Life is better on SZA's Saturn

Posted Apr. 16, 2024

By Katie Liang

Features Editor

Life is better on Saturn. 

American R&B singer and songwriter Solana Imani Rowe, otherwise known as SZA, released "Saturn" on Feb. 22, shortly after teasing her fourth studio album "LANA" on social media. Originally, "LANA" was meant to be a deluxe version of SZA's junior album "SOS" which was awarded Best Progressive R&B Album in the 2024 Grammy Awards. But, SZA had a change of plans and decided to make "LANA" its own album with new, original music. Unfortunately, due to the numerous leaks that were widely shared online by fans, SZA pushed back the release of her upcoming album. This is a common occurrence for well-known artists; yet, fans do not learn their lesson and their favorite leaks are likely to never become official released tracks by their favorite artist. 

The main appeal of "Saturn" and the majority of SZA's discography is the relatability factor. SZA has lived through and sang about every form of heartbreak, insecurity, and healing processes. Her natural ability to capture vulnerability and madness (refer to "Kill Bill") in elegant and aesthetic songs has won over many listeners that won't be disappointed any time she releases new material. In "Saturn," SZA grieves over the dissatisfaction she has with her life on Earth, believing that the cycle of pain is never-ending. She is "stuck in this paradigm" and her intrusive thoughts are paralyzing her from moving on and persevering. She dreams of another universe which she dubs as Saturn where life is better and the cycle is broken. The only mention of Saturn is in the chorus of the song where the combination of SZA's graceful voice and the dreamlike instrumental underneath her layered vocals produces a nostalgic, reminiscent feeling for listeners. 

Although the sound of the chorus emulates a sense of hope for a better, more romantically successful life, "Saturn" is a plea for help. SZA is miserable with her current situation. Her unenjoyable and unlucky encounters have destroyed her beliefs of paradise and nirvana. Using Saturn, the third planet away from Earth, as a metaphor for the new universe she yearns for depicts how SZA believes she needs an entirely new planet for a fresh start. There is nothing left for her on Earth.

 "Saturn" does not explicitly mention love or heartbreak, which allows for a wider audience for SZA. It's not an uncommon experience for people to ponder a world where their pain does not exist anymore, and SZA perfectly interprets the despondency and longing people have for their lives in her latest single.