Pastime Paradise
| "Pastime Paradise" | |
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| Song |
| "Pastime Paradise" | |
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| Song |
"Pastime Paradise" is a song from the 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life by Grammy-winning artist Stevie Wonder. The song was one of the first to use a synthesizer (the Yamaha GX-1) to sound like a full string section.[2] Built initially from synth tracks rather than from a drummer setting the basic rhythm, the song was later augmented with rhythm performances from Ray Maldonado and Bobbye Hall, especially featuring finger cymbals.[3]
Meaning
Steve Wonder writes that the song can be understood in two different ways. It compares and contrasts the difference between the negative attitude of someone who has a flawed past, and the positive outlook of someone who wishes for a perfect future in this life or the next. Or, the song may be understood as Wonder describing how me-first materialism and laziness cannot compare to a strong work ethic which brings the great reward of heaven.[4]
Covers, samplings, and parodies
A notable cover was released as a single by Sunlightsquare in 2008.[5] The song has been sampled by over a dozen artists, in songs such as "Time" by Mary J. Blige, "Crack" by Scarface, and "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio (which in turn inspired "Amish Paradise" by Weird Al Yankovic).[6][7]
References
- ^ AllMusic
- ^ AllMusic
- ^ Buskin, Richard (December 2007). "Classic Tracks: Stevie Wonder 'Pastime Paradise'". Sound On Sound.
- ^ "Stevie Wonder: A Musical Guide to the Classical Albums".
- ^ Whosampled.com
- ^ AllMusic
- ^ Whosampled.com
