Inspiration Behind Superstition:
Superstition grew out of Stevie Wonder’s belief that irrational beliefs cause unnecessary suffering. This song was part of an agreement, writing Superstition for Jeff Beck in exchange for Beck playing on the Talking Book album. While each artist was going to release their own version of this song, Motown’s Berry Gordy decided to release Wonder’s version first. Once Superstition became an instant hit, Beck’s version was still in production. This is how Superstition ultimately became another Stevie Wonder classic.
Biblical Application:
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[b] was put off when you were circumcised by[c] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead, Colossians 2:8-12.
Exegesis of Superstition:
Very superstitious writings on the wall
Very superstitious, ladders ’bout to fall
13-month-old baby, broke the looking glass
Seven years of bad luck, the good thing is in your past
Various traditions passed down that have become superstitions in the minds of many.
When you believe in things that you don’t understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain’t the way
A warning against reading too much into things. Superstitions only bring anxiety and worry.
Ooh, very superstitious, wash your face and hands
Rid me of the problems, do all that you can
Keep me in a daydream, keep me going strong
You don’t wanna save me, sad is my song
Stevie refers to ungodly beliefs, practices that people think are necessary or else something bad will happen to you. Perhaps, Stevie is referring to friends who have become way too superstitious.
When you believe in things you don’t understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain’t the way, yeah, yeah
Superstitions aren’t healthy for you.
Very superstitious, nothing more to say
Very superstitious, the Devil’s on his way
13-month-old baby, mm, broke the looking glass
Seven years of bad luck, good things in your past, mm
Becoming superstitious opens the door for the Devil to make associations and connections that are not true or real.
When you believe in things that you don’t understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain’t the way, no, no, no
Let go of your superstitions or you’ll continue to suffer mental anguish.
Final Thoughts:
As a former athlete, I developed pre-game rituals, habits that helped me perform at a high level. However, when you have a bad game, meet or performance, sometimes you blame skipping one of these rituals. Or as a fan, you might have a favorite food before watching a game. You may even have a favorite seat, shirt or something else. When your team loses, not following one of your superstitions is often blamed. Like Stevie wrote decades ago, don’t fall into this superstitious trap. Instead, let things happen, allowing the chips to fall as they may and move on with life.
by Jay Mankus
