Witchcraft has been an enduring subject in popular music for decades.
From classic rock to modern pop, songs about witches have entertained and intrigued audiences alike.
This article examines some of the most iconic songs about witches, from the classic “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” by Sammy Davis Jr. and Buddy Rich to Little Mix’s “Black Magic” and John Fogerty’s “Wicked Old Witch.”
Through these songs, one can understand the various ways musicians have used witchcraft as a metaphor for a variety of topics, from love and heartbreak to the supernatural and the unknown.
This article will provide an overview of the 15 best songs about witches and analyze how they have shaped popular music.
1. “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” by Sammy Davis, Jr., Buddy Rich
Originally released in 1966, “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” is a song composed by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg and performed by Sammy Davis, Jr. and Buddy Rich.
It is an upbeat, swing-style tune with lyrics that tell the story of the joyous celebration of the death of the Wicked Witch of the East.
The song has become a classic Halloween tune and is often featured in popular culture.
The song serves as a celebration of the power of good over evil, as well as a reminder of the importance of optimism and hope.
Its catchy melody and cheerful lyrics have enabled it to remain popular for decades.
2. “Black Magic” by Little Mix
Released in 2015, “Black Magic” by Little Mix explores the dark and mysterious power of witches.
The song brings together elements of pop and R&B, creating a catchy melody that speaks to the power of magic.
While the lyrics are playful, they also invoke a sense of fear in the listener.
The song questions why someone would play with an unknown power, and express caution when it comes to dealing with the unknown.
Overall, the song paints a vivid picture of the mysterious and powerful forces of witchcraft.
3. “Waking the Witch” by Kate Bush
In 1985, Kate Bush released her single “Waking the Witch”, a song that explores the theme of witchcraft through the eyes of a woman.
A haunting yet beautiful piece, the lyrics focus on the narrator’s inner struggle between her perceived identity and the expectations of society.
Musically, the track consists of an ethereal, dream-like atmosphere that is created by a combination of Bush’s trademark vocal style and the use of electronic instrumentation.
The song is full of symbolism and imagery, which further reinforces the idea of a woman being persecuted for being different.
“Waking the Witch” is an interesting take on the theme of witchcraft and a powerful reminder of the strength of the individual.
4. “Witchy Woman” by Eagles
The Eagles’ song “Witchy Woman” is a classic rock anthem celebrating the mysterious power of witches.
Written by Don Henley and Bernie Leadon, the song paints a vivid picture of a witch-like woman, with mysterious powers that bewitch men.
Musically, it is driven by a strong drumbeat, a driving guitar riff, and the band’s signature harmonies.
The song’s lyrics reference various elements of witchcraft.
The mysterious witchy woman of the song is a powerful figure, a reminder of the power of witches and of the enduring fascination with the supernatural.
5. “Witch Hunt” by Rush
Canadian progressive rock band Rush released the song “Witch Hunt” in 1981, which lyrically explores the paranoia of the Salem witch trials.
The song is written from the perspective of an accused witch, who is being chased and persecuted by a mob.
The lyrics make use of dark imagery to create a sense of fear and foreboding.
Musically, the song contains a driving beat and complex instrumental passages, reflecting the chaotic and frenetic nature of the witch hunt.
By intertwining the narrative of the Salem witch trials with a modern context, Rush created a powerful and timeless song about witches.
6. “Witch’s Promise” by Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull’s 1970 folk-rock song, “Witch’s Promise”, is a hauntingly beautiful ode to the power of love and loyalty in the face of persecution.
It features a gentle acoustic guitar melody, backed by Ian Anderson’s plaintive vocal performance.
The lyrics tell the story of a persecuted witch who stands by her beliefs despite the danger.
The song’s message of love and loyalty in the face of intolerance resonates deeply with listeners.
It is an emotionally powerful reminder of the strength that can be found in standing up for one’s beliefs.
7. “Black Magic Woman” by Santana
Revered as a classic rock staple, Santana’s 1970 hit single “Black Magic Woman” is a masterful mix of blues, rock, and Latin influences.
The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a woman who has bewitched the narrator, are drawn from Peter Green’s original version of the tune.
Musically, the track is highlighted by Carlos Santana’s virtuosic guitar playing, with its sinuous lines and bluesy riffs, as well as a driving rhythm section.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a popular classic in the rock canon.
8. “Burn The Witch” by Queens Of The Stone Age
Queens Of The Stone Age’s 2006 single “Burn The Witch” is an intense, hard-hitting track that combines the band’s signature sound with elements of alternative metal.
The song’s lyrics focus on the fear of being persecuted for being different and the idea of being labeled a witch.
Musically, it takes the form of a hard rock anthem, with its driving riffs and pounding drums.
The song’s lyrics also draw on the fear of being persecuted, as the lyrics offer a warning to those who would seek to harm the protagonist.
The song serves as a reminder of the dangers of bigotry and intolerance.
“Burn The Witch” is a powerful statement on the theme of witch persecution.
9. “Sisters Of The Moon” by Fleetwood Mac
Continuing the examination of songs about witches, Fleetwood Mac’s “Sisters of the Moon” provides a more melodic take on the subject.
The lyrics focus on a group of witches, with the narrator offering a story-like description of their activities, such as gathering under the moon and dancing.
The track features a lively guitar riff and a steady beat, all of which contribute to an air of mystery and intrigue.
Overall, the song effectively captures the mystical aura of witches and provides an entertaining listening experience.
10. “Five Magics” by Megadeth
Featuring an up-tempo guitar riff and Dave Mustaine’s characteristic vocal delivery, Megadeth’s “Five Magics” offers an intense look into the dark and mysterious world of witchcraft.
Mustaine’s lyrics explore a variety of themes related to the occult, including the power of dark rituals, and the potential dangers of delving too deeply into the unknown.
Musically, the song is driven by a heavy, crunchy guitar sound, with a driving percussion line, and a dynamic vocal performance.
The song serves as a warning against the power of the supernatural, and the potential consequences of overreaching in the pursuit of knowledge.
11. “Season of the Witch” by Donovan
Donovan’s 1966 classic track “Season of the Witch” is a psychedelic exploration of the power of divine magic and the occult.
The song’s lyrics, which are written from the perspective of a sorcerer, tell of a dark and mysterious season, with references to the devil, sorcery, and witches.
Musically, the song features a repetitive guitar riff, a heavy bassline, and a driving rhythm section.
The combination of these elements creates a sinister atmosphere, highlighting the occult themes of the track.
A perfect example of psychedelic folk rock, “Season of the Witch” is an essential song about witches and the occult.
12. “Sorcerer” by Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks’ 2001 single “Sorcerer” is a powerful ode to the mystical power of witchcraft, with a sound rooted in folk rock.
The song is full of imagery, with references to the moon and stars, and a chorus of chanting voices in the background.
Musically, the song is driven by a simple guitar riff, with a steady beat.
Lyrically, Nicks paints a vivid picture of the power of witchcraft.
The song is a celebration of the power of the witch, and a call for strength and courage in the face of adversity.
13. “Wicked Old Witch” by John Fogerty
John Fogerty’s 2004 single “Wicked Old Witch” is a classic folk-rock tune that evokes the eerie power of witchcraft.
Its narrative follows a protagonist who encounters a witch in the woods and is then warned against her by a mysterious voice.
Musically, the song employs a slow, minor key melody to capture the suspense of the story, along with a steady beat and acoustic guitar.
Fogerty’s vocals are chilling and emotive, heightening the tension of the lyrics.
The combination of these elements creates an atmosphere of dread and foreboding, making “Wicked Old Witch” an iconic song about witches.
14. “Brujas” by Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia’s 2017 single “Brujas” is a powerful ode to the power of the occult and the strength of the female spirit.
The song celebrates the strength of the brujas, or witches, that has become a symbol of women’s power within the Afro-Latina community.
Each verse of the song is an empowering declaration of the strength of the women who are connected to the occult and the power of the spiritual world.
The song also acknowledges the historical struggles of women of color while celebrating their power and strength.
15. “Dolly Dagger” by Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s 1971 single “Dolly Dagger” is a blues-rock song that celebrates the power of love and the individual’s freedom to express it.
The song is an ode to a mysterious figure called Dolly Dagger, who is assumed to be a witch due to her supernatural powers.
The lyrics describe her ability to heal people with her love and her ability to cast spells on those who do her wrong.
Musically, the song is a mix of blues and rock, with Hendrix’s signature guitar solo providing a powerful climax.
The song is a testament to the power of love and the individual’s ability to express it freely, an important theme in Hendrix’s music.
Best Songs About Witches – Final Thoughts
The vast array of songs about witches is a testament to the enduring fascination with this mysterious figure.
From Sammy Davis Jr.’s whimsical “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” to Little Mix’s powerful “Black Magic” and Jimi Hendrix’s haunting “Dolly Dagger”, the songs span genres and generations.
Whether it’s Rush’s “Witch Hunt” or Stevie Nicks’ “Sorcerer”, these songs evoke powerful images of the witch and her place in our collective imagination.
These 15 songs provide an entertaining way to explore the history, mystery, and power of the witch.
You may also like: Songs About Wonder
