Of course, the symbiosis of funk played a huge role in drawing the Chili Peppers to cover Stevie Wonder. In the 2004 book Fornication: The Red Hot Chili Peppers Story, singer Anthony Kiedis said that the Wonderman's song was perfect "because of the way it translates to our sound." Flea had written an ultra-funky bassline for the track, and guitarist John Frusciante had laid distorted, but sleek power chords on top of it. The Chili Peppers were eager to brand themselves as "Gods of Funk," were inherently zany and anti-corporate, and wanted nothing to do with the Motley Crue metal scene.
However, it was the very real, relevant message of the song, and its deceptively simple lyrics, that really struck a chord with the Chili Peppers. Wonder's inspiring, empowering refrains such resonated with the band. They had recently recruited new drummer Chad Smith, who helped "light a fire under our asses," as Flea says, per Loudwire, and the band needed a bit of self-belief to bring them together. Flea went on to say, "Especially as far as the situation that the band has been in, as far as the state of mind, for the past few months. That song is really about raising and uplifting yourself spiritually."
Altogether, "Higher Ground" played a crucial role in energizing the Chili Peppers to jam, collaborate, and push themselves. Today, the song still rings true as a testament to the unifying power of music.
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