In many cultures and traditions, witches have long been feared and shunned. They were believed to possess dark powers and work in collusion with evil spirits. From ancient times, this fear of witches found expression in various forms, one of which was through songs celebrating their demise. These songs served as a way for communities to collectively confront and conquer their fears, reinforcing the power of unity and belief against the unknown. **The main idea of these songs was to celebrate the death of the witch, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and order over chaos.** These songs often contained vivid and graphic descriptions of the witch's demise, portraying her as a wicked and malevolent being deserving of punishment.
Whittingdale and others point out the BBC has temporarily banned songs in the past. During the Thatcher-launched Falklands War, the BBC banned Six Months in a Leaky Boat by Split Enz because references to faulty boats were deemed bad for morale. The Sex Pistols' God Save the Queen was banned during the Queen's 1977 Silver Jubilee, and three Beatles songs have even been banned for references to drugs and sex.
The same is true with Irving Berlin and Rodgers and Hammerstein actually most people can name a song by the duo, even if they aren t sure which part of Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the music and which part wrote the words took me years to figure it out. Much as I hate it, I think that if you ban a record, you make a huge, huge mistake, argues Nigel Farage, the head of the right-wing libertarian party, UK Independence.
** These songs often contained vivid and graphic descriptions of the witch's demise, portraying her as a wicked and malevolent being deserving of punishment. The lyrics would paint a picture of her suffering, emphasizing the justice that had been served and the relief felt by the community. By belting out these songs, people would not only exorcise their fears but also reinforce their own moral values and the sanctity of their community.
'Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead' closer to number one spot as it reaches top five following Margaret Thatcher's death
Lady Thatcher’s death could propel The Wizard Of Oz track "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead to the top of the charts.
Those who saw her death as a cause for celebration have prompted a download surge for the track.
Within 48 hours of the former Prime Minister’s death, the song has entered the official UK chart at number 10.
It is expected to climb higher as a result of a Facebook campaign being set up to encourage sales.
The Facebook group, encouraging people to download the "Witch" song to get it to number one, already had 664 members and was originally set up back in July 2007.
The BBC said it would decide whether to play Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead during Radio 1's top 40 countdown when places are finalised this weekend.
In a statement it said: "The Official Chart Show on Sunday is a historical and factual account of what the British public has been buying and we will make a decision about playing it when the final chart positions are clear."
The song was written by EY Harburg and composed by Harold Arlen and featured in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
A song specifically written to attack Lady Thatcher, "Tramp The Dirt Down" by Elvis Costello, also rose to 79 on the iTunes chart.
Respect MP George Galloway tweeted the title of the 1988 song, which includes the lyrics: “When they finally put you in the ground, they’ll stand there laughing and tramp the dirt down.”
Entrepreneurial fashion outlets were quick to cash in on the death. One boutique in Shoreditch, east London, placed T-shirts featuring Warhol-style portraits of Lady Thatcher in its window.
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The Redbubble online clothing store was selling black and white T-shirts featuring a stark portrait of the politician with the word “DEAD” below, for £15.
However there appears to be a limit to the public appetite for all things Thatcher-related. A peak-time BBC1 90-minute obituary, narrated by Andrew Marr and broadcast on Monday night, attracted fewer than 3 million viewers. News bulletins providing blanket coverage of the death failed to record a viewing rise.
Britain’s first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died at the Ritz hotel in London on Monday following a stroke. She was 87.
Although these songs might seem harsh and cruel by today's standards, they were an integral part of the cultural fabric of those times. They provided an outlet for expressing collective anxiety and instilled a sense of unity and solidarity among the community members. Moreover, they were a way for people to reclaim their power from the unknown forces that caused them fear and discomfort. As society progressed and underwent significant changes, the fear and vilification of witches diminished, giving way to a more enlightened mindset. Recognition of diversity, tolerance, and understanding replaced the need for songs celebrating the witch's demise. Nonetheless, these songs remain important historical artifacts that offer a glimpse into the superstitions and beliefs of the past. In conclusion, songs celebrating the death of witches were reflections of the prevailing sociocultural anxieties towards these mysterious figures. They served as a means for the community to collectively confront their fears, assert their moral values, and exorcise the unknown forces that threatened their sense of security. While these songs may seem harsh by today's standards, they were an important tool for unity, solidarity, and empowerment in a different era..
Reviews for "The Song Celebrating the Death of the Witch as Protest Music"
1. Emily - ★★
I was really disappointed with "Song celebrating the death of the witch". While the lyrics were catchy and the melody was upbeat, I found the subject matter to be extremely distasteful. Celebrating the death of someone, even in a fictional context, just didn't sit well with me. I understand that it's a metaphorical representation of overcoming obstacles, but I felt it lacked tact and sensitivity. It's a shame because the artist has talent and their previous work was much more enjoyable.
2. Mark - ★
I couldn't get past the lyrics of "Song celebrating the death of the witch". It felt cruel and unnecessary. I understand the artistic expression and metaphorical meaning, but the constant references to violence and rejoicing in someone's demise just didn't sit right with me. The melody and production were decent, but the lyrics ruined the overall experience for me. I hope the artist showcases their talent in a more positive and inclusive manner in their future releases.
3. Sarah - ★★
I appreciate experimental music, but "Song celebrating the death of the witch" just didn't resonate with me. The disjointed sound and erratic tempo made it difficult to find any enjoyment in the song. Additionally, the lyrics seemed unnecessarily dark and lacked depth. The artist's attempt at metaphorical storytelling fell flat, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. I appreciate their creativity, but this particular song just didn't capture my interest.