Creed’s “Higher” speaks to a universal yearning for escape and transcendence—a powerful theme that has resonated deeply with countless fans. This blog explores the spiritual underpinnings of the song, verse by verse, breaking down its lyrical content to understand its profound impact. By the end of this post, you’ll have a greater understanding of not only the song’s message but also its relevance to your personal spiritual and emotional journeys.
The Meaning of “Higher” by Creed
“Higher” by Creed is more than just a rock song; it’s a powerful exploration of spiritual awakening and aspiration. With its soaring guitar riffs and Scott Stapp’s emotive vocals, the song invites listeners to transcend the mundane and reach for something greater. The lyrics speak of dreams and a longing to escape to a place “where blind men see,” suggesting a quest for clarity, peace, and higher understanding. It’s a call to elevate our thoughts and spirits beyond the constraints of daily life, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever yearned for a sense of purpose and connection. “Higher” isn’t just a song; it’s an uplifting reminder that there is always more to strive for.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
When dreaming I’m guided to another world
Time and time again
At sunrise I fight to stay asleep
‘Cause I don’t wanna leave the comfort of this place
‘Cause there’s a hunger, a longing to escape
From the life I live when I’m awake
[Pre-Chorus]
So let’s go there
Let’s make our escape
Come on, let’s go there
Let’s ask, “Can we stay?”
[Chorus]
Can you take me higher
To a place where blind men see?
Can you take me higher
To a place with golden streets?
[Verse 2]
Although I would like our world to change
It helps me to appreciate
Those nights and those dreams
But, my friend, I’d sacrifice all those nights
If I could make the Earth and my dreams the same
The only difference is
To let love replace all our hate
[Pre-Chorus]
So let’s go there
Let’s make our escape
Come on, let’s go there
Let’s ask, “Can we stay?”
[Chorus]
Can you take me higher
To a place where blind men see?
Can you take me higher
To a place with golden streets
[Pre-Chorus]
So let’s go there (Let’s go there)
Let’s go there (Let’s go there)
Come on, let’s go there (Go, go there)
Let’s ask, “Can we stay?”
[Bridge]
Up high I feel like I’m alive for the very first time
Set up high, I’m strong enough to take these dreams and make them mine
Set up high, I’m strong enough to take these dreams and make them mine
[Chorus]
Can you take me higher
To a place where blind men see?
Can you take me higher
To a place with golden streets?
Can you take me higher
To a place where blind men see?
Can you take me higher
To a place with golden streets?
Verse 1 – The Call of Dreams and Escape
Exploring the Dream World
“When dreaming I’m guided to another world / Time and time again”
From the very first line, Scott Stapp, Creed’s lead vocalist, introduces us to a dream realm—a place of solace and refuge. Dreams serve as an escape from the mundane reality of life. The fact that this “other world” is recurrent suggests that it’s of great importance to the singer, representing a place of freedom and possibility.
The Comfort of Dreams
“At sunrise I fight to stay asleep / ‘Cause I don’t wanna leave the comfort of this place”
Morning signifies the return to reality, yet the singer yearns to remain in the dream state. This reluctance to wake up indicates that the dream world is far more comforting and satisfying than his waking life. For many, dreams can serve as an escape from life’s challenges and stressors.
Hunger for Escape
“‘Cause there’s a hunger, a longing to escape / From the life I live when I’m awake”
The longing to escape is not just a fleeting thought; it’s a deep-rooted hunger. This indicates a significant level of dissatisfaction with reality. The emotional weight behind these words suggests that the dreams provide an essential solace, a break from the hardships of daily life.
Pre-Chorus – The Invitation to Escape
The Yearning to Transcend
“So let’s go there / Let’s make our escape / Come on, let’s go there / Let’s ask, ‘Can we stay?'”
This section extends an invitation to not just visit but to permanently reside in this higher state of being. The repetitive urging of “Let’s go there” emphasizes a collective desire for a better existence. It’s a beckoning call to anyone who feels confined by their realities to seek a higher, more fulfilling state.
Chorus – The Quest for Higher Ground
Seeking Enlightenment
“Can you take me higher / To a place where blind men see?”
The imagery of “blind men seeing” suggests enlightenment and awakening. It’s about breaking free from ignorance and gaining a new perspective. This aligns with spiritual teachings that often speak of achieving a higher level of consciousness or enlightenment.
Yearning for a Utopian Space
“Can you take me higher / To a place with golden streets?”
The “place with golden streets” is reminiscent of heavenly descriptions in religious texts—an ideal, utopian space where perfection exists. This metaphor indicates a yearning for an elevated state of living, both spiritually and emotionally.
Verse 2 – The Desire for Change
Appreciating Dreams, Yet Seeking Reality
“Although I would like our world to change / It helps me to appreciate / Those nights and those dreams”
While the singer finds comfort in the dream world, he acknowledges a desire for change in the real world. This duality reflects the complexity of human emotions—on one hand, finding solace in dreams, and on the other, wishing for a better reality.
Sacrificing Dreams for a Better World
“But, my friend, I’d sacrifice all those nights / If I could make the Earth and my dreams the same”
Here, the singer expresses willingness to give up his comforting dreams if he could manifest the same sense of fulfillment and peace in the real world. This highlights a strong desire to bridge the gap between reality and the ideal.
The Power of Love Over Hate
“The only difference is / To let love replace all our hate”
Love is presented as the key to transforming the world. The singer believes that substituting hate with love could turn the real world into the utopian dream he cherishes. This simple yet profound statement emphasizes the power of love to effect change.
Pre-Chorus – The Collective Escape
The Repetition of the Call
“So let’s go there / Let’s make our escape / Come on, let’s go there / Let’s ask, ‘Can we stay?'”
Revisiting this invitation reinforces the idea that this is not just a personal quest but a collective one. The repeated call to “make our escape” suggests a shared yearning among people to find a higher state of existence.
Chorus – The Plea for Transcendence
The Persistent Question
“Can you take me higher / To a place where blind men see?”
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the singer’s persistent quest for enlightenment and a higher state of being. The repetition bolsters the song’s central theme and reinforces the strength of this desire.
The Vision of a Perfect World
“Can you take me higher / To a place with golden streets?”
This line is reiterated, solidifying the imagery of an ideal, perfect world. It acts as a beacon of hope and aspiration for listeners.
Bridge – Realizing Strength and Potential
Feeling Alive
“Up high I feel like I’m alive for the very first time”
In the bridge, the singer describes the sensation of feeling truly alive when he envisions himself in this higher state. It’s a moment of awakening, of realizing one’s potential and purpose.
Harnessing Dreams
“Set up high, I’m strong enough to take these dreams and make them mine”
Being “set up high” symbolizes empowerment. The singer now feels capable of not just dreaming but making those dreams a reality. It’s a declaration of newfound strength and determination.
Chorus – Reinforcing the Quest
The Repeated Plea for Elevation
“Can you take me higher / To a place where blind men see?”
The chorus returns, reinforcing the song’s central quest for enlightenment and transcendence. The imagery of blind men seeing continues to symbolize the pursuit of higher understanding and awareness.
The Aspiration for Perfection
“Can you take me higher / To a place with golden streets?”
The final lines reiterate the dream of a perfect, utopian world. It’s a powerful conclusion that leaves listeners contemplating their own desires for a higher, more fulfilling existence.
In Conclusion
Creed’s “Higher” is more than just a song; it’s a spiritual anthem that resonates with anyone yearning for a better, more enlightened life. By dissecting its verses, we uncover a profound message about the power of dreams, the quest for enlightenment, and the transformative potential of love.
For those who are inspired by the song’s message, consider reflecting on your own life and identifying areas where you seek higher fulfillment. Whether it’s through personal growth, spiritual practice, or community engagement, the quest for a higher state of being is a universal and deeply human pursuit.