Freelon had a part in the Mel Gibson movie What Women Want.
Superstition
Nnenna Freelon 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
The song “Superstition” by Nnenna Freelon discusses the negative consequences of believing in superstitions. The lyrics highlight various superstitions that people often follow blindly without understanding their origins or purpose. The first verse uses examples like writing on the wall, ladders about to fall, and broken mirrors as symbols of bad luck that people often believe in. The second verse talks about using superstitions to rid oneself of problems and stay in a daydream. However, the chorus emphasizes that when people believe in things that they don't understand, they ultimately suffer. The song concludes with the repetition of the same examples used in the first verse, reiterating the negative impact of believing in superstitions.
Overall, the message of the song is that superstitions are not the solution, and they only cause unnecessary suffering. Instead, people should strive to understand and rationalize occurrences in their lives, rather than relying on myths and superstitions.
Line by Line Meaning
Very superstitious, writing on the wall
Believing and relying on superstitions, like thinking that mysterious writings on the wall can reveal the future.
Very superstitious, ladders bout' to fall
Believing and relying on superstitions, like thinking that walking under a ladder can bring bad luck.
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass
A superstitious belief that breaking a mirror which reflects your image will result in bad luck.
Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past
The belief that breaking a mirror will cause seven years of misfortune, and it will also reverse any good fortune you had in the past.
When you believe in things that you don't understand
Suggesting that relying on superstitions that have no scientific or rational explanation can lead to confusion and suffering.
Then you suffer
Continuing to emphasize that superstitions bring negative results and harm to people who rely on them.
Superstition ain't the way
Stating that depending on superstitions is not the right way to live or make decisions.
Very superstitious, wash your face and hands
Believing and relying on superstitions, like thinking that performing certain cleansing rituals can rid of evil spirits or bad luck.
Rid me of the problem, do all that you can
Asking for help to eliminate or solve the issues caused by superstitions and their consequences.
Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong
Asking to be protected from the negative thinking of superstitions so that one can keep on dreaming and living life positively.
You don't wanna save me, sad is my song
Highlighting how superstitious thinking can cause a person to feel helpless and isolated, as others may not be able to relate, understand or help them.
Very superstitious, the devil's on his way
Believing that a devil or an evil force might be at play, or that certain actions might bring forth negative consequences.
Very superstitious, nothin' more to say
Emphasizing that no additional rational arguments or explanations are necessary to convince people to stop relying on superstitions.
Superstition ain't the way, no, no, no
Reiterating that superstitions are not the right path to follow or the way to go.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind