Stevie Wonder is a renowned artist from Motown, a Detroit-based record label with a methodology inspired by the automobile assembly lines of the Motor City. Even among label mates such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and The Temptations, Wonder’s musical prowess and voice made him stand out. Though he was born with a condition that left him blind, he’s a talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. To describe his technique, he writes compositions for his lyrics to live in.

Would you like to go with me Down my dead end street Would you like to come with me To Village Ghetto Land

These lyrics come from the song “Village Ghetto Land,” from Wonder’s highly acclaimed album “Songs in the Key of Life.” His ability to craft a soundscape and pair the words to create a scene is essential to his style.

See the people lock their doors While robbers laugh and steal Beggars watch and eat their meals From garbage cans

Functionally, Wonder plays synth strings that work as accompaniment. The sound seems like it would be playing in the background of a fancy banquet. Though it thematically juxtaposes what Wonder sings about.

Broken glass is everywhere It’s a bloody scene Killing plagues the citizens Unless they own police

Children play with rusted cars Sores cover their hands Politicians laugh and drink Drunk to all demands

The environment Wonder portrays is one that exists to this day. This place is often the home of people with little to no opportunity for upward mobility. While their elected politicians reap the benefits of being part of the ruling class, the children of “Village Ghetto Land” play with rusty toy cars that give their hands sores.

Families buying dog food now Starvation roam the streets Babies die Before they’re born Infected by the grief

Wonder uses his words to paint a bleak, but real picture. The stories he tells connect deeply to the human experience. From misfortune and pain, to love and ‘wonder.’

In the same album, Wonder asks us about ‘Magic.’

If it’s magic Then why can’t it be ever lasting? Like the sun that always shines Like the poets endless rhyme Like the galaxies in time

If it’s pleasing Then why can’t it be never leaving Like the day that never fails Like on seashores there are shells Like the time that always tells

The title of this song is “If It’s Magic.” Here, Wonder’s vocals are accompanied by a harp, giving this track a majestic feel.

It holds the key to every heart Throughout the universe It fills you up without a bite And quenches every thirst

His lyrics are poetic, but what might Wonder be singing about? This vagueness is an excellent songwriting tool in itself, because it allows the listener to fill in the blanks of what ‘magic’ means. Could he be talking about music? A higher power? Love? Whatever it may be, Wonder had to let us know that it’s a ‘magic’ worth protecting.

The next song we’ll cover is from the same album, “Songs in the Key of Life” and is the track right after “If It’s Magic.” We’ll be covering “As.”

As around the sun the earth knows she’s revolving And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may Just as hate knows love’s the cure You can rest your mind assure That I’ll be loving you always

In ‘As,’ Stevie sings of a love that endures every and anything. With a full band, Stevie describes this love.

As now can’t reveal the mystery of tomorrow But in passing we’ll grow older every day Just as all that’s born is new You know what I say is true That I’ll be loving you always

Stevie compares his enduring love to the unavoidable facts of life. The title of this song telegraphs these comparisons, metaphors, and demonstrations to express such a love.