Songs for Witches Witches have long captivated the imagination of people, conjuring images of ancient rituals, magic spells, and mysterious powers. Throughout history, witches have been portrayed in various art forms, including literature, paintings, and movies. However, songs have also played a significant role in immortalizing the essence and allure of witches. The concept of witchcraft and its association with music can be traced back to folk traditions and pagan rituals. In many ancient cultures, songs were an integral part of magical practices. These songs, often known as incantations or chants, were believed to hold the power to invoke spirits, communicate with the divine, or cast spells.
Hubble bubble! It’s the best songs about witches and witchcraft
No one knows character development quite like the witch. From the term being used to accuse women of performing dark magic, burning them at the stake and drowning them in rivers, to global pop stars using witchcraft to hex the president, witches have been on quite the journey.
Luckily, music has been there to document every possible iteration of the black magic woman. Mid-century folklore tales, encounters with mysterious enchantresses, and confessions of casting spells on a crush are all covered in this list – here’s 27 songs about witches. Ding dong!
Fleetwood Mac – ‘Rhiannon’
What would a list about witchy songs without some Stevie Nicks? ‘Rhiannon’ is this track’s main character, a Welsh witch whom Stevie read about in a novel and immediately penned a song for.
AdvertisementKate Bush – ‘Waking The Witch’
This track from her classic album ‘Hounds of Love’ is based on the book ‘The Witch Of Blackbird Pond’. As the song plays out, the character undergoes some sort of exorcism as voices chant and threaten a confession out of her.
Princess Nokia – ‘Brujas’
‘Brujas’ – the Spanish word for ‘witches’ – discusses Princess Nokia’s ancestral connections to witchcraft. Throughout the song, she hails herself as the supreme and makes many a reference to casting spells, hexing and speaking in tongues.
Florence and the Machine – ‘Which Witch’
Rumour has it, Florence Welch actually used to be a practising witch, so the many spooky tracks in her arsenal make a lot of sense. Based on an old LA witch trial case, ‘Which Witch’ is about a young woman who was suspected of killing her lover.
Little Mix – ‘Black Magic’
Not all witchy songs have to be doom and gloom. Little Mix’s 2015 chart-topper has the girls singing about putting a spell on a crush, and is accompanied by a ‘The Craft’ style music video.
Katy B – ‘Witches Brew’
Taken from Katy B’s debut album, on ‘Witches Brew’, she turns making love potions into a major dance banger. With references to stirring her cauldron and reading her spell book, it’s a fresh take on witchy music.
Bat For Lashes – ‘The Wizard’
Not quite a witch, but instead their male counterparts. On this whimsical early track, Bat For Lashes describes an enchanting wizard, whose blood she drinks as he becomes her cult leader.
Siouxsie and the Banshees – ‘Spellbound’
On this early 80s cut, Siouxsie Sioux sings of being drawn to a lover as if under a spell. Coupled with Siouxsie’s haunting voice and iconic gothy look, she’d be a mainstay on any witch’s playlist.
Jimi Hendrix – ‘Dolly Dagger’
On ‘Dolly Dagger’, Jimi clearly describes a woman who engages in witchy behaviours, like flying broomsticks and drinking blood. Allegedly about his real-life girlfriend, the ‘jagged edge’ line is said to be a reference to a party where Mick Jagger cut his finger, and ‘Dolly’ sucked the blood out.
Santana – ‘Black Magic Woman’
Although a cover of the Fleetwood Mac original, Santana’s version of ‘Black Magic Woman’ became one of their biggest hits. Here, the writer sings of being enchanted by another woman.
Joni Mitchell – ‘Roses Blue’
On this ‘Clouds’ track, Joni sings of a woman who’s into fortune-telling, tarot cards, and potions. She lures her prey in with a spell, and while Joni never calls her a witch, she’s certainly magical.
Eagles – ‘Witchy Woman’
Don Henley was said to be heavily feverish and reading a Zelda Fitzgerald biography while writing this eerie track. Fitzgerald probably didn’t fly around in the night though, and it’s easy to interpret the lyrics as a description of a particularly seductive woman.
Yoko Ono – ‘Yes, I’m A Witch’
The title for this one seems pretty self-explanatory, but in it, Yoko describes feeling like an outcast, rebelling against backlash from the media, and needing to be outspoken.
Donovan – ‘Season of the Witch’
Donovan’s 60s hit has spawned countless covers, but none quite measure up to the psychedelic classic original. It’s also the only song in this list (and maybe in all of classic rock) to make a knitting reference in its chorus.
Nina Simone – ‘I Put A Spell On You’
Another much-covered single, ‘I Put A Spell On You’ was originally recorded by Screamin Jay Hawkins, but Nina Simone’s stirring jazz version, featured on her album of the same name, is the most affecting.
The Temptations – ‘Witchcraft (For Your Love)’
An outtake from The Temptations debut album, ‘Witchcraft’ details their pursuit to win back a lover with the use of spells.
Ella Fitzgerald – ‘Ding Dong the Witch is Dead’
This track, taken from the legendary musical The Wizard Of Oz was immortalised for an entirely different reason when it charted at number two in the UK following the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Idina Menzel & Kristen Chenoweth – ‘Defying Gravity’
Right stay with this for a minute; this song is from Broadway’s ‘Wicked’ so obviously it is about witches, but ‘Defying Gravity’ signals the moment in the story when Elphaba decides to go rogue. The villain origin story of one of the most iconic witches in pop culture? Unmissable.
Marianne Faithfull – ‘Witches’ Song’
A wonderful ode to the sisterhood of the witch coven, this slow-burning track is taken from Marianne’s late 70s album ‘Broken English’.
Radiohead – ‘Burn The Witch’
This theatrical number sees Radiohead count all the ways witches would be identified way back when. However, it’s said to actually be the group’s commentary on the UK’s refugee crisis.
Grimes – ‘Nightmusic’
Although witches are never mentioned on this track from Grimes’ breakout album ‘Visions’, it gets an honourable mention because there’s no way a witchy list is complete without her. It certainly sounds like she’s summoning supernatural forces on this magical song.
Azealia Banks – ‘ATLANTIS’
For all the times she’s publicly practised her witchcraft, Azealia Banks rarely mentions it in her music – the closest we get is in 2012’s ‘ATLANTIS’, check the line “Straight to the coven, little witch pop, Jupiter Queen”.
Soko – ‘My Precious’
French It Girl Soko, plays the sad witch on ‘My Precious’, as she uses magic metaphors to describe yearning for a lost lover.
Taylor Swift – ‘I Did Something Bad’
This cut from Taylor’s rebellious good-girl-gone-bad album ‘Reputation’ compares her ordeals with the media to an old age witch trial, but she doesn’t seem to mind committing evils at all.
Florence and the Machine – ‘Seven Devils’
A haunting track from Florence’s huge ‘Ceremonials’ album, where she appears to perform a ritual on a wrongdoer, metaphorically smoking them out and tossing holy water over them.
Fleetwood Mac – ‘Sisters of the Moon’
Another Stevie Nicks number (she is the supreme musical witch after all), ‘Sisters of the Moon’ describes a mysterious woman, draped in black robes and commanding every room’s attention. Honestly, she may as well be describing herself.
The Animals – ‘The House of the Rising Sun’
This timeless classic dates way back to the 17th Century. It’s said to be a tale of a woman who couldn’t escape life at a brothel, but over time, it’s conjured up other meanings, thanks to its lingering vocals, references to New Orleans (a place heavily associated with witchcraft and voodoo), and its use in witchy media, namely American Horror Story’s Coven series. The oldest known recording of the track is from 1933, and early versions were recorded by Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, but the most popular version is credited to British band The Animals. It’s since been covered by everyone from Dolly Parton to Alt-J to Metallica – it’s one of the most famous songs of all time.
READ MORE: Best songs of 2020
The complete list of witch songs – with the top 13
This is a list of witch songs. That is, songs about witches. You’ll find these songs in just about every genre from jazz to rock to soul to Broadway to rap, decade after decade, proving the enduring power of the imagery. Especially as a metaphor for the enchantment of love. Often the lure is tinged with danger. Or at least mystery. I’ve selected thirteen of the best, most enchanting tunes for the first part of this post. In the second part you’ll find a compilation of all songs. While many more songs reference witches in passing (like “Sister Janet” by Tori Amos), this list focuses on witches as the main subject of the song. And for the most part, these are the original recordings, not covers.
The player below features snippets of each song. You can listen to the full tracks on my Spotify playlist Songs About Witches.
[Note: This sampler lists a maximum 100 songs from the list. See the complete playlist “Songs About Witches” on Spotify.]
Top 13 Witch Songs
In this list you’ll find classics, the expected, as well as the unexpected. I’ve picked my favorites to represent a range of styles and perspectives.
1. Rhiannon (1975 — soft rock) — Fleetwood Mac, written by Stevie Nicks
Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn’t you love to love her?
2. Witch Queen of New Orleans (1971 — rock) — Redbone, inspired by legend of Marie Laveau
Marie, Marie La Voodoo veau
She’s the witch-queen oh
Of New Orleans.
3. Witchcraft (1957 — jazz standard) — Frank Sinatra, written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh
‘Cause it’s witchcraft
Wicked witchcraft
And although, I know, it’s strictly taboo.
4. Witchy Woman (1972 – rock) – The Eagles, written by Don Henley and Bernie Leadon
Woo hoo, witchy woman
See how high she flies
Woo hoo, witchy woman
She got the moon in her eye.
5. The White Witch of Rose Hall (1969 – pyschedelica) – Coven, based on a Jamaican legend
The white witch of Rose Hall
The devil she could call.
6. Burn the Witch (2016 — alternative) — written and performed by Radiohead
Burn the witch
Burn the witch
We know where you live.
7. Beloved Enchantress (2005 — folk) — written and performed by the Moon and the Nightspirit
O, beloved enchantress,
fairest of all,
Scythed empress of the ivory moon.
8. Black Magic Woman / Gypsy (1970 — blues rock) — Santana; “Black Magic Woman” written by Peter Green (1968), first recorded by Fleetwood Mac; “Gypsy” written by Gábor Szabó (1966)
I’ve got a black magic woman
Got me so blind I can’t see
That she’s a black magic woman
She’s trying to make a devil out of me.
9. Witch (2009 — retro 60s swinging pop) — The Bird and the Bee, written by Greg Kurstin and Inara George
Yes, I am a carnival
A house of mirrors
And I will con you
And all my tricks and all my magic
Will keep you dizzy
With desire.
10. Defying Gravity (2003 — Broadway pop) — from the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
It’s time to try defying gravity
I think I’ll try defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down.
11. Black Magic (2008 — grunge) — Magic Wands
White light my time has come
All night out on the run from black magic
Black magic
Black
Black magic.
12. Wrong Bitch (2016 — rap) — Todrick Hall
Now if you think that this witch won’t expose
The fact that Five-0’s droppin’ houses on hoes
Bitch, you got the wrong bitch.
13. Marie Laveau (2013 — smooth jazz) — Tao of Sound
Standing on the lakeside
The smell of incense in midsummer air.
13 Witches Album
Mysterious, magical, healing, seductive, dangerous, sacred, strange, wonderful… These thirteen tracks portray various characteristics of famous witches from history and legend. Enter the mystical world of the witch and celebrate the divine power of feminine energy across cultures and time. Listen to the album at HearNow. Available at all the usual music retailers and streaming services.
Complete List: Songs about Witches
Jazz
Bewitched (1964) — Steve Lawrence, written by Jack Keller as theme for the TV sitcom
Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead (1961) — Ella Fitzgerald, from The Wizard of Oz
That Old Black Magic (1942) — Ella Fitzgerald
Witch Fire (1960) — Booker Little and Booker Ervin (instrumental)
Witchcraft (1957) — Frank Sinatra, written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh
X Marks the Spot (Marie Laveau) (2002) — Joe Sample (instrumental)
Smooth Jazz
Marie Laveau (2013) — Tao of Sound
Rock & Roll
Big Black Witchcraft Rock (2003) — The Cramps
I’m Your Witchdoctor (1965) — The Yardbirds (written by John Mayall)
Witch, The (1965) — The Sonics
Blues / Blues Rock
Even Witches Like to Go Out Dancing (2010) — Graveyard Train [not available in playlist]
I Put a Spell on You (1956) — Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Marie Laveau (year?) — Dr. John
She’s My Witch (1958) — Kip Tyler
Wicked Old Witch — John Fogerty
R&B / Soul
Mobile Lil the Dancing Witch (1965) — Martha and the Vandellas
Witch Craft in the Air (1962) — Betty LaVette
Witchcraft (1964) — The Temptations
Pop
Alison Gross (1973) — Steeleye Span
Black Magic (2015) — Little Mix
Curse of the Witches (1968) — Strawberry Alarm Clock
Defying Gravity (2003) — Idina Menzel, from the musical Wicked
I Did Something Bad (2017) — Taylor Swift
Rhiannon (1975) — Fleetwood Mac, written by Stevie Nicks
Season of the Witch (1966) — Donovan
Wild Witch Lady (1973) — Donovan [not available in playlist]
Witch (2009) — The Bird and the Bee
Witch in the Ditch (1988) — Erasure
Witches’ Song (1979) — Marianne Faithful
New Wave
Spellbound (1981) — Siouxsie and the Banshees
Wicked Witch, The (2005) — Lene Lovich
Witch in the Club (2005) – Quintron and Miss Pussycat
Witch Is Witch (1996) — Gloo Girls [not available in playlist]
Alternative
And He Slayed Her (2010) — Liz Phair
Black Magic (2008) — Magic Wands
Cut-Out Witch (1996) — Guided by Voices
Demon Woman (2009) — Flight of the Conchords
My Precious (2015) — Soko
Nearly Witches (2011) — Panic! at the Disco
Sad Witch, The (1998) – Hefner
Teenage Witch (2001) — Eels
Which Witch (2015) — Florence and the Machine
Wich is Wich (2011) — Jonny
Witch (1993) — Belly [not available in playlist]
Witch’s Wand (2008) – Sloan
Witches (2011) — Low
Witches (1997) — Switchblade Symphony
Witch’s Rave (1998) — Jeff Buckley
Witch’s Song (1973) — Gong
Witch Hunt Town (2010) — Flight
Wonderful Witches and Language Meanies (2007) – Thurston Moore
Rock
Black Magic Woman / Gypsy (1970) — Santana [“Black Magic Woman” written by Peter Green (1968); “Gypsy” written by Gábor Szabó (1966)] Black Sabbath (1969) — Coven
Come to the Sabbat (1972) — Black Widow
Crimson Witch (1969) — The Moving Sidewalks
Devil Woman (1976) — Cliff Richard
Magic Man (1976) — Heart
My Girlfriend Is a Witch (1968) — October Country
Shockadelica (1986) — Prince
Sisters of the Moon (1979) — Fleetwood Mac
Strange Brew (1967) — Cream
Trick of the Witch (1986) — Poly Styrene [not available in playlist]
Voodoo (1994) — Godsmack
Voodoo Child (1968) — Jimi Hendrix
White Witch of Rose Hall (1969) — Coven
Wicked Annabella (1968) — The Kinks
Wicked Old Witch (2018) — Marky Monday
Wicked Woman (1969) — Coven
Wild Woman (2017) — Sleep Machine
Witch, The (1970) — The Rattles
Witch, The (2008) –- Clinic
Witch, The (1965) — The Sonics
Witch Hunt (1981) — Rush
Witch Queen of New Orleans (1971) — Redbone
Witch Rider (2017) — Audrey Burne
Witch Wolf (1974) — Styx
Witch’s Dance (1994) — Mercyful Fate
Witches Walk (2022) — Goatriders
Witchy Woman (1972) — The Eagles
You Must Be a Witch (1968) — The Weeds
You Must Be a Witch (2004) – Dead Moon
EDM / Electronic
Small Town Witch (2002) — Sneaker Pimps
Voodoo People (1997) — The Prodigy
Witch (2011) — Notic Nastic
Witch’s Invitation (2014) — Mili
Witches (2022) — Access One, MC Prime
Witches Briew (2017) — Katy B
Folk
Beloved Enchantress (2005) — The Moon and the Nightspirit
Roses Blue (1969) — Joni Mitchell [not available in playlist]
White Witch (2017) — Peter Gundry (instrumental)
Wicked Witch (2005) — Demons and Wizards
Witch, The (1972) – Mark Fry
Witch’s Daughter, The (2017) — Ashley Serena
Witch’s Promise (1970) — Jethro Tull
Witch’s Rune (2007) — S.J. Tucker
Witches (1990) — Cowboy Junkies
Witches Reel (2003) — Lucidian
Witches Song, The (1969) — Matt McGinn
Country
Ballad of Annie Palmer, The (1973) — Johnny Cash
J.B. Witchdance (1992) – Masters of Reality
Marie Laveau (1974) — Bobby Bare
Children’s Music
Mad Madam Mim (1963) — from the Disney cartoon movie The Sword in the Stone [not available in playlist]
Rap
Sorceress (2021) — The Bone Man
Witch, The (2004) — Insane Clown Posse
Wrong Bitch (2016) — Todrick Hall
Punk
Witch Hunt (1999) — Misfits
Rock with an Edge (Metal, Thrash, etc.)
American Witch (2006) — Rob Zombie
Angel Witch (1980) — Angel Witch
Bell Witch, The (1993) — Mercyful Fate
Bitch Witch (1981) — Venom
Black Magic (1983) — Slayer
Blood Witch (2006) — Melvins
Burn the Witch (2009) — Queens of the Stone Age
Children of the Night (2019) — Witch’s Mark
Don’t Burn the Witch (1982) — Venom
Isobel Goudie (2008) — The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Marie Laveau (2016) — Volbeat
Moonchild (1988) — Iron Maiden
Mr. Crowley (1980) — Ozzy Osbourne
Naked Witch (2002) — Danzig [not available in playlist]
19 Witches (1998) — Monster Magnet
Virgin Witch (2010) — Rob Zombie
White Witch (1980) — Angel Witch
Witch Alone, A (2019) — Witch’s Mark
Witch, The (1992) — The Cult
Witch Hunt (2007) — Kittie [not available in playlist]
Witchcraft (2010) — Pendulum
Witches (2005) — Candlemass
Witches (year?) — Secret Life
Witchtripper (2012) — Down
Yes, I’m a Witch (2007) — Yoko Ono
Atmospheric
Witch (1977) — Goblin (for the movie Suspiria)
Eccentric
Drowning Witch (1982) — Frank Zappa
I Know How to Hex You (2018) — Twin Temple
Logan Rock Witch (1996) — Aphex Twin
Waking the Witch (1985) — Kate Bush
Noise Rock
There’s Always Room on the Broom (2004) — Liars
Top 10 Witch Songs
Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Get out your pointy hats and broomsticks, we're off on a witch hunt. No, this isn't like that thing in Salem you learned about in history class. We're only hunting for some top notch witch songs. From magical potions to wicked sorcery, witchcraft has inspired an impressive catalog of tunes. So hold the eye of newt and prepare for UCR's list of the Top 10 Witch Songs!
These songs, often known as incantations or chants, were believed to hold the power to invoke spirits, communicate with the divine, or cast spells. In modern times, songs inspired by witches continue to be created within various music genres. From dark and brooding melodies to enchanting and mystical tunes, these songs capture the essence of witchcraft in their lyrics and melodies.
"Witch Hunt"
Rush From: 'Moving Pictures' (1980)Our list of the Top 10 Witch Songs begins with this exceptionally moody Rush number, one of the great songs that make up the classic Moving Pictures album. An eerie intro leads into a jagged guitar riff courtesy of Alex Lifeson, and we're off. The song is more about the evils of a closed mind as opposed to any sorcery, which is ultimately far more evil. An interesting footnote to the song, it was recorded the same night that John Lennon was killed.
Some examples of songs that explore the witchy theme include: 1. "Witchy Woman" by Eagles: This classic rock song from the 1970s embraces the enigmatic allure of a witchy woman, creating a captivating atmosphere with its haunting melody and lyrics. 2. "Black Magic Woman" by Santana: With its mesmerizing guitar riffs and evocative lyrics, this song delves into the mysterious powers of a black magic woman, showcasing the seductive and dangerous side of witchcraft. 3. "Season of the Witch" by Donovan: This psychedelic folk-rock song conjures a sense of magical transformation and introspection, portraying the witch as a symbol of change and shifting seasons. 4. "Witchcraft" by Frank Sinatra: Sinatra's smooth vocals bring a touch of elegance to this song, which metaphorically explores the power of love and its ability to enchant and bewitch. 5. "Zombie Witch Witch" by The Gories: This energetic garage punk track combines elements of witches and zombies, creating a raw and powerful song that captures the darker side of witchcraft. 6. "Witch Hunt" by Rush: In this progressive rock anthem, Rush delves into themes of persecution and paranoia, metaphorically addressing the historical witch trials and the dangers of mob mentality. 7. "Witchy Feeling" by Kimya Dawson: This quirky and whimsical folk song embraces the playful and mischievous nature of witches, highlighting their magical world and mysterious charms. These songs, among countless others, serve as a testament to the timeless fascination with witches and the spellbinding power of music. Whether celebrating their mystical allure, addressing historical narratives, or exploring the depths of human emotions, songs for witches continue to captivate listeners and bring the magic of witchcraft to life through music..
Reviews for "Hex-Tastic Hits: Songs for Witches and Wizards"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed by "Songs for witches". I had heard so many great things about this album, but I just didn't connect with it at all. The songs felt disjointed and lacked any sort of cohesion. The lyrics were also quite muddled and difficult to decipher. Overall, I found this album to be a confusing and underwhelming experience.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - "Songs for witches" was not what I was expecting at all. The music felt dark and brooding, which normally I love, but this album just didn't do it for me. The melodies were forgettable and the vocals felt forced. I also didn't appreciate the excessive use of electronic elements that seemed out of place. Overall, I found this album to be a lackluster and uninspiring listen.
3. Mike - 1 star - I really tried to give "Songs for witches" a chance, but I couldn't get past the pretentiousness of it all. The songs felt overproduced and self-indulgent, with no real substance or emotion. The lyrics were overly cryptic and vague, making it difficult to connect with the music on any level. I found this album to be a total miss and would not recommend it to anyone.