Stevie Wonder – Superstition

A Groove Embedded in Soul: Unveiling Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”

Ah, yes, Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”. A song so ingrained in popular culture, its infectious clavinet riff and Wonder’s soulful vocals are instantly recognizable.

Released in 1972 as the lead single from his seminal album Talking Book, “Superstition” transcended genre lines, becoming a cornerstone of funk, soul, and even rock music. But beneath the catchy melody lies a deeper message, a playful yet pointed commentary on the human tendency towards superstition.

Background

Wonder, a musical prodigy who had achieved immense success by his early twenties, was no stranger to pushing boundaries. Talking Book marked a shift in his sound, incorporating elements of jazz, synthesizers, and a newfound confidence in his songwriting. “Superstition” perfectly exemplifies this evolution.

The song opens with a hypnotic, almost unsettling drone played on the clavinet, a then-unconventional electric keyboard that Wonder would make his signature. This unsettling intro sets the stage for the lyrical exploration of superstitions – those ingrained fears and anxieties that can cloud our judgment.

Wonder, however, doesn’t simply mock superstition. He playfully lists them – “black cat crossed my path,” “thirteen floors,” “seven years of bad luck” – through his signature, soaring vocals.

The music, however, contradicts the lyrics. The groove is undeniable, a syncopated bass line and Wonder’s virtuosic drumming propel the song forward.

This contrast is deliberate. Wonder suggests that while we may hold onto these superstitions, life’s true rhythm, its joys and possibilities, lie elsewhere.

The song’s origins add another layer of intrigue. Originally intended for guitarist Jeff Beck, the story goes that Motown founder Berry Gordy recognized “Superstition”‘s hit potential and convinced Wonder to keep it for himself.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Very superstitious,
Writing’s on the wall,
Very superstitious,
Ladders bout’ to fall,
Thirteen month old baby,
Broke the lookin’ glass
Seven years of bad luck,
The good things in your past

When you believe in things
That you don’t understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition aint the way

Hey

Very superstitious,
Wash your face and hands,
Rid me of the problem,
Do all that you can,
Keep me in a daydream,
Keep me goin’ strong,
You don’t wanna save me,
Sad is the soul

When you believe in things
That you don’t understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain’t the way,
Yeh, yeh