Stevie Wonder - Village Ghetto Land

[irishbug14]

Village Ghetto Land is the original socially conscious rap song; it's like The Message before Grandmaster Flash was even around! Stevie was ahead of his time!

[hywelt1]

He plays it beautifully, but I'd love to hear this with a string section.

[fede018]

this was the invention of gansta rap! Stevie is an OG! lol

[jadjuk]

Stevie's songs bring tears to my soul as I remember the days when I first heard this song in the 70's. This like his other songs are timeless better than most of the rubbish passed off as music today. He may be blind, but he definitely can see.

[jeromehazelwood]

epic and more important than most songs. especially relevant today.

[slickmason1]

Who the hell was making music like this in 1976? This song is ahead of it's time.

[TheWirefan123]

Quincy Jones is a genius

[pontusgardinger]

@TheWirefan123 What you talking about? He had nothing to do with this song. Or are you just claiming he's a genius?

[solidsnackumzzz]

@TheWirefan123 quincy had nothing to do with this album just so you know, he's still great though.

[kenyasoccerman11]

3 people have NO SOUL!!!

[SirTenTea]

Village Ghetto Land is still with us. Plenty of starvation and deprivation in this country still. That's something the Repukelicans and the Tea Party would have us ignore.

[ohmphthschwrhu]

@SirTenTea ITS NOT REPUKELICANS!ITS REPUBE- LICKIN'

[mitgiajes]

listen to the remix from warren G;)



[randomwords7007]

Rocks.

[mbtoober]

3 people are rich, and hate to hear about poor folks in the ghetto.

[bebreezy93]

Stevie Wonder can see more than people with 20/20 vision ever will. . .

[komahahagrrr]

One of the best ever....... Stevie the genius

[hhoosseeaa]

the greatest symphonies and orchestras have difficulty performing this song, the ghetto truly produce genius

[zubimarta]

elegancia



[fiesty2345]

3 people never been to the ghetto..i think its time to pull a "malibu's most wanted on their asses" :) lol

[MrHandsallover]

The best socially conceptual song off Songs In The Key of Life it depicts the struggles of poverty,pain and the social times of the day I would love to have been in the studio when he did this song

[sn83]

This song is brilliant....Stevie is too real

[CRW7334]

God this man was brilliant.

[singerphildaniels]

@CRW7334 is...

[Jnrzlmn]

@CRW7334 Yeah why the was?

[wagster42]

ironic

[vmcfw]

3 people live in the ghetto

[sicko480]

SOME THINGS WILL NEVER CHANGE

[2441883]

I think of this song everytime I walk down the dog food aisle at the market.  It is always a momnt of deep thought, sadness, and foreboding. I wonder what is in it. I heard it was meat (inc. penises) of horses. Yes... for more than 30 yrs,i have been reading the back of dog food cans... but I do not have a dog.

[zyruemusic]

@2441883 that's deep fam!!! are u aware most of the dog food sales in the ghetto is because the poor has realized there is more nutrition in a can of dog food than mc donalds?  peace

[TH33MiiMiiGH33]

Im Only 13 && iFreakin Lovee This Sonq ! iSaw The Video " Key Of Life " At School && Now Im All About Stevie Wonder ; He Is Truly A Very Talented Soul ; God Blessed Him With The Sound Of Music ; This Is Inspirinq !

[Paulahar1]

Legend.

[momskid]

NOW SOME FOLKS SAY THAT WE SHOULD BE

GLAD FOR WHAT WE HAVE

TELL ME

WOULD U BE HAPPY

IN VILLAGE GHETTO LAND

[manscaniamercedesvol]

3 people don'like this song they're stupid



[BLKnUSA1]

Let me say that is easily one of the greatest albums created during the rock and roll era. Top ten all time.

[dkr1963]

sad to see we haven't moved too far from what stevie sings about...tell me are you happy living in this vgl called the USA?

[starbary1]

family's buying dog food now starvation romes the streets...(real shit)

[chulodanny44]

@starbary1 isnt that whats happening in this country now 

[SavantOnASpinet]

It's funny how everyone assumes that this song only corresponds to America's "ghettos." This song speaks for the whole world, whether it be Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, it doesn't matter. The World is in dyer need of change. And it's up to us to make that happen; but we are still blind. Only Stevie has been able to see this.

[khujo78]

@SavantOnASpinet

Who is 'everyone' that assumes this? Anyone who has listened to more than 3 of Stevie's songs know that all of his music is meant to be felt on a global level. Of couse being from and in America, many people here will understand his message and relate to this song, especially if they have experienced it themselves (such as I have). However those who have experienced it know that it is universal. That's unprovoked defensiveness is part of what separates us.

[alpo8473]

This song cuts deep. Just think somewhere in the world this song has a truth........perhaps right here.

[sgj002]

I wasnt expecting the words to be what they were after hearing the music lol

[jarret32105]

How could anyone dislike this song? Thats like not liking what Stevie is singing about.

[Gurl2Lady]

i love the irony between the lyrics and the music. it only makes his point that much stronger. stevie is bad!

[molinmusic]

Recorded a song for STEVIE WONDER, if you LOVE STEVIE support JUNIOR BLIND and programs that help blind children in his honor to show your apprecialove. Give thanks Jah guide and protect, forever! More love for the children!

[roynaly]

much copied but the original is stillt he best

[ohmphthschwrhu]

to me he's using the heavenly string sound to lure people who hear that as regularity into hearing about ghetto regularity as if somebody that well off and white really want to here about ghetto problems ,as if someone black and starving really want to hear some heavenly strings.when i was a kid we listened to this song and soon as the strings said iiinhh! it was on to the next song. my friends called me C.A.R.E. called my brother U.N.I.C.E.F...

[mysterymediacorp]

@ohmphthschwrhu to me since there are statistically more white's on welfare than blacks (just based on percentage according to experts) - I think Stevie presented a point of view about a universal issue .. You make a good point about the strings but then again it may have just been what Wonder was feeling at the time I'm sure he was smart enough to know that not all whites are well off like the biased media would like us to think

[2441883]

@ohmphthschwrhu I always thought he used strings to illustrate a point about the haves and the have nots. For example, in the 19C, Victorian art showed that society was well and healthy and content. This was only sort of true of the aristocracy, not for the impoverished masses falling dead from disease and starvation in the actual streets. The poor we have with us always... it has always been this way.

[OrganCat]

Stevie used the experimantal Yamaha GX-1 synthesizer for the strings. The settings used were kept locked away. I played with this instrument for a week and couldn't duplicate it.

[ballaofallballaz]

Stevie took you through the hood before any rapper ever did!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MsTeachMe1]

@ballaofallballaz Isn't that something to think about! But he really did!!

[steveland7]

This is the favorite song of my son.

[thestalker3]

so baroque!

[gordonw01]

So hard to pick a favourite Stevie song but this could just be it.That line "families buying dogfood now"... God that hits you hard.

[dreadmaniaco]

I knew that Stevie played almost all of the instruments of his songs, but...

PLAY THE VIOLIN BEING A BLIND MAN IT'S SO FUCKIN' DIFFICULT!!!! THAT'S INCREDIBLE!!!!!

HE'S AWESOME!!!! =D

[bhizzle21]

@dreadmaniaco Hate to burst your bubble man. but he used his piano. String synth. But still sounds Epic

[dreadmaniaco]

@bhizzle21

It was not necessary to talk like that ("bubble"). I did not know that, that's all.

Does not make you cool to say that you know something I do not

[bhizzle21]

@dreadmaniaco Didn't mean it like that man. Just thought I'd let you know. Have a good one.

[markdawsonmusic]

@dreadmaniaco I'm pretty sure they did the whole string thing on a yamaha dream machine. A synthesiser. Though, i'm pretty sure he could play the violin!

[dreadmaniaco]

@markdawsonmusic

=D

[ElvisLivesUpstairs]

Best song on the album in my opinion

[PattySays1960]

I was 15 yrs old when this album came out in '76,  I heard this song & it brought me to tears. I did not know the details of how African-American's suffered, nor of others in the ghetto. I couldn't stop listening to it. I wanted everyone to hear it. I commenced to praying for things to change for them...and have never stopped. I love this song, and thank you for putting it on your YouTube page. ♥ Wonderful! ♥

[cocolukia21]

Amazing song. Why couldn't it be longer?

[mattratt512]

i am so glad i got this on vinyl

[ElvisLivesUpstairs]

@mattratt512 and me, I got it in the charity shop :)

[Bamaboompa]

@ElvisLivesUpstairs Isn't that appropriate? Enjoy.

[aurick7737]

Amazing that Stevie and Diana Ross came from the same Detroit housing projects.

[esmith2691]

One of my father's favorite Stevie Wonder classics - still relevant today...

[perkydoo]

The music so belies the horror of the lyrics. It adds the surreal quality that the situation demands...

[cooper507]

i dont know weather to be happy or sad

[KeepinItStr8Funky100]

@cooper507 That is the whole point my friend. The beat and melodic sound sounds nice but the words are harsh and real.

[Spearhear360]

No Stevie. I wouldn't be happy in Village Ghetto Land

[Dreal05starnation]

shut up bbitch

[Dojinkin]

quality music

[NewKokujinOptions]

Great song. This is the world that we'll be looking at rather soon, I think.

[legend318]

One of the best artists...period!

[ioriredeye]

This song is AMAZING!!  Get 'em, Stevie!!

[KeepinItStr8Funky100]

Okay, y this song sounds so calm when he is talking about some very depressing things?!?!?! Lol. Beautiful song by the musical genius Stevie Wonder.

[raeannt]

To me he sounds very sad and resigned. Probably a lot like the people in Village Ghetto Land. What else can you do when you're there and you don't think you can get out? The screams turn inward, and eventually, your heart turns to a stone.

[mworsha]

In the 21centry and beyond stevies music is timeless.

[slackrabbitjim]

I remember buying this album when it came out in 1976, I sat and listened to it and cried when I heard this track. beautiful.

[Denleavy]

i love the string sounds from the yamaha GX1.

[MsBeall502]

Beautiful!! The violins were heavenly!!

[gottafriend]

Thank you very much.

[levanabrzeni]

One of my favorite songs

[momskid]

@levanabrzeni me too. always loved it.

[0007bondjamesbond]

You know whats so amazing!! The guys blind..  I know we all know. There may be however people that really don't know this...

[colbeesche]

...e senza riforma sanitaria 50 milioni di persone sono senza assistenza medica...un vero "esempio di civiltà" nel mondo occidentale...che vergogna!

[1inamilliongoddess]

Village Ghetto Land 2009 Still pertinent 2day..

now more than ever...

[2pacalypse9]

warren ggg son!!! just playing... very nice song

[rhoomsy]

What musical artistry.Songs in the key.... is truly one of the top albums of all time.

[SuddenSparkles]

Perfect example of cultural criticism. I gave this record away, I couldn't take everything with me when I moved but I'm mostly happy that Stevie is what I would call a "forever man." This kind of talent doesn't come along too often.

[sesamestreet2]

O M GEE all instruments by Mr. Steveland...just goes to show his genius has no bounds!

[TimeSplitter64]

this song sound cool! but it would be even cooler if it had sum drums!

[mrsange1967]

magnifical voice!!!Kiss gene

[myrtana14]

i never listen good to Stevie Wonder but this is really good ! i like it

[66WhySoSerious66]

Good Lord,

The ending just made me sigh Stevie is a genius.

The way his melody at the end rose and fell just blew me away

[crysjumar1]

And SOME folks say that we should be

GLAD for what we have

Tell me would you be happy

in Village Ghetto Laaand?

[kenmaur11]

the music the y put to the lyrics is so unexpected, such an amazing irony stevie is definetly a genious

[TinaRocks19]

What irony. A beautiful, orchestral background - with the gritty, terrible images of the ghetto. Wow...a tounge-in-cheek approach. Stevie was one of the best at socially concious music

[colbeesche]

Negli Stati Uniti canzoni così non se ne fanno più. Oggi sembra che siano contenti che 45 milioni di poveri statunitensi non vengano curati perché non hanno assicurazione: guardate come stanno boicottando la riforma sanitaria che Obama tenta di far passare.

[AllMyLifeToTails]

Amazinggg Album!!

[MrFoolishWaise]

This song still gives me goose bumps, i remember when my dad first sat me down to listen to this.....thanks dad and stevie!!!

[gordonw01]

My old man raved about him for years.If it wasnt for him Stevie's genius may have passed me bye...so cheers Da too:)

[crysjumar1]

goose bumps...wow. that is the EXACT same description I would attritube my feelings when I listen to this song.  The last stanza is the most profound I have ever heard.

[syncere397]

dis is real talk

[ASeasonedWitch]

Quite a commentary this and set to that classical violin background - juxtaposition of opposites - effective, provoking, even shocking. I can't imagine living in Village Ghetto Land. God bless the whole world today - no exceptions.

Now, as LANORDA9 so brilliantly stated - "It's now time to practice what we [tried to] preach."

[lennyhenryisntfunny]

SIMPLY BRILLIANT

[11SecondMemory]

amazing song :)

[Ronnnn92]

the best song ever. Its my dads time, and i always lissen to it with my dad. I love it so much! Go Stevie <3

[statelower]

LoveThis song so much..

[DonDubbelman]

The movie?

[motowninvestor]

STEVIE WONDER: THE MOVIE!!!

[CubeSJang]

love it

[cloddik]

detroit in the 70's, 80's and today. what a great song

[ReneetjeSneetje]

This Song......I was about 12 Years old.....What a Wunderfull Time......

Reneetje

[MrFoolishWaise]

One of the best songs ever written!

[lilalex2727]

Were using this song for an abtract lyrical dance. Its amazing.

[mattydread2]

Why????????????

[xoSaVSohyPhYxo]

wow this soong has so much meaning. his voice is very calming

[contendersgym]

The days of Muhammed Ali,"Black is beautiful", and "Peace brother",are gone. The '70s were great.

[LANORDA9]

True. However....It is now time to practice what we tried to preach. Pride, Feeling Beautiful, and Peace are a state of mind and ultimately one does not have to preach it once he truly believes it. It shows in your actions, behavior, your references and flows naturally from the tongue. As a whole, this has yet to become reality. Self hate has taken reign. \From our popularization of the the word nigga and misuse of the term "ghetto" to the demonizing of each other, we are failing.

[Hashish0001]

@LANORDA9 Powerful words, but they mean nothing unless you take them to heart. Many people will hear these songs, read our posts, and go on with life completely unchanged, I personally think this is whats is wrong with our society. We have all the information needed to figure things out yet we fail to listen, and even those who do listen often fail to act. Knowledge without action can lead to failure. So in short people, read, write, speakout about what you believe in, and dont fail your dreams.

[blueforyou2]

Years ago while in high school one of my classmate performed a ballet to this beautiful but haunting song in New Orleans. Invision the words of this same song played as you drive through the streets and the devestation that is still haunting New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. It is like a village ghetto land on a respirator trying to survive even to this day.

[afrosoda]

i had a dream about this song last night and i feel like i woke up with tears this morning. The message in this song is very emotional!

[loveyoutodeathbut]

That it is. Stevie Wonder is amazing.

[rick11lee]

fantastic to hear this again after so many years Peace love and good vibrations rick11lee

[sam0xin]

The Best Musician ! The Best Album Ever !

Great,Genius,Talented,Living Legend . . .STEVIE ! ! !

[chucku00]

When i was 13, in 1980, I presented this song at my english lesson. Even the teacher didn't realize the depth of this message (hello to Grandmaster Flash and the furious 5).

I'm happy that music helped me a lot to understand english language, 'cuz the school failed, that's why french people doesn't deal quite good with foreign languages.

Sorry to all people that I may offend or bother, but at least I wanted to write that!

[Ecite]

Profound poetry in musical form...just amazing

[JamesUhuruRBG4LIFE]

I get crazy goosebumps hearin this. It's frightening to hear what Stevie is singing about, but he paints the picture so vividly, it's hard not to get chills. This is a musical masterpiece.

[diggmee]

23 years later still in the same conditions.WTF.Self reliance education is the key to ending poverty.Not the curriculum "administered" to the people in schools today,wich teaches u to work for someone else.The "American Dream" is a Nightmare!!!

[kazama112211]

bring tears to my eyes...

[von9892]

i love this song

it brings me back to the 5th grade we did a performance to this

this song will always be in my head and im only 16

[zacandtaylorrule]

Love this song. Even though I am a white male who did not grow up in the ghetto I can appreciate this song because it is beautiful.

[rubatero]

One of the best lyrics ever written

[BLUYEiii]

this is beautiful...

[LolaBunny1357]

love it soo much

[jordan1035]

i love this song listen tojordan sing it @ jordan1035

[mrscullen2793]

im freakin in love with this song. ive listened to it like a dozen times.

[gerry5943]

This is truly a classic in every sense of the word. Magnificent strings even though they may have been synthesized were arranged and written for this extraordinary song. Stevie wrote and sung this to utmost perfection. Thank you so much for posting this masterpiece.

[nikos1393]

great song!!!

[mikegerro]

as good as this is i think i prefer ali campbell's cover version of it from his solo album

[crysjumar1]

I have to respectfully disagree with you. Ali's version sounds like a fun song you'd play while having some drinks and dancing. Stevie's version captures the essence of what the song is about. Captures the heartache, the disappoint, the futility, the despair.

[zuneloader]

I noticed something and I must share it with all the WONDERFUL fans(pun intended). The way he sings the word have at 2:50 sounds exactly the way he sang the word mad on "Sweet little girl". I just thought that that was interesting. Someone concur.

[maestrochild]

Yup he mos def does....i think its tha same exact notes he sings too...interesting

[blee7713]

This is seriously one of the best songs ever.

[Youngbee30]

This is a classic and I like this song. Warren G has a version of this song on his "Return of the Regulator" and it is also the shit. Steve Wonder's original is wonderful.

[chrismcdonald1988]

This song actually reminds me of the area of Dundee i live in :L

[dance497]

Families buying dog food now

Starvation roams the streets

Babies die before they're born

Infected by the grief

Now some folks say that we should be

Glad for what we have

Tell me would you be happy in Village Ghetto Land

[dreambrother80]

one of the great underrated songs of the 70's...heartbreakingly beautiful...a classic...

[OrganCat]

The string sounds were from the Yamaha GX-1 experimantal polyphonic synthesized. Emerson also owned one. Price; $50,000. Programs were written by adjusting tiny screws on a cassette sized memory cartridge. It helps to know how to write voicings for real strings, too.

[Brinah]

my dad owns records including this one and i played this song a lot! :)

[Ladysoul4lyfe]

Every home in "Village Ghetto Land" had this album!!! :-)

[islezeus]

wow... like a little suite or overture.

[allfiveny]

Thank you Stevie.

[princess9569]

a classic, on my all time favourites list!!!

[royalsteven]

I love those synthesizers at 0.55. It's maybe his best song.

[toolmanryan2]

This is one of my all time favorite songs by Stevie Wonder. I can remember hearing this song as a child (10 years ago) when my sister was practicing to it for a ballet recital she performed in with about 60 girls all on stage at once. It was a wonderful sight as a stage full of beautiful African American girls did a modern ballet interpretation to this music at the African American Museum auditorium in Detroit. Stevie Wonder was present for an award ceremony that took place afterwards.

[CanimNurhagim]

i LOVE this song :D

[perzyboy]

Brilliant song by a brilliant artist! Love the string sound from the "Dream machine"!

[nandiia]

I lived this song......