You are a car
You are a hospital
I'd walk to hell and back
To see your smile
On Saturday

You are a star
You are a sea of air
I play great keyboards
Of horses' teeth
On Saturday

I'd like to tell you
How I feel
I'll probably keep it
'Til Saturday

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sparklehorse's song "Saturday" are very abstract, allowing for multiple interpretations. The verses are structured around two distinct sets of images. The first set is comprised of things that are institutional or instrumental, such as a car and a hospital. The second set is more poetic and abstract: a star and a sea of air. The lines leading up to the chorus suggest the depth of the singer's emotions and their willingness to go to great lengths for the object of their affection, but paradoxically they express a hesitance to share those feelings.

The use of the phrase "on Saturday" is significant to the song's meaning. It creates a sense of anticipation that is hinted at throughout the verses. On one level, the singer is looking forward to a specific day of the week, probably because that's when they will see the person they're singing about. At the same time, however, there's a sense that "Saturday" is more than just a day of the week. It's a time when anything could happen; a time when all the mental barriers and obstacles that hold us back might be lifted, if only for a moment.

Overall, "Saturday" is a song about the conflicting emotions that come with being in love. There is a sense of longing and yearning in the verses that is balanced out by the hopeful anticipation of the chorus. It is a song that captures the joy and uncertainty of being in a relationship, and the complexity of emotions that can come with it.

Line by Line Meaning

You are a car
You're a vehicle that takes me places, you drive me.

You are a hospital
You’re a place of safety and care, you nurture me.

I'd walk to hell and back
I'm willing to go through the worst of the worst, just to see a smile on your face.

To see your smile
I love your smile because it makes me happy.

On Saturday
Specifically on a Saturday, a day where we can be free and happy.

You are a star
You’re a shining beacon of light; you bring happiness.

You are a sea of air
You’re all around me, and your presence is felt.

I play great keyboards
I make beautiful music on my piano.

Of horses' teeth
I use horse's teeth to create my keyboards or to add a new level of interest.

I'd like to tell you
I want to express my feelings to you.

How I feel
I have emotions for you.