Uptight
Stevie Wonder
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Baby, everything is all right, uptight, out of sight Baby, everything is all right, uptight, out of sight I'm a poorman's son, from across the railroad tracks The only shirt I own is hangin' on my back But I'm the envy of every single guy Since I'm the apple of my girl's eye When we go out stepping on the town for a while My money's low and my suit's out of style But it's all right if my clothes aren't new Out of sight because my heart is true She says baby everything is alright, uptight, out of sight Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight I'm a pearl of a girl, I guess that's what you might say I guess her folks brought her up that way The right side of the tracks, she was born and raised In a great big old house, full of butlers and maids No one is better than I, I know I'm just an average guy No football hero or smooth Don Juan Got empty pockets, you see I'm a poorman's son She says give her the things that money can buy But I'll never, never make my baby cry And it's all right, what I can't do Out of sight because my heart is true She says baby ev'rything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight Baby, everything is alright, uptight, ah ah ah ah Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight
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Written by: Henry Cosby, Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
19 facts about this song
History and Release"Uptight (Everything's Alright)" is a 1965 hit single recorded by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder.
- The song was released by the Tamla record label, which was a subdivision of the famous Motown Records.
- It was Stevie Wonder's fifth album featuring the hit single and the album itself was also called "Uptight."
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Chart Performance"Uptight" reached number 3 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in early 1966.
- It remained at number 1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart for five weeks.
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Song CreditsThe song was co-written by a team of Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby.
- Moy and Cosby also produced the track.
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Musical StructureThis song featured a driving, upbeat tempo which was indicative of the Motown Sound of the mid-1960s.
- It is also noted for its horn section and Wonder's impassioned vocals.
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Cultural Impact"Uptight" was important in Wonder's career – it was his first single following a slump in his career and helped reestablish him as a hitmaker.
- The song is considered a precursor to Wonder's classic period of the 1970s and showcased his increasing maturity as an artist.
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Covers & SamplesMany artists including Phil Collins and The Jam have covered "Uptight."
- The song has been sampled in other popular tracks too, including "Do It" by Beastie Boys and "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" by Father MC.
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DistinctionsThe song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording at the 8th Annual Grammy Awards but did not win.
- It was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing its historical significance.
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Lyrics & ThemeThe song's lyrics tell a story of a poor young man who is vouched for by his affluent girlfriend.
- It encourages positivity with the uplifting message, "everything's alright," despite the character's tough situation.
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Release & Chart Success"Uptight" by Stevie Wonder was released as a single in 1965 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in early 1966.
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Song InfluenceThis song is regarded as a seminal work in the evolution of Stevie Wonder's sound and identity as a soul music performer.
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Song Notation"Uptight" is penned in the key of C Major, offering an upbeat tempo and robust sound that strengthened Wonder's reputation as a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist.
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Grammy Awards"Uptight" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1967, notably in the category for Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Male.
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Composition TeamIt features a collaboration between Stevie Wonder and songwriters Henry Cosby and Sylvia Moy. This team created a blueprint for many of Wonder's future hits.
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Young GeniusImpressively, Stevie Wonder was only 15 years old when he recorded "Uptight," showcasing his prodigious talent and setting his path towards becoming a music legend.
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Hidden Message"Uptight" was more than just a pop hit; it was also a social commentary on racial and class divisions, making its success among diverse audiences particularly meaningful.
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Cover VersionsIts popularity has led numerous artists to make cover versions, including performances by musicians like Bill Cosby, Nancy Wilson, Ramsey Lewis, and even The Rolling Stones.
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Live Performances"Uptight" is a staple in Stevie Wonder's live performances, contributing to a dynamic stage presence that draws the audience in and maintains their interest throughout the concert.
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Combination of GenresThe song combined the upbeat energy of the previous "Motown Sound" with elements of the new funk style, laying the groundwork for his later hits like "Higher Ground" and "Superstition."
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Introduction to PopAlthough he had already achieved success on the R&B charts, "Uptight" was Stevie Wonder's first top-ten hit on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, giving wider exposure to his music.
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Citation
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"Uptight Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17330312/Stevie+Wonder/Uptight>.
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