"Waking the Witch" is a song by Kate Bush, an English singer-songwriter and musician. Released in 1985 as part of her album "Hounds of Love," the song explores themes of misogyny, power dynamics, and the persecution of women throughout history. With haunting lyrics and a unique blend of experimental pop and art rock, "Waking the Witch" stands out as one of Bush's most powerful and provocative songs. The song begins with a sinister atmosphere, created through eerie sound effects and layered vocals, drawing the listener into a dark and oppressive world. Thematically, "Waking the Witch" tackles the historical context of witch trials, referencing the witch hunts and the persecution of women accused of witchcraft during the early modern period. Bush's lyrics vividly depict the fear and paranoia of this era, with lines like "You won't burn" and "I see them laughing, the witches of Salem.

Waking The Witch

Song written by Kate Bush. Originally released on her fifth studio album Hounds Of Love. Third track of The Ninth Wave suite. The song vividly dramatises medieval witch trials.

Versions

There is only one studio version of this song.
A live version appears on the album Before The Dawn.

Performances

In 2014, Kate performed ‘Waking The Witch’ live during all the shows of Before The Dawn.

Cover versions

Kate about ‘Waking The Witch’

These sort of visitors come to wake them up, to bring them out of this dream so that they don’t drown. My mother’s in there, my father, my brothers Paddy and John, Brian Tench – the guy that mixed the album with us – is in there, Del is in there, Robbie Coltrane does one of the voices. It was just trying to get lots of different characters and all the ways that people wake you up, like you know, you sorta fall asleep at your desk at school and the teacher says “Wake up child, pay attention!”. (…) I couldn’t get a helicopter anywhere and in the end I asked permission to use the helicopter from The Wall from The Floyd, it was the best helicopter I’d heard for years for years [laughs].
I think it’s very interesting the whole concept of witch-hunting and the fear of women’s power. In a way it’s very sexist behavior, and I feel that female intuition and instincts are very strong, and are still put down, really. And in this song, this women is being persecuted by the witch-hunter and the whole jury, although she’s committed no crime, and they’re trying to push her under the water to see if she’ll sink or float. (Richard Skinner, ‘Classic Albums interview: Hounds Of Love. Radio 1 (UK), aired 26 January 1992)

Lyrics

“Wake up!”
“A good morning, ma’am. Your early morning call.”
“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 light’s alive!”
“Stop that lyin’ and a-sleepin’ in bed–get up!”
“Ma needs a shower. Get out of bed!”
“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!”

“Listen to me, listen to me, baby. Listen, baby, help me,
baby! Help me, help me! Listen to me, talk to me!”
“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 patris et filii”
“Spiritus sanctus in nomine patris et filii”
“Spiritus sanctus in nomine patris et filii”
“Spiritus sanctus in nomine patris et filii”

“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.”
“Red, red roses!”
“Help me, listen to me!”
“Red, red rose!”
“I question your innocence!”
“Help this blackbird!”
“She’s a witch!”
“There’s a stone around my leg.”
“Uh! Damn you, woman!”
“Help this blackbird!
There’s a stone around my leg.”
“What say you, good people?”

“Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!”

“Help this blackbird!”
“I am responsible for your actions.”
“Oh-hoh-hoh!”

“Help this blackbird!”
“Wake the witch!”

“Get out of the waves! Get out of the water!”

Credits

Drums: Charlie Morgan
Fairlight Bass: Del Palmer
Guitars: Alan Murphy
Synthesizer sequences: Kevin McAlea
Helicopter by kind permission of Pink Floyd “The Wall”

Related Posts

Season Of The Witch 'Season Of The Witch' is an unofficial album, released by Heathcliff in 2012. It features…

Yukiko The Witch French rock band, founded in 1999. The band consists of James Bones (guitar, vocals), Franck Claise…

Season Of The Witch - Cathy's Home Demos (the) 'Season Of The Witch - Cathy's Home Demos' is an unofficial album release featuring 29…

Waking the Witch

Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile.

Recent Listening Trend

Play this track

External Links

• Apple Music
• www.katebush.com
• Twitter (@KateBushMusic)
• Facebook (katebush)
• Instagram

Don't want to see ads? Upgrade Now

The Meaning Behind The Song: Waking the Witch by Kate Bush

Bush's lyrics vividly depict the fear and paranoia of this era, with lines like "You won't burn" and "I see them laughing, the witches of Salem." The song also critiques the patriarchal power structures that perpetuated the witch trials and continue to oppress women. Through her lyrics, Bush questions the notion of female power as something dangerous and uncontrollable, asking, "How can you treat me this way?" and proclaiming, "I'm not one of the 'you're a liar'/'I'm a liar too'".

The Meaning Behind The Song: Waking the Witch by Kate Bush

Waking the Witch by Kate Bush is a haunting and thought-provoking song that captivates listeners with its rich symbolism and intense emotions. Released in 1985 as part of Bush’s album “Hounds of Love,” the song delves into themes of power, fear, and the persecution of women throughout history.

Table of Contents

The song begins with a chilling spoken word section, where we hear a distorted voice interrogating a woman, accusing her of being responsible for various crimes. This sets the stage for the song’s exploration of witch trials and the oppression of women, both in the past and present. The lyrics and atmosphere of Waking the Witch create a sense of unease, reflecting the deep-rooted societal fears and prejudices that have plagued women throughout history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Waking the Witch

1. What inspired Kate Bush to write Waking the Witch?

Kate Bush drew inspiration from various sources, including historical witch trials and the oppressive treatment of women throughout history. She used these themes to explore the wider concept of power dynamics and societal control.

2. Is Waking the Witch a feminist anthem?

While Waking the Witch addresses themes relevant to feminism, it is important to note that Kate Bush’s intention was not solely to create a feminist anthem. Rather, she aimed to provoke thought and discussion about the treatment of women in society.

3. What does the line “You won’t burn, you won’t bleed” signify?

This line can be interpreted as a message of resilience and strength in the face of persecution. It symbolizes the indomitable spirit of those who were unjustly accused during witch trials, suggesting that their internal flame cannot be extinguished.

4. What is the significance of the distorted voice in the introduction?

The distorted voice represents the accusatory voices of society, casting judgment and persecution upon women. It serves as a metaphorical representation of the oppressive forces that have historically sought to silence and control women.

5. How does Waking the Witch relate to modern-day issues?

Waking the Witch addresses universal themes that are still relevant in modern society. It raises questions about power imbalances, gender discrimination, and the dangers of scapegoating. The song acts as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and challenging systemic oppression.

6. What impact did Waking the Witch have on Kate Bush’s career?

Waking the Witch, along with the rest of the “Hounds of Love” album, solidified Kate Bush’s reputation as an innovative and daring artist. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, further establishing Bush as a unique voice in the music industry.

7. How does the music contribute to the overall message of the song?

The music in Waking the Witch is characterized by its dark, atmospheric soundscapes and intricate instrumentation. These elements enhance the song’s haunting atmosphere and help convey the intensity of the lyrics.

8. Are there any other songs that share similar themes to Waking the Witch?

Some songs that explore similar themes of power dynamics, persecution, and female empowerment include Björk’s “Army of Me,” Tori Amos’ “Silent All These Years,” and PJ Harvey’s “Down by the Water.” However, each of these songs offers a unique perspective on these topics.

9. How has Waking the Witch been received by audiences and critics?

Waking the Witch has garnered praise for its bold exploration of complex themes and its evocative musical arrangement. It has been appreciated by both long-time Kate Bush fans and music enthusiasts, who admire its depth and artistry.

10. What does the ending of Waking the Witch signify?

The abrupt ending of the song leaves a sense of unresolved tension, mirroring the ongoing struggles faced by women in society. It allows listeners to reflect on the themes explored and draws attention to the importance of continuing the conversation around gender inequality.

About The Author

Anne Pöschl

Anne Pöschl is a frequent contributor to OldTimeMusic. OldTimeMusic, your go-to source for music insights since 1998. We're a passionate community of music enthusiasts and talented instrument players, sharing the meanings and emotions behind songs, highlighting the best tracks and albums in music history, as well as providing the latest music news and instrument tips.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Musically, "Waking the Witch" is known for its experimental nature, incorporating various instrumentation, vocal effects, and spoken-word segments. With its pulsating rhythm, atmospheric synths, and disjointed collage of voices, the song creates an unsettling and hypnotic atmosphere, reflecting the turmoil and chaos associated with witch hunts. Overall, "Waking the Witch" is a thought-provoking and evocative song that uses historical references and striking imagery to shed light on the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the destructive power dynamics that persist in society. Through her artistic prowess, Kate Bush delivers a haunting and powerful message that resonates with listeners and continues to be relevant today..

Reviews for "How Kate Bush's "Waking the Witch" Pushed Boundaries in the 80s Music Scene"

1. John - 2 stars - "I was really looking forward to "Waking the Witch" by Kate Bush, but I found it to be extremely underwhelming. The song lacked a clear structure and melody, and I couldn't connect with it on any level. The vocals were overproduced and the lyrics were confusing and hard to follow. Overall, it was a disappointing and forgettable experience for me."

2. Emily - 1 star - "I'm sorry, but "Waking the Witch" by Kate Bush just didn't do it for me. I found the song to be chaotic and overwhelming. The heavy use of electronic effects and distorted vocals made it difficult to appreciate the music or understand the message. It felt like a mishmash of different elements that didn't blend well together. I understand that Kate Bush is known for her experimental style, but this song missed the mark completely."

3. David - 2 stars - "I've always been a fan of Kate Bush, but "Waking the Witch" left me disappointed. The song lacked a cohesive structure, and it felt like a cluttered mess. While I appreciate her attempt to push boundaries and experiment with different sounds, the result was just too chaotic for my taste. The vocals were drowned out by the heavy production, and it was hard to discern the lyrics. Overall, it was a frustrating listening experience."

Analyzing the Narrative Structure of Kate Bush's "Waking the Witch