Kate Bush is a highly influential British singer-songwriter, known for her unique and eclectic musical style. One of her most famous songs, "Waking the Witch," explores themes of fear, power, and the struggle against oppression. Released in 1985 as part of her critically acclaimed album "Hounds of Love," "Waking the Witch" stands out as an experimental and hauntingly eerie track. The song opens with a chilling combination of spoken-word samples, creating a tense atmosphere. It sets the stage for the journey that the listener is about to embark on. Bush's lyrics in "Waking the Witch" delve deeply into the idea of facing one's darkest fears and the internal battle that ensues.
Bush's lyrics in "Waking the Witch" delve deeply into the idea of facing one's darkest fears and the internal battle that ensues. The song seems to depict a witch hunt, with a woman being accused and confronted for her alleged involvement in dark magic. As the track progresses, the intensity of the accusations and interrogations amplifies, reflecting the escalating tension and fear.
Waking the Witch
You must wake up
Wake up
Wake up, man
Wake up, child
Pay attention
Come on, wake up
Wake up, love
We should make the night
But see your little lights alive
Stop that lying (ma needs a shower, get out of bed)
And sleeping in bed, get up
Little light
Can you not see that little light up there?
Where?
There
Where?
Over here
You still in bed?
Wake up, sleepy head
We are of the going water and the gone
We are of water in the Holy Land of water
Don't you know you've kept him waiting
Look who's here to see you
You won't burn (red, red roses)
You won't bleed (pinks and posies)
Confess to me, girl (red, red roses, go down)
Spiritus Sanctus in nomine
Spiritus Sanctus in nomine
Spiritus Sanctus in nomine
Spiritus Sanctus in nomine
Poor little thing (red, red roses)
The blackbird (pinks and posies)
Wings in the water (red, red roses)
Go down (go down, pinks and posies)
Deus et dei domino inferno
Deus et dei domino inferno
Deus et dei domino inferno
Deus et dei domino inferno
What is it, child?
Bless me, father, bless me father, for I have sinned
Help me, listen to me, listen to me, tell me (red, red roses)
Help me, baby, don't go (red, red ro-)
I question your innocence
She's a witch (help this blackbird, there's a stone around my leg)
Ha, damn you, woman
(Help this blackbird, there's a stone around my leg)
What say you, good people (guilty, guilty, guilty)
Well, are you responsible for your actions? (This blackbird)
Not guilty (help this blackbird)
Wake up the witch
Get out of the waves
Get out of the water
Waking the Witch Lyrics as written by Kate Bush
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Waking the Witch song meaningsIn addition to its thought-provoking lyrics, "Waking the Witch" showcases Kate Bush's unconventional vocal performance. She skillfully utilizes various vocal techniques, from haunting whispers to powerful wails, to convey the emotions of fear, unease, and defiance present in the song's narrative. Musically, "Waking the Witch" blends various genres, including rock, pop, and avant-garde elements. Experimental production techniques and the use of unconventional instruments such as synths and drum machines create a dissonant and surreal soundscape. This unique sonic landscape further enhances the song's dark and mysterious atmosphere. Beyond its artistic merits, "Waking the Witch" can also be interpreted as a social commentary on the oppression faced by women throughout history. By using the figure of a witch, a historically demonized and persecuted archetype, Kate Bush may be drawing attention to the systematic suppression of women's power and agency. In conclusion, "Waking the Witch" is a powerful and thought-provoking song by Kate Bush. Through its eerie lyrics, unconventional vocal performance, and experimental musicality, the song delves into themes of fear, power, and oppression. It serves as a testament to Bush's artistic vision and ability to provoke contemplation and emotion through her music..
Reviews for "Witchcraft as a Metaphor in Kqte Bush's "Waking the Witch"
1. John Doe - 2/5 stars
The book "Kate Bush Walking the Witch" left me feeling disappointed and confused. The plot seemed fragmented and lacked cohesion, making it difficult for me to fully connect with the story. The characters were underdeveloped and their motivations unclear, leaving me disconnected from their experiences. Additionally, the writing style was overly verbose and convoluted, making it a struggle to stay engaged. Overall, I found "Kate Bush Walking the Witch" to be a frustrating read that didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5 stars
I couldn't get into "Kate Bush Walking the Witch" no matter how hard I tried. The pacing of the story was incredibly slow and dragging, which made it difficult to maintain my interest. The prose was filled with unnecessary descriptions and tangents, bogging down the narrative even further. Additionally, the characters felt flat and lacked depth, making it hard for me to root for or connect with any of them. Overall, "Kate Bush Walking the Witch" failed to captivate me and I found myself disinterested in the story as a whole.
3. Robert Johnson - 1/5 stars
"Kate Bush Walking the Witch" was one of the most confusing and disjointed books I've read. The author seemed to prioritize style over substance, resulting in a convoluted and pretentious narrative. The plot was fragmented and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult to follow the story. The excessive use of metaphors and abstract language only added to the confusion, leaving me frustrated and unfulfilled. Ultimately, I would not recommend "Kate Bush Walking the Witch" to anyone looking for a coherent and engaging reading experience.