"Burn the Witch" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead. Released in 2016, it serves as the opening track on their album "A Moon Shaped Pool." The song's haunting melody and cryptic lyrics, coupled with its eerie stop-motion music video, presented a departure from the band's typical sound. The main idea of "Burn the Witch" revolves around themes of mob mentality, conformity, and the dangers of groupthink. The lyrics depict a society consumed by fear and suspicion, as the opening line sets the tone: "Stay in the shadows, cheer at the gallows." It criticizes the tendency of people to blindly follow authority figures and participate in acts of violence or discrimination without questioning the morality behind it.
Embrace: This potion was mixed by Freya exclusively for her young friend, Molly Overbrook. This concoction could be considered a type of love potion as it’s effects help a person to clear their minds when it comes to their conflicted love life.
Freya find out about this potion when she went with her godfather so he could help Killian to remember what happened the day that the bridge fell in Asgard and why he has the mark of Fryr s trident on his back. In her role at the Science Center, she creates and performs demonstrations for visitors that highlight many different fields in science and STEM careers.
" It criticizes the tendency of people to blindly follow authority figures and participate in acts of violence or discrimination without questioning the morality behind it. The boldness of the main idea is affirmed through the song's intense instrumentation and additional elements such as the use of string orchestration. The dissonance in the music reflects the tension and unease described in the lyrics, further emphasizing the underlying message.
Potions Recipes Revealed
Watch below as our Potions Professor taught her Muggle Magic Potions Class. Now, we can’t get dragon’s blood or mermaid spit here in the muggle world, but our Potions Professor wrote this blog post to help you create these potions. She has done her research and shared with us the best substitute for all of her magical ingredients that you probably already have in your house. Have fun experimenting with potions!
Exploding Elixir
Watch in amazement while your potion erupts!
Ingredients:
- Water
- Liquid Soap
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
Directions:
Add 100mL of water into your cauldron. Next add a spoonful of baking soda. Then add 5 drops of liquid soap and stir 10 times in a clockwise motion with your wand, while saying the spell “CREPITUS PULMENTI”. For the final ingredient add 60 mL of white vinegar and watch your potion react!
Beguiling Snow Potion:
Trick your friends by brewing your own yellow snow!
Ingredients:
- Water
- 100% Cranberry Juice
- Instant Snow
Directions:
Start by adding 50mL of water into your cauldron. Next, add 3mL of cranberry juice into your water and stir counter clockwise five times with your wand while saying the spell “IOCUS NIX”. Finally sprinkle in one half spoonful of Snow Seeds into your cauldron and watch the magic! You may touch and play with your trick yellow snow! (But still don’t eat it!)
Amortentia
This potion is Edible!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup . Water
- 2 tbsp . Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup . 100% Cranberry Juice
- 1/8 tsp . Baking Soda
Directions:
Combine ¼ cup of Water and ¼ cup of Cranberry Juice. Then add 1/8 th teaspoon of Baking Soda, this should make your potion darken in color and fizz. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice to change the color once more. Stir 10 times and say the spell “AMARE!”
We want to see what you try at home. Share your creation with us on social media by using the #ScienceAtPlay and tagging @CTScienceCenter.
Kaila Ringgard is a Public Programs Educator at the Connecticut Science Center. She holds a degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst in Geology and Liberal Sciences. In her role at the Science Center, she creates and performs demonstrations for visitors that highlight many different fields in science and STEM careers. She is also responsible for taking care of the many reptiles and insects we have onsite, including our butterflies. You can usually find her in our galleries wearing a tie-dye lab coat with fun experiments and often an interesting animal you can meet.
Many potions use the powerful earth energy of crystals to strengthen their intention. Witches will submerge a crystal in the potion to infuse the liquid with the magical properties associated with that crystal.
The accompanying music video, directed by Chris Hopewell, features a disturbing storyline that combines elements of horror and satire. It uses stop-motion animation and references the 1973 British children's television series "Trumpton," challenging the innocence typically associated with the medium. Overall, "Burn the Witch" stands as a powerful critique of societal issues and cultural tendencies prevalent in modern times. Its main idea is conveyed through thought-provoking lyrics, haunting melodies, and a visually striking music video, making it a standout track in Radiohead's discography..
Reviews for "The emotional impact of 'Burn the Witch' on listeners"
1. John - 2 stars
I'll be honest, I've been a fan of Radiohead for years, but "Burn the Witch" just didn't click with me. The song feels too repetitive and lacks the experimental and unique sound that I've come to expect from the band. The lyrics are also quite vague and don't convey any powerful message or emotion. Overall, I was disappointed with this release and hope that Radiohead returns to their usual brilliance in their future projects.
2. Emily - 3 stars
"Burn the Witch" by Radiohead didn't really resonate with me. While I appreciate the band's attempt to experiment with a different sound, I felt that the execution fell short. The song feels disjointed, with different elements not blending together seamlessly. The lyrics, although intriguing at first, become repetitive and fail to capture my attention. It's not a terrible song, but it lacks the depth and complexity that I love about Radiohead's music.
3. Alex - 2 stars
As a long-time Radiohead fan, "Burn the Witch" left me underwhelmed. The song feels like a diluted version of what Radiohead is capable of. There's a lack of depth in the lyrics, and the melody fails to leave a lasting impact. It feels like a forgettable track in their discography. With their impressive artistic legacy, I expected more from Radiohead. Unfortunately, "Burn the Witch" just doesn't live up to their usual standards.
4. Megan - 1 star
I'm sorry, but "Burn the Witch" by Radiohead is a disappointment. The song lacks the captivating energy and originality that I've come to admire from the band. The melody is forgettable, and the lyrics fail to evoke any strong emotions. It feels like a recycled version of their previous work without any innovative elements. Overall, I found it to be a rather lackluster addition to Radiohead's repertoire.
5. Chris - 2 stars
"Burn the Witch" didn't leave a lasting impression on me. It feels like Radiohead tried to replicate their previous successes without bringing anything new or exciting to the table. The track lacks the complexity and genuine emotion that I've come to appreciate in their music. While it's not a terrible song, it also fails to stand out among their extensive catalog. As a long-time fan, I expected more from Radiohead, and "Burn the Witch" fell short of my expectations.