"Black Man" is a track on the 1976 Stevie Wonder album Songs in the Key of Life. The song was written by Wonder and Gary Byrd.[2]
"Black Man" | |
---|---|
Song by Stevie Wonder | |
from the album Songs in the Key of Life | |
Released | 1976 |
Genre | Funk rock[1] |
Length | 8:30 |
Songwriter(s) |
|
Producer(s) | Stevie Wonder |
Licensed audio | |
"Black Man" on YouTube |
The song was written about Wonder's desire for worldwide interracial harmony.[3] and criticism of racism,[4] The lyrics referred prominently to Crispus Attucks, widely considered the first martyr of the American Revolution. Wonder deliberately chose this theme as the United States Bicentennial was underway at the time of recording.[5]
The opening verses refer to 12 people, with four people per verse each, broken by the chorus and bridge. The song uses color terminology for race.
The second section is a call-and-response format, calling out 17 people.[2]
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