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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Thank you Alex for reading and adding these thoughts about Saturn’s various interpretations !
I think about Stevie's "Saturn" on the daily, I need to check out SZA's version. Thank you!
You're absolutely welcome!!!
omg i literally thought the same thing!
Still amazed at the parallels
oh this was lovely! love both songs so much.
Thank you for reading! 📖 ✨
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.
thank you for explaining further context!
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.
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
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!
I appreciate you taking the time to read. I hope to do even more soon!
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.