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Sade’s First Song in Six Years, ‘Young Lion,’ Is Tender Apology to Trans Son, Izaak

By Kory Grow

On “Young Lion,” Sade ‘s first song in six years and her contribution to the upcoming Transa compilation , the artist apologizes to her son, Izaak, for not understanding him better when he began transitioning genders. “Young man, I feel so heavy for you, you must have felt so alone,” she sings over a slow piano line and cinematic strings. “The anguish and pain, I should have known.” By the chorus, she recognizes his journey: “Young gun, see how far you’ve come.”

Izaak Adu, Sade’s son, recently told Rolling Stone that “Young Lion” meant the world to him. “Though there was nothing I needed to forgive her for, the lyrics ‘Forgive me, son, I should have known,’ struck a chord,” he said via email. “My mum never tried to oppress the boy; I silently always knew I was. She always let me be me.”

Sade got involved in the comp when one of the producers, Massima Bell, who is trans, wrote her a personal letter. “The support you’ve publicly given your son has been transformative,” Bell wrote. “I know that I would have had an easier experience navigating my own coming out if my family could have seen examples of support like yours. I feel that you’re in a unique position to be able to help shape a narrative that supports and uplifts trans people.” When Bell finally heard the song, she was overwhelmed. “I was in tears because it just was so…,” she told Rolling Stone . “Her voice felt so charged.”

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Although he said coming out didn’t “drastically alter” his relationship with his mother, he also recognized what the song could mean to trans people who need some understanding, especially since parents aren’t always as open minded as Sade. “I think that a song where a parent apologizes for misunderstanding their child can hold immense significance for the trans community,” he said. “For many individuals who are transgender, coming out can be met with misunderstanding and, at times, rejection.

“Hearing a song where a parent acknowledges their mistakes and expresses remorse for not fully understanding their child’s identity may be incredibly validating and healing,” he continued. “This song may serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder that parents can learn, grow, and ultimately accept their children for who they truly are. I hope it can offer a sense of comfort, validation, and a feeling of being seen and understood.”

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Izaak Theo (@izaaktheo)

Sade wrote the song with Aaron Taylor Dean and Ben Travers. Suzy Pela played piano, and Madison Claridge handled the drums. Transa’s organizers said that she was also instrumental in getting some of the other performers, including André 3000, on the compilation simply by asking if he was sending a song. His track is a 26-minute avant-garde flute composition.

By collecting contributions from artists who are trans and others who are allies (Sade, André 3000, Jeff Tweedy, and many others), the Red Hot Organization has positioned Transa as a possible gateway to understanding for the trans community. Izaak Adu said he’s excited about the possibilities.

“A compilation like Transa has the potential to have a significant impact on both trans people and those who are still learning about what being trans means,” he said. “For people who are trans, Transa can serve as a source of representation, validation, and support. It can provide a platform for trans individuals to share their experiences, stories, and perspectives, helping to amplify their voices and promote understanding and acceptance within the trans community. For people who are still learning about what ‘trans’ means, I hope Transa can be a source of education, offering insights into the diverse experiences and challenges faced by trans individuals.

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