‘Superstition’ is a song by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. It was released on October 24, 1972, as the lead single from his fifteenth studio album, Talking Book (1972). The lyrics describe popular superstitions and their negative effects. The single reached number one in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in January 1973 and on the soul singles chart. It was Wonder's first number-one single since "Fingertips, Pt. 2" in 1963. It peaked at number eleven in the UK Singles Chart in February 1973. In November 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the song number 74 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was re-ranked number 73 on its 2010 list, and number 12 on its 2021 list. At the 16th Grammy Awards, the song earned Wonder two Grammys: "Best Rhythm & Blues Song" and "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male". In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Wonder's incredible run of Number One singles in the 1970s kicked off in 1972 with ‘Superstition.’ The song began when Jeff Beck came into the studio to contribute guitar parts to the Talking Book sessions. Accounts vary slightly, but Beck created the drum intro and Wonder initially offered the song to the guitarist, but Berry Gordy insisted that Stevie record it himself. It became a worldwide smash, and the next year, Jeff Beck recorded it on his own album. They came together to play the song at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary concert in 2009.
Taking a cue from Marvin Gaye, who put musician credits on his album What's Going On, Wonder included credits on Talking Book. On this track, Stevie played Hohner clavinet, drums, and Moog bass. Two of his band members also contributed: Steve Madaio played trumpet and Trevor Lawrence played tenor saxophone. This was recorded at Electric Lady Studios, which is where Jimi Hendrix recorded. The studios stayed active after Hendrix' death, with artists like Miles Davis and Deep Purple also recording there.
At the time, Wonder would keep the studio booked so he could record when inspiration hit. Stevie's bass player at the time, Scott Edwards, told Songfacts this was not always convenient for his band. "Because he does not have sight, he's not controlled by daylight," said Edwards. "So he may begin his night at midnight. Which is bad, because if they want you to come do an overdub or something, he may call you at 4 a.m. and say, 'Come on in.'"
Label – Motown
Songwriter – Stevie Wonder
Producers – Stevie Wonder, Malcolm Cecil, Robert Margouleff
SONG LYRICS
[Verse 1]Very superstitious
Writing's on the wall
Very superstitious
Ladder's 'bout to fall
Thirteen month old baby
Broke the looking glass
Seven years of bad luck
The good things in your past
[Chorus]
When you believe in things
That you don't understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain't the way, yeah
[Verse 2]
Ooh, very superstitious
Wash your face and hands
Rid me of the problem
Do all that you can
Keep me in a daydream
Keep me going strong
You don't want to save me
Sad is my song
[Chorus]
When you believe in things
That you don't understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain't the way, yeah
[Verse 3]
Very superstitious
Nothing more to say
Very superstitious
The devil's on his way
Thirteen month old baby
Broke the looking glass
Seven years of bad luck
Good things in your past
[Chorus]
When you believe in things
That you don't understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain't the way
No, no, no