Released: September 28, 1976

Songwriter: Stevie Wonder

Producer: Stevie Wonder

[Chorus]
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a pastime paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a pastime paradise
They've been wasting most of their time
Glorifying days long gone behind
They've been wasting most their days
In remembrance of ignorance oldest praise

[Bridge]
Tell me who of them will come to be?
How many of them are you and me?

[Verse 1]
Dissipation of race relations
Consolation
Segregation
Dispensation
Isolation
Exploitation
Mutilation
Mutations
Miscreation
Confirmation to the evils of the world

[Chorus]
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise
They've been looking in their minds
For the day that sorrow's lost from time
They keep telling of the day
When the Savior of love will come to stay

[Bridge]
Tell me who of them will come to be?
How many of them are you and me?

[Verse 2]
Proclamation of race relations
Consolation
Integration
Verification of revelation
Acclamation
World Salvation
Vibrations
Simulation
Confirmation to the peace of the world

[Chorus]
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a pastime paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a pastime paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise

[Chorus]
We've been spending too much of our lives
Living in a pastime paradise
Let's start living our lives
Living for the future paradise
Praise to our lives
Living for the future paradise
Shame to anyone's lives
Living in a pastime paradise

Stevie Wonder

Despite losing his sight at a young age, Stevie Wonder went on to become one of the most celebrated soul songwriters of the late 20th century. His songs manage to both innovate and catch the ears of listeners of all dispositions, whilst also being big chart hits.

Incredibly influential amongst musical circles, his voice rendered modern British soul-songwriter James Morrison close to tears the first time he heard it.