Standing On Higher Ground

Album: Gaudi (1987)
Play Video
  • I know the truth
    But I can't say
    And I have to turn my head
    And look the other way

    I'm not afraid
    And I won't lie
    As long as I see no wrong
    I won't need to testify

    I see the world
    And I'm looking from a high place
    Way above it all
    Standing on higher ground

    I breathe the air
    While they're running in a rat race
    Way above it all
    Standing on higher ground

    I feel the blow
    But I don't speak
    And I have to close my eyes
    Pretending I'm asleep

    Well I see the tears
    But I don't cry
    As long as I do no wrong
    I don't need an alibi

    I see the world
    And I'm looking from a high place
    Way above it all
    Standing on higher ground

    I breathe the air
    While they're running in a rat race
    Way above it all
    Standing on higher ground Writer/s: Alan Parsons, Eric Woolfson
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Mainecoon from Dallas SouthTo me this song is a recognition that one person can have very little to no impact on all the things wrong with the world. People are running in the "rat race" because they can't see it for what it is. They can't be persuaded to give it up. But the speaker is standing outside of it all as if (s)he were the proverbial Martian, or perhaps a human sociologist/anthropologist. It is well to remember that the people who cause the most problems in this world are those who are strongly passionate and can rile up others to their cause. More thoughtful minds are less susceptible to acting rashly and have the courage NOT to be running in the "rat race" competing with others for benefits that, on deeper reflection, are not so beneficial. There is a lot to be said for, as it said, "keeping one's own counsel" and not allowing oneself to become upset about things that one cannot change. The speaker is something of a Stoic.
  • Stuart from UkRE: Anton from Earth - it's a common musical trope (maybe more common in the '80s) for bands to move the melody line to the off beat and then back again - just to mix it up and get your brain working! It's always something I've enjoyed but can be overdone sometimes. I think it works well here though :-)
  • Thom from Boise Id.That is called "Ghost Noting" in the percussion world. The rythom carries you through a corridor of audible beats that sets your inner metronome leaving the listener to fill in subconsciously where the "unheard" beats, or (notes) should be. A delightful drumming trick, but be careful, not every note you're hearing is actually a kick drum or (bass) drum. Some of what you're hearing is actually coming from a bass guitar, which technically isn't a guitar. It's just a bass. I know, tricky huh!? Love this song!
  • Anton from EarthAlways have been moved by this song, but am too ignorant of music to know what it is they do to the rhythm, at several spots, particularly in the intro, it's like they push or pull the beat a half step off. What is that? A mistake in production? An intentional offset designed to catch listeners by surprise? Does this manipulation have a name? Note this is not a criticism, but a request for information.
  • Lisa from Milwaukee, Wi, WiI first heard this song while vacationing in San Juan back in May of 1987. Loved it then, LOVE it now! APP has got to be one of the most underrated, underappreciated bands of our time!
    I'm gonna go listen to I robot now!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of WayneSongwriter Interviews

The guy who brought us "Stacy's Mom" also wrote the Jane Lynch Emmy song and Stephen Colbert's Christmas songs.

Director Wes Edwards ("Drunk on a Plane")

Director Wes Edwards ("Drunk on a Plane")Song Writing

Wes Edwards takes us behind the scenes of videos he shot for Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley and Chase Bryant. The train was real - the airplane was not.