Pastime Paradise

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Lore & Background

Ian McCann of the *Financial Times* writes that "The song’s lyrics are not entirely coherent, but their meaning is plain: in the west, we enjoy endless distractions, but are we satisfied? Are we working for a better future in this world or the next?" Steve Lodder, in his book *Stevie Wonder: A Musical Guide to the Classic Albums*, offers two ways listeners may understand the song. One way is the comparison and contrast between the negative attitude of someone with a flawed past and the positive outlook of someone who wishes for a perfect future in this life or the next. The other way is a description of how selfish materialism and laziness cannot compare to a strong work ethic which brings the great reward of Heaven.

In Their Own Story

The recording process for "Pastime Paradise" was unusual for its time. Instead of a drummer setting the basic rhythm, the song was built initially from synth tracks, using the Yamaha GX-1 synthesizer to sound like a full string section—one of the first songs to do so. Rhythm performances were then added from Stevie Wonder, Ray Maldonado, and Bobbye Hall. A persistent "chinging" bell pattern was contributed by Hare Krishna musicians. The finale brings together a gospel choir from West Angeles Church of God and a Hare Krishna chanting group, creating a multicultural sound that reflects the song's themes of searching for meaning beyond worldly distractions.

Reader's Guide

The song has been widely sampled and covered. Mary J. Blige's "Time," Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise," and its parody "Amish Paradise" by "Weird Al" Yankovic each sample or interpolate the song. Patti Smith, Chick Corea, and Billy Mackenzie have recorded covers. In 2004, the English boy band Blue built their song "Curtain Falls" around a repeating sample of "Pastime Paradise." IAM also sampled the song in "Tam Tam de l'Afrique" at the chorus. Ian McCann of the *Financial Times* notes that Bob Marley's 1980 song "Pimper's Paradise" also takes inspiration from the song. The track's influence extends across genres, from hip-hop to pop to rock.

Did You Know?

• "Pastime Paradise" was one of the first songs to use a synthesizer (the Yamaha GX-1) to sound like a full string section.
• The song was built initially from synth tracks rather than from a drummer setting the basic rhythm.
• A persistent "chinging" bell pattern was contributed by Hare Krishna musicians.
• The finale features both a gospel choir from West Angeles Church of God and a Hare Krishna chanting group.
• Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Weird Al" Yankovic's "Amish Paradise" both sample or interpolate this song.