Months after its theatrical debut, the cinematic and musical powerhouse "Sinners" continues to captivate audiences, with one sequence in particular dominating conversations: the transcendent, time-bending musical montage set to the haunting blues track "I Lied to You." The song has taken on a life of its own, becoming a breakout hit and a major contender this awards season.
From Studio Session to Cinematic Phenomenon
In Ryan Coogler's genre-blending film, music is portrayed as a supernatural force, capable of piercing the veil between life and death. This concept is fully realized in the now-iconic "surreal montage scene," where the character Sammie, played by Miles Caton, performs "I Lied to You" in a juke joint. His performance magically summons dancers and musicians from across the African diaspora and different eras, creating a powerful, otherworldly moment.
The song's co-writer, three-time Grammy winner Raphael Saadiq, collaborated on the track with the film's composer, Ludwig Göransson, in a remarkably spontaneous session. Saadiq was invited to join the project and write the song on the very same day, working directly in Göransson's Los Angeles studio. "I didn't even have time to get back to my studio and do it," Saadiq recalled, emphasizing the rapid, pressure-filled nature of the collaboration.
Awards Recognition and Personal Resonance
The impact of "I Lied to You" has been profound. The track is currently shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has already earned nominations from the Grammys, Golden Globes, and Critics' Choice Awards. For Saadiq, this film industry recognition feels distinct from his music accolades. "It's a team effort, and I love being a part of a team. That's why it hits a little different," he explained.
Saadiq found deep personal connections to the film's narrative, which explores the tension between sacred and secular music. Having grown up in the Baptist church and being warned that playing "worldly" R&B music would send him to hell, he saw clear parallels with the protagonist, Preacher Boy. "When they told me about the script, I'm like, yeah, I lived that life," Saadiq said.
The Spiritual Inspiration Behind the Blues
Without reading the full script, Saadiq drew inspiration from his own lineage and the blues legends he admired. He channeled the spirits of artists like Howlin' Wolf, Hubert Sumlin, and Muddy Waters, viewing himself as a conduit. "I just think I was that filter... I think it was past ancestors [working through me]," he shared, noting his family roots in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a childhood immersed in the blues.
He believes "Sinners" has ignited a renewed spark for the blues, a genre often misunderstood. "Church people saw the blues as devil music, but blues people saw it as their church," Saadiq stated, perfectly encapsulating the film's central theme.
Collaborative Trust and Future Projects
Saadiq praised Coogler's directorial vision and the environment of trust he fostered. "It's the best world to be invited to because it allows you to be you 100%," he said. He was equally impressed by Miles Caton's powerful vocal performance, describing his voice as being "like a lion." "It's his song now. I wrote it, but it's his song," Saadiq remarked graciously.
Despite a somber period following the losses of his brother, D'Wayne Wiggins, and close friend D'Angelo last year, Saadiq remains prolific. He plans to release four albums in the coming year. For now, he is riding the wave of "Sinners"' success. "It's a good year for all these things to happen," Saadiq said. "So I'm just glad to be in the number."
