15 Comments
User's avatar
Alex thee Black Femme ⚢'s avatar

Beautiful analysis!!! I’ve been obsessed with Saturn in Ancient Greek/roman depictions of the God. Kronos is an extremely violent, negative father of time that is typically associated with restriction, discipline, and suffering. Seeing people sing of Saturn in a more positive, but still melancholic way, adds bittersweetness. Ariana Grande also titled an interlude ‘Saturn’ this year, and I believe both Sza and Ariana have endured their astrological Saturn returns in the past year or so. I’m very inspired to look for more Saturnian themes from Stevie Wonder and Micheal Sembello.

Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

Thank you Alex for reading and adding these thoughts about Saturn’s various interpretations !

Expand full comment
Portraits of Excellence's avatar

I think about Stevie's "Saturn" on the daily, I need to check out SZA's version. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

You're absolutely welcome!!!

Expand full comment
Dijae's avatar

omg i literally thought the same thing!

Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

Still amazed at the parallels

Expand full comment
the sovereign audite's avatar

oh this was lovely! love both songs so much.

Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

Thank you for reading! 📖 ✨

Expand full comment
Suzanne's avatar

Stevie's version was originally about "Saginaw," where he's from and thus a song about return to one's roots and simplicity, and one of his songwriters misheard or suggested "Saturn" to better represent those themes. So that's why "Saturn," at least on his album.

Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

thank you for explaining further context!

Expand full comment
Rachel Leeke Alexis's avatar

Beautiful break down. This was a joy to read. I wasn't familiar with Wonder's Saturn. Thanks for the introduction. I agree, they both long to escape their present situations.

Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

Hi Rachel! Thank you for reading and for the kind words. Yes, Stevie’s version is a gem. I’m glad you enjoyed the piece

Expand full comment
Alex Lewis's avatar

I need to go back and spin Stevie’s “Saturn.” I love the practice of finding connections between songs, especially ones released in different generations. This was really cool. Thank you for writing!

Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

I appreciate you taking the time to read. I hope to do even more soon!

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Apr 12, 2024
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Natelegé Whaley's avatar

Hi Lynelle! Thanks for reading. Glad to meet another lover of Stevie’s music. His “Saturn” is one of those deep cuts that didn’t stand out to me until this year. Now I love it. I hope you enjoy.

Expand full comment