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Pastime Paradise is a song by Stevie Wonder, from the 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. The song was one of the first to use a synthesizer (the Yamaha GX-1) to sound like a full string section. Built initially from synth tracks rather than from a drummer setting the basic rhythm, the song is augmented with rhythm performances from Ray Maldonado, Bobbye Hall, and Wonder, and a persistent "ching" bell pattern by Hare Krishna musicians. A gospel choir from West Angeles Church of God and Hare Krishna chanting group culminate in a multicultural finale.
The song's lyrics are open to interpretation. Listeners may understand the song in one of two ways. One way is the comparison and contrast of the difference 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.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Patti Smith, Youngblood Brass Band, Chick Corea, Sunlightsquare, Rainer Ptacek, Ray Barretto, and Martik. Gangsta's Paradise (and its parody, Amish Paradise), Time, Russian Paradise, Curtain Falls and Crack each sample the song. Eläkeläiset, a Finnish humppa-rock band, did a humorous Finnish-language parody on their 5th studio album Werbung, Baby!.
Credits:
- Written, produced, and arranged by Stevie Wonder.
- Synthesizer: Stevie Wonder.
- Rhythm performances: Ray Maldonado, Bobbye Hall, and Stevie Wonder.
- Chanting: Hare Krishna.
- Gospel choir: West Angeles Church of God.
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