaining hope and positivity while waiting for this higher love.
[Bridge 2]
I could light the night up with my soul on fire
I could make the sun shine from pure desire
Let me feel that love come over me
Let me feel how strong it could be
In Bridge 2, Winwood suggests that experiencing the higher love could ignite a profound sense of purpose and vitality within him, as he sings, “I could light the night up with my soul on fire.”
The line “I could make the sun shine from pure desire” emphasizes the ability to create positive change through sheer will and determination. It suggests that the power of desire and love can have a tangible impact on one’s surroundings, symbolized by making the sun shine.
The final line “Let me feel that love come over me, let me feel how strong it could be” serves as a plea for the higher love to become a tangible reality in the singer’s life.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Higher Love”
“Higher Love” by Steve Winwood explores the universal human longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection – be it with oneself, with others, or with a higher power. The song asserts that there must be a love beyond the ordinary, one that elevates and enriches life on a spiritual level.
In the lyrics, Winwood reflects on the challenges and uncertainties of existence, singing, “We walk blind and we try to see, Falling behind in what could be.”
The repeated plea for a “higher love” suggests a yearning for a transcendent form of love that surpasses the mundane and offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
When Steve Winwood sings, “Think about it, there must be higher love,” he appears to use the concept of “higher love” to allude to a divine love, which some interpret as a reference to God or a higher spiritual power.
Overall, the song “Higher Love” reflects the universal human quest for guidance and support from a higher or divine power, especially during moments of helplessness and uncertainty.
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