Superstition
Beck Bogert & Appice Lyrics
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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 ain't the way
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 my song
When you believe in things that you don't understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain't the way, yeh, yeh
Very superstitious, nothin' more to say
Very superstitious, the devil's on his way
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass
Seven years of bad luck, good things in your past
When you believe in things that you don't understand
Then you suffer, superstition ain't the way, no, no, no
In Beck Bogert & Appice's song Superstition, the lyrics speak to the dangers of believing in things that don't necessarily make logical sense. The first verse describes the various superstitions people have, such as feeling like something bad is going to happen if a ladder falls or breaking a mirror causing seven years of bad luck. It points out the irrationality of believing in things that don't have any evidence or explanation behind them, implying that it will lead to suffering.
In the second verse, the song shifts focus to how people try to rid themselves of bad luck and the things they do to prevent negative outcomes. Washing your face and hands is mentioned as a way to get rid of a problem, which can be seen as a reference to some cultures that believe in washing away negative energy. The verse also describes how people can get caught up in daydreams and illusions to avoid facing reality, indicated by the line "keep me in a daydream, keep me going strong." The final verse brings it all together, essentially saying that if you believe in things that you don't understand, you'll suffer, and superstition is not the answer.
Overall, Superstition warns against believing in things without reason, and encourages the listener to look for logical explanations rather than relying on superstition.
Line by Line Meaning
Very superstitious, writing on the wall
Believing in superstitions is not logical, yet people still follow them blindly. It's like seeing words written on a wall and interpreting them as a sign of destiny or fate.
Very superstitious, ladders bout' to fall
Being paranoid about things that may cause bad luck like walking under a ladder, shows how superstitious people can be.
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass
Superstition doesn't discriminate, even a baby's unintentional actions can cause bad luck, such as breaking a mirror which is believed to cause seven years of ill fate.
Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past
Believing in superstitions like the broken mirror can bring bad events, obstructing even the blessings of the past.
When you believe in things that you don't understand
Then you suffer
Believing blindly in superstitions without understanding the reasons behind them can cause anxiety and suffering.
Superstition ain't the way
Superstitions are not logical ways to explain reality, nor do they make sense, so relying on them is not the solution.
Very superstitious, wash your face and hands
People have a tendency to attempt to cleanse themselves of superstitious beliefs, as if the action of washing away something infectious or dirty will be enough to get rid of their fears.
Rid me of the problem, do all that you can
The idea of needing to rid oneself of the problem of superstition, even if it is illogical, shows how much power it can hold over a person's thoughts and beliefs.
Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong
Superstitions can be compared to a dream that keeps people going but remains unattainable as a reality. Yet, this false hope remains strong in people's minds and affects their daily lives.
You don't wanna save me, sad is my song
Even if people realize their superstitions affect them negatively, they may still not want to be free from them. It's like wanting someone to save them from a problem, but being resigned to feel sad about it instead.
Very superstitious, nothin' more to say
Despite the absurdity of superstitions, people continue to rely on them without any justification, leaving nothing more to say to convince them otherwise.
Very superstitious, the devil's on his way
Some beliefs are so extreme that they involve supernatural forces like the devil, highlighting how much these superstitions can shape someone's view of life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
Very superstitious, writing 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 ain't the way
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 my song
When you believe in things that you don't understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain't the way, yeh, yeh
Very superstitious, nothin' more to say
Very superstitious, the devil's on his way
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass
Seven years of bad luck, good things in your past
When you believe in things that you don't understand
Then you suffer, superstition ain't the way, no, no, no
@cardcreekdesign
Rest in peace, Jeff. Your music has inspired and thrilled millions and you are missed, greatly.
@josephtravers777
I remember when this came out just after Deep Purple's Machine Head. A record salesman was spinning it through a very loud system in a shop in the local mall. The drums were shaking the windows violently. Some things you never forget.
@robert.m4676
As a little kid with a Newspaper route that I got from a guy going to Vietnam in 74 at the tender age of eight. I was able to purchase Machine Head I worked my butt off literally for nickels and dimes and quarters to save up enough to get that album. I felt bad for the guy going to basic training first. That’s what he told me. But I don’t know if he actually went. He wanted to go pretty badly. I later served in the United States Army Infantry and I certainly didn’t look forward in going into battle Myself.
@josephtravers777
@Robert Henry M. My youngest Uncle had Machine Head on 8 track when he was in HS. I'd crank it every time I visited my Grandparents, would drive them nuts. 🤣
@jamesmartin8232
R.I.P. Jeff Beck. 🙏
A total unique guitarist with a style so original..
He will be sadly missed... 😥
@dougkuznik7910
The way I understand it, was Beck came up with the shuffle drum beat In a studio with S Wonder..it took off from their . Beck playing around on a drum kit and not guitar. How cool is that.. because I absolutely love the song by Stevie and I love this heavy heavy version from Beck and crew. Makes sense that he put it on this album now to me after learning that he was responsible for that opening beat that Stevie worked around and perfected in a great song..
@lucyjexy
Rest easy, Jeff and Tim. Thank you for the music. :)
@jamesanderson348
A DAMN good version of Stevie's song. I bought this album when it first came out. I also saw them live in Chicago at the old International Amphitheater when they toured. They blew the roof off the place that night!! My ears were ringing for hours afterwards but I was in heaven..and slightly stoned too. Ahh the '70s...
@MrStubat
James Anderson this song was written for Jeff Beck by Stevie.
@suterb
@MrStubat Jeff actually came up with the drum beat when he and Stevie were jamming.