About the song
“Fingertips” is a timeless masterpiece that has been delighting music lovers for generations. Recorded live in 1963, this iconic single by the legendary Little Stevie Wonder is a testament to the artist’s incredible talent and versatility. Written and composed by Wonder’s mentors, Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby, “Fingertips” was originally intended as a jazz instrumental for Wonder’s debut studio album, The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie. However, the live version of the song, recorded during a Motortown Revue performance at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois, takes on a life of its own.
This captivating track is a masterclass in improvisation, with Wonder showcasing his remarkable skills on the bongos and harmonica. The song’s sparse, jazzy arrangement provides the perfect backdrop for Wonder’s virtuosic playing, which is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. Despite being an instrumental piece, “Fingertips” is imbued with a sense of spontaneity and energy that is impossible to replicate in a studio setting.
The result is a song that is both a celebration of Wonder’s technical prowess and a testament to his ability to connect with his audience on a deep level. “Fingertips” is a true classic of American music, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of live performance and the timeless appeal of Stevie Wonder’s music.
Video
Lyrics
Ev’rybody say, ‘Yeah’
(Yeah, yeah!)
Say, yeah!
(Yeah!)
Say, yeah
(Yeah!)
Yeah?
(Yeah!)
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Just a little bit-a so-whoa-whoa-whoa-oh-oul
Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Clap your hands, just a little bit louder
Clap your hands, just a little bit louder
I know that ev’rybody had, yeah
Ev’rybody have a good time
So, if you want me to
If you want me to
I’m gonna swing a-song
Yeah, just-a one mo’ time
Be sure I’ll come back
Just-a one more time
When I come back
So, good-bye
How about it?
Let’s hear it for him, huh?
Little Stevie Wonder
Take a bow, Steveland
Unk crowd woman: ‘Yeah!, Harry, get down!’
Band member: (What key? What key?)
Other band member: (Been tellin’ you)
Band member: (You been tellin’ me, what?)
Hey!
Come on!
Well, good-bye, good-bye
A-good-bye, good-bye
Good-bye, good-bye, good-bye
I’m gonna go, yeah
I’m gonna go, yeah
Let’s just swing it one more time!