When the Going is Smooth and Good by William Onyeabor is a timeless Afro-funk masterpiece from 1985 that speaks to the fickle nature of human relationships. This song has hypnotic synths, groovy basslines, and philosophical lyrics. Here William Onyeabor delivers a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The lyrics cut straight to the truth: when life is easy and successful, friends seem to be everywhere. But the moment challenges arise, those same friends vanish. It’s a relatable commentary on loyalty and the superficiality of human connections.
As with much of Onyeabor’s work, When the Going is Smooth and Good is both a groove-heavy jam and a deep reflection on life’s realities. The repeated chant of “Higher, higher, higher…” almost feels like a mantra—perhaps a call to keep pushing forward regardless of who sticks around. A true classic from the enigmatic Nigerian music pioneer!
- Song: When the Going is Smooth & Good
- Artist: William Onyeabor
- Released: March, 1985
- Duration: 12:55
William Onyeabor When the Going is Smooth & Good Lyrics:
- Share
