Lyrics Got Loud

SZA's "Saturn": A Deep Dive into a Song About Growth and Searching for Purpose

"Saturn," released in 2023, is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA. It is the lead single from her highly anticipated second studio album.

Writers and Release

The song was credited to SZA, along with Solána Rowe (her legal name), Carter Lang, Diamond D, and Tae McKenzie. It was released in January 2023 to critical acclaim, quickly reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Cultural Relevance and Chart Performance

"Saturn" resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, praised for its raw vulnerability and exploration of universal themes of self-discovery, frustration, and the search for meaning in life. The song's success further solidified SZA's position as one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B.

Meaning and Lyrics: A Deep Dive

The lyrics of "Saturn" are introspective and poetic, delving into feelings of disillusionment and a yearning for something more. The song opens with the line "I gave it all I could / Stuck in this terodome," establishing a sense of confinement and frustration. The imagery of the "terodome" is open to interpretation, but it suggests a feeling of being trapped in a repetitive cycle or environment.

The chorus, "All I see is terrible / Making us hysterical / Got to be more / Got to be more / Sick," further emphasizes the negative emotions the narrator is grappling with. They feel overwhelmed by negativity and crave a sense of change and purpose.

The second verse delves deeper into the narrator's internal struggle: "Before life better / Sat got to break this pattern / Flowing away find something we're saving / It's all for it's taking / I always say all be better / All of a sudden none of this matters." Here, the narrator acknowledges a desire to break free from a negative pattern and find something meaningful in life. They question the point of it all, expressing feelings of doubt and disillusionment.

The song continues with the narrator searching for answers and contemplating their place in the universe: "Oh, there's another universe / Please make some noise / It's all the same / I hate this place / Floating away / Find something we're saving / Is none of this matters." They yearn for a different reality, questioning the purpose of their existence in the current one.

The bridge offers a glimmer of hope: "Been here before, foreign / But I can't explain / Gotta break the chains / Gotta break the chains." Despite feeling trapped, the narrator finds a spark of determination to break free from their circumstances.

The song ends with a sense of unresolved longing: "Dreaming of Saturn / Oh, if karma is really / How am I still here / Just seems so unfair / I could be wrong though / If there's a point of being good / Then where's my reward / The good that young and poor." The narrator reflects on the concept of karma and questions the fairness of their situation. They dream of "Saturn," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for a distant and unknown future, offering a sense of escape and possibility.

Interesting Facts and Recording

There are no widely reported interesting facts or controversies surrounding the recording of "Saturn." However, the song's exploration of complex emotions and relatable themes has undoubtedly resonated with many listeners, solidifying its place as a significant work in SZA's discography.

Covers and Legacy

As of February 2024, there are no notable cover versions of "Saturn" by other artists. However, the song's influence can be heard in the works of other contemporary R&B artists who explore similar themes of self-discovery and emotional vulnerability.

"Saturn" stands as a powerful testament to SZA's artistic growth and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. The song's enduring popularity and critical acclaim solidify its place as a significant work in contemporary music.