Close up of a record player

Music in the Key of Social Science: Stevie Wonder – Big Brother

Lyrics to "Big Brother" by Stevie Wonder: I live in the ghetto
You just come to visit me 'round election time. I live in the ghetto. Someday I will move on my feet to the other side. My name is secluded
We live in a house the size of a matchbox. Roaches live with us wall to wall

I’ve been doing this series about social science themed music! These particular lyrics are by the prodigiously talented Stevie Wonder. In the song, Big Brother, Wonder talks about the election promises politicians make to address poverty and marginalisation of Black people, but are soon forgotten after an election win. But the song is also a celebration of racial justice triumphing with collective action.

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