Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Stevie Wonder
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Baby, ev'rything is all right, uptight, out of sight Baby, ev'rything is all right, uptight, out of sight I'm a poor man's son, from across the railroad tracks The only shirt I own is hangin' on my back But I'm the envy of ev'ry 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 ev'rything is alright, uptight, out of sight Baby, ev'rything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight She's 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 She said "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 poor man's son Can't give her the things that money can buy But I'll never, 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, ev'rything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight Baby, ev'rything is alright, uptight, ha ha ha ha, yeah Baby, ev'rything is alright, uptight, way out of sight Baby, ev'rything 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
23 facts about this song
Song Release"Uptight (Everything's Alright)" was released by Motown Records on November 22, 1965.
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Chart PerformanceThe song peaked at number three on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in early 1966, making it one of Stevie Wonder's biggest hits at that time.
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SongwritersThis was the first song Stevie Wonder co-wrote. The other songwriters were Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby.
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Young StarAt the time of recording the hit single, Stevie Wonder was just 15 years old.
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Breakthrough SongThis song is considered as a major breakthrough in Stevie Wonder's career and his first number one hit on the Billboard R&B charts. It helped cement his career after his initial hit "Fingertips."
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Musical StyleMusically, "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" is notable for its infectious rhythm and blend of soul, pop, and R&B – it was a significant departure from the more blues-oriented sound of his earlier recordings.
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Song ThemeThe lyrics of the song tell the story of a poor young man who is in love with a rich girl, assuring that despite their different social standings, everything will be alright.
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Album LaunchThe success of the single led to the release of an album, also titled "Uptight," which was Stevie's fifth studio album.
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Song InfluenceThis song went on to influence later works by other artists, including The Jam's 1980 hit "Start!"
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Live Performances"Uptight (Everything's Alright)" has typically been part of Wonder's live performances and concert tours over the years.
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Grammy RecognitionThough not winning, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1967 for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.
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Cover VersionsDue to its popularity and influence, the song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Phil Collins and Human Nature.
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Composition"Uptight (Everything's Alright)" was co-written by Stevie Wonder, Henry Cosby, and Sylvia Moy. The song marked the first time Wonder was given credit as a songwriter.
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Commercial SuccessReleased in 1965 as a single, the song quickly reached the number 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B Singles chart. It remained in these positions for five weeks, making it one of Wonder's most successful early hits.
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Notable PerformancesWonder's explosive live performance of "Uptight" at the 1966 Tammi Show is particularly memorable.
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Crossover SuccessThe song was a significant crossover success for Stevie Wonder, appealing to both black and white audiences and helping Wonder break into the pop music market.
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Impact on Career"Uptight (Everything's Alright)" marked a turning point in Stevie Wonder's career. It helped move him away from the "Little Stevie Wonder" child prodigy phase and showcased his potential as a mature artist.
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AccoladesThe, song along with its album, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1966.
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GenreWhile the song falls under the Motown genre, it also incorporates elements of soul and pop music, which was characteristic of Stevie Wonder's diverse musical style.
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Cover VersionsMany other artists and bands have covered "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," including Phil Collins and The Supremes.
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Use in MediaThis song has been used in multiple films, such as 'Mr. Holland's Opus' and 'Sleepless in Seattle'. It was also included in the soundtrack for the video game 'Mafia III'.
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Influence"Uptight (Everything's Alright)" paved the way for Stevie Wonder's subsequent hits, like "For Once in My Life" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," which blended pop and soul with socially conscious themes.
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InstrumentationWonder played the drums on this track, while the Funk Brothers, Motown's in-house band, supplied the rest of the instrumentation.
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Citation
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