[2] Author Zeth Lundy described the song's lyrics as being "from the perspective of a DJ or preacher or barker or simply God-possessed vessel—[they are the album's] rallying cry, quieting the crowd and disseminating information.
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band or The Village Green Preservation Society's title track; the narrator directly addresses the listener and details his concerns about the ongoing battle between love and hate, a topic the album goes on to tote throughout its 105 minutes.
"[3] In 1975, Wonder brought the demo recording of the song to Crystal Sound studio in Hollywood, California, where he further developed its lyrics and chords.
[2] Wonder provided the song's vocals and played most of the instruments present on the recording: the Clavinet, bass synthesizer, and drums.
[4] In 2001, Wonder performed the song with the a cappella group Take 6 during America: A Tribute to Heroes, a benefit concert held in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
[8] Whitney Houston opened her South Africa concerts with the song in 1994, which aired on HBO live November 12.