BACK IN THE HIGH LIFE

Steve Winwood is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians in the world. He is a multi-instrumentalist who has been in a multitude of famous bands over the years such as the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith and is responsible for some of the biggest hits in the world, such as; Gimme Some Lovin’, Keep On Runnin’ and Higher Love. If that wasn’t enough talent for one man, he also has one of the most soulful voices around. You’ve no doubt heard his voice many times before on the radio. Although he’s hugely admired and respected by fans and muso’s throughout the world, he is also one of the most humble and down-to-earth artists.

Now to the song. Released in 1986, this is a classic mid-tempo tune that grabs you and pulls you right in with it’s staccato rhythms and off-beats. It just stands out and rises above the usual simple 4/4 pop. This song features James Taylor on backing vocals. It’s hard to pick it during the song, but the line right at the end, you can tell it’s James. Sweet!
PS: We don’t usually include links to artist websites, but Steve Winwood gets one (HERE).

Backing Track Notes: The backing track demo (above) and the full download includes real backing harmonies (not James Taylor unfortunately, he was unavailable!). Great song for your first or second set!

Steve Winwood

It used to seem to me, that my life ran on too fast
And I had to take it slowly, just to make the good parts last
But when you’re born to run, it’s so hard to just slow down
So don’t be surprised to see me, back in that bright part of town

I’ll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
I’ll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched me once will smile and take me in

You used to be the best, to make life be life to me
And I hope that you’re still out there, and you’re like you used to be
We’ll have ourselves a time, and we’ll dance ’til the morning sun
And we’ll let the good times come in
And we won’t stop ’til we’re done

We’ll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
We’ll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched us once will smile and take us in

And we’ll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
And oh we’ll be a sight to see
Back in the high… life… again

INSTRUMENTAL 1 (accents)

High life
Mmm… high life… in the high life again

INSTRUMENTAL 2 (bagpipes)

We’ll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time will open up again
We’ll be back in the high life again
All the eyes that watched us once will smile and take us in

And we’ll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
And oh we’ll be a sight to see
Back in the high… life… again

Mmm… high life (back in the high life)
Oh we’ll be back…