Curtis Stigers Through Tarot

Emotion, Storytelling & Transformation

Curtis Stigers’ music, while rooted in jazz, often incorporates elements of pop and soul, creating a sound that is both sophisticated and emotionally accessible. I discovered his music in the early 90’s and still find myself listening to him today.  Curtis Stigers has a unique voice and is a great storyteller.  His songs carry deep emotional weight, making them a fascinating lens through which to explore Tarot archetypes.

Emotional Depth and Vulnerability

Stigers’ smooth vocals convey a sense of emotional intimacy and vulnerability, aligning with the Cups suit. Many of his songs explore themes of love, loss, and longing, reflecting the emotional spectrum of the Tarot.

His jazz influences bring a sense of sophistication and refinement to his music, mirroring the King of Cups archetype. This card represents emotional mastery and wisdom, qualities that resonate with the controlled yet deeply felt emotions in his music.  Many of Stigers’ songs tell stories, much like the Tarot. His narratives unfold with rich emotional depth, drawing connections to archetypal themes found in the cards.

Songs & Their Tarot Connections

• “I Wonder Why” – Seven of Cups (The dreamy, uncertain nature of longing and possibility.)  Also the Four of Cups (A sense of emotional contemplation, questioning love and its meaning.)
• “You’re All That Matters to Me” – Two of Cups (deep emotional connection of love and partnership) and the Ten of Cups (emotional fulfillment and harmony).
• “John the Revelator” – The song’s apocalyptic imagery mirrors the dramatic transformation and truth-telling of these cards.  Judgment (Revelation, transformation, and accountability) and Ten of Swords – Endings, suffering, and the finality of a cycle.
  “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” –The High Priestess (hidden truths, looking beyond the surface for deeper understanding). Reversed Ten of Cups (The absence of harmony, a lamentation of lost ideals). The song serves as both a cry for peace and a reflection of the world’s disharmony, much like these cards suggest.

Other Songs to Explore

• “Time Was” – Six of Cups (nostalgia, fond memories, and looking back to the past) Wheel of Fortune (changing of times, cherishing memories and learning from the past)
• “The Ghost of You and Me” – Four of Cups (introspection, withdrawal, and a sense of being stuck in the past)
• “There Will Always Be a Place” – The World (completion, wholeness, and a sense of belonging in the world)
• “Time Was” (with Shawn Colvin) – Ten of Swords Reversed (acceptance and moving on from past hurts)
• “There’s More to Making Love” – The Devil Reversed (breaking free from the illusion that love is merely physical)
• “Sleeping with the Light On” – Five of Swords (Mental anxiety, stress, and a sense of being under attack). Also the Moon (Illusions and distorted perceptions and subconscious).
• “I Keep Telling Myself” – Seven of Cups (clarity, facing reality, and overcoming illusions)

Curtis Stigers’ music provides a smooth and emotionally resonant backdrop for exploring themes of love, loss, and introspection within the Tarot. His jazz influences add a layer of sophistication, making his work particularly suited for cards that represent emotional maturity and refinement. By examining his songs through this lens, we uncover deeper emotional truths and archetypal wisdom, inviting us to reflect on our own journeys.

What songs of his resonate most with you, and what Tarot archetypes do they evoke? Share your thoughts!

You can find other Singers/Songwriters in this Series here.