The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: Superstition

A black cat is seen on the pitch as it stops play during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on February 2, 2019.
A black cat is seen on the pitch as it stops play during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on February 2, 2019.Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP

by Jade

October 13, 2023

Today is Friday the 13th, a day infamously marked as unlucky. Before being associated with a string of horror movies, Friday the 13th was known as a day many people have avoided for major events, travel dates, and weddings.

The 13th day of the month lands on a Friday at least once every year, but can occur up to three times. This month, we are experiencing the second, and spookiest, Friday the 13th of 2023.

From black cats to spilling salt on a table, join us in celebrating this condemned and unsung day by listing songs that play on themes of superstition — If you’re brave enough to call them out.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which songs about superstitions do you want to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Rosalia - MALAMENTE (Cap.1 Augurio)
Albert King - Born Under A Bad Sign
Ironic - Ironic
Social Distortion - Bad Luck
Neko Case - Bad Luck
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
JD McPherson - Lucky Penny (bonus)