Meaning of "They Won't Go When I Go" by Stevie Wonder

"They Won't Go When I Go" carries deep meanings that touch on themes of friendship, loyalty, and separation from negative influences. The lyrics depict someone who is surrounded by friends who pretend to care but are actually self-serving and not willing to leave when the person is in need. Despite this, the protagonist desires to go to a place where there is no sorrow or tears, leaving behind the pain caused by these false friends. The song also suggests a separation between the pure and the sinful, depicting unclean minds misleading the innocent and the consequences they face. It speaks of a resting place for the innocent and a lack of room for hopeless sinners who take without giving. The lyrics convey the idea that the protagonist's soul will be free from the greed of man, finding a kingdom where they will go and nobody can stop them from reaching their destiny.

The meaning of "They Won't Go When I Go" can be interpreted in various ways. On one level, it can be seen as expressing the disappointment and betrayal one feels when friends prove to be unreliable and unloyal. It highlights the desire to distance oneself from toxic relationships and find solace away from those who only care about their own gain. The song also explores the notion of separation between the righteous and the sinful, suggesting that those who engage in sinful behavior will never find true happiness or show their true faces. In this sense, the lyrics can be seen as a call for personal growth and seeking a higher purpose, away from the negative influences of the world.

Overall, "They Won't Go When I Go" conveys a message of longing for freedom from pain and deceitful relationships, as well as a desire for spiritual and personal growth. It speaks to the universal themes of loyalty, separation, and the pursuit of a better and more authentic life.