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23 Best Songs About Witches

Iconic music that casts a spell on the listener.

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Best Songs About Witches

The best songs about witches explore the theme with a firm eye on the deep and rich mythology that lies behind these mysterious and powerful figures.

Witches, a staple feature of folklore throughout the ages, can be found in the legends of all countries around the world.

In this playlist, we’ve selected a broad range of great songs about witches, from iconic rock ‘n’ roll bands to modern-day chart-topping pop singers.

 

The 23 Best Songs About Witches

Witches, from their strange and unusual powers to their place in classic nursery rhymes and tales of folklore, have inspired musicians for many years.

To ensure this playlist caters to all tastes, we’ve chosen a selection of music that reflects a variety of takes on the role that witches have played in our cultural history.

So, with our criteria established, here’s our playlist of the 23 best songs about witches:

 

23. “Witch Hunt” – Rush

The Canadian rock band Rush released their impressive song about witches, “Witch Hunt,” in 1981, featuring the classic track on their album Moving Pictures.

It’s a powerful and dynamic piece of music with lyrics that discuss the Salem witch trials, which happened in America in the 16th century.

Released in conjunction with a striking official music video, “Witch Hunt” captures the paranoia and destruction that the Salem witch trials led to.

 

22. “Beloved Enchantress” – The Moon And The Nightspirit

The Hungarian folk duo The Moon and the Nightspirit took an altogether different approach to the topic of witches with their song “Beloved Enchantress.”

This is a song that celebrates the power of witches to transform reality, with an ethereal soundscape that comes across as a powerful spell summoning spirits.

The Moon and the Nightspirit are well known for drawing on history and fables in their music, and “Beloved Enchantress” is a classic track in this style.

 

21. “Dragula” – Rob Zombie

Known for his hard-hitting horror movies such as House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie is also no stranger to music.

“Dragula” was Rob Zombie’s debut single, released in 1998 and taken from his debut album Hellbilly Deluxe, exploring themes of fear and superstition.

Inspired by the television series The Munsters, “Dragula” reinforced Rob Zombie’s reputation as a rock legend and trailblazing performer for fans of dark themes.

 

20. “Burn The Witch” – Queens Of The Stone Age

Another iconic song about witches is “Burn the Witch” by Queens of the Stone Age, which also draws on folklore and ancient mythology.

The song borrows influences from the blues and features ZZ Top’s guitarist and singer Billy Gibbons delivering sterling work on backup vocals.

“Burn the Witch” explores the consequences a wicked witch faces, and it was featured on the Queens of the Stone Age album Lullabies to Paralyze.

 

19. “Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead” – Sammy Davis Jr. & Buddy Rich

Anyone familiar with the film The Wizard of Oz will be familiar with the title of this track from Sammy Davis and Buddy Rich.

“Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead” is an iconic song that draws heavily on pop culture influences to create a clear association between the music and the listener.

With lyrics referencing the classic movie above, it’s one of the most popular songs written and performed by Sammy Davis, Jr.

 

18. “Moonchild” – Iron Maiden

As you might expect from a heavy metal band renowned for releasing great songs about murder, Iron Maiden has aimed at the subject of witches in their music.

“Moonchild” is another great rock song that explores themes of black magic and witchcraft, as well as the seven deadly sins and other dark material.

It’s a cautionary tale about becoming trapped in the grasp of a witch queen, and it was released in 1988 on the Iron Maiden album Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

 

17. “Rhiannon” – Fleetwood Mac

While the title of the Fleetwood Mac song “Rhiannon” isn’t obviously about witches on the surface, this 1975 rock song is all about a woman possessed.

Fleetwood Mac uses the lyrics to explore themes of magic and fertility, with Rhiannon referencing the goddess of the moon, who married a mortal man.

If you’re fascinated by history and looking for a new witches’ song to add to your playlist, this tune about a Welsh witch is just what you need.

 

16. “Witchcraft (For Your Love)” – The Temptations

A prolific act with many popular songs, the Temptations released the classic soul track “Witchcraft (For Your Love)” in 1994.

A Motown classic, “Witchcraft (For Your Love)” is about a man’s attempt to use the power of witchcraft to make a woman fall in love with him.

With its salsa-inspired beats and smooth vocal performances, the song was a standout track on the Temptations’ album Emperors of Soul.

 

15. “Black Magic” – Little Mix

British girl group Little Mix brings a more light-hearted approach to music with one of the most catchy songs about witches, “Black Magic.”

The theme of this song is the inverse of our previous pick from The Temptations because, this time, it’s a woman trying to use black magic to seduce the man she loves.

A massive hit on YouTube with close to 1 billion views, it’s perhaps the most successful track of all the songs released by Little Mix.

 

14. “Witchy Woman” – The Eagles

With “Hotel California” widely regarded as one of the best karaoke songs of all time, The Eagles are no stranger to writing popular songs for the masses.

“Witchy Woman” captures the spirit of their best work, effortlessly fusing pop and rock elements and featuring poetic lyrics and strong musicianship.

As a result, “Witchy Woman” proved to be a massive hit for the band, and it was their first commercially successful release to hit the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.

 

13. “Dolly Dagger” – Jimi Hendrix

Like The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix has stood the test of time and remains one of the best-loved rock musicians in the genre’s history.

His song “Dolly Dagger” is a classic rock song that showcases Hendrix’s unique gift for excellent guitaring combined with fluid vocals.

Jimi Hendrix released “Dolly Dagger” on his album Rainbow Bridge, a compilation album featuring the track “Star-Spangled Banner.”

 

12. “Son Of A Witch” – Justin Johnson

With his trademark ability to blend an eclectic selection of guitaring techniques, Justin Johnson has successfully integrated the past and the present in his music.

“Son of a Witch” is a must for fans of his style, bringing swamp-inspired blues and classic rock together to significant effect.

It’s an essential witch song for his fans and has plenty of broad appeal to draw in new listeners who might be unfamiliar with his approach to music.

 

11. “Five Magics” – Megadeath

Like Iron Maiden, the American band Megadeath has a reputation for writing songs that speak to the darker side of human nature and the power of the occult.

“Five Magics” revolves around a narrator living under the shadow of evil and wanting to overthrow the tyrant dominating the landscape.

Like many of the best songs about witches, “Five Magics” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of embracing the occult and failing to prepare for the consequences.

 

10. “The Witch” – The Cult

The aptly-titled band The Cult aimed at the subject of witches with their song “The Witch,” taken from the album Cool World.

It’s an alternative rock ballad from 1992 that oozes style, with lyrics discussing the power and influence people can gather when channelling witchcraft.

“The Witch” was included on the soundtrack to the movie Cool World, directed by the iconic trailblazing animator Ralph Bakshi, to critical acclaim.

 

9. “Season Of The Witch” – Donovan

“Season of the Witch” is a starkly contrasting track to Donovan’s great song about spring, “The Lullaby of Spring,” but it’s equally as impressive.

The Scottish singer-songwriter released “Season of the Witch” in 1966, bringing a rock-combo sound and igniting the psychedelic rock scene.

It’s a lyrically and musically rich work that fuses trippy elements with a reference to the paranormal and is a highlight from his album Sunshine Superman.

 

8. “Brujas” – Princess Nokia

If you’re looking for more modern songs about witches to add to your playlist, “Brujas” by Princess Nokia is a worthy addition.

Released in 2017 and accompanied by a powerful music video, “Brujas” features lyrics about speaking in tongues and casting spells to get what you want.

“Brujas” successfully infuses elements of Latin music with a contemporary Western pop sensibility, and it has amassed over 9 million views on YouTube.

 

7. “Wicked Old Witch” – John Fogerty

Released in 2005 and featured on the album Deja Vu All Over Again, “Wicked Old Witch” is one of the best tracks from John Fogerty’s solo career.

Best known as one of the founding members of the band Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fogerty continued his successful streak with “Wicked Old Witch.”

This excellent slow-building song will resonate with anyone who’s lived out in the wilderness and wondered what secrets lurk in the surrounding terrain.

 

6. “The Witch’s Promise” – Jethro Tull

The British rock band Jethro Tull has written and performed many classic songs inspired by myths, legends, and folklore.

Like their song about ice, “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day,” “The Witch’s Promise” is steeped in tradition and the power of the occult.

Jethro Tull released “The Witch’s Promise” in 1970 on their album Benefit, their third studio release, which featured the hit track “Teacher.”

 

5. “Black Magic Woman” – Santana

Guitar legend Carlos Santana covered “Black Magic Woman” in 1970, but it was initially released in 1968 by Fleetwood Mac and written by Peter Green.

Santana’s version plays with everything from Hungarian folk music and Latin influences to bring a new take on the classic song.

Santana also made some changes to the song’s overall structure, altering the chord patterns and blending blues and jazz into the mix.

 

4. “Waking The Witch” – Kate Bush

Kate Bush tackled the topic of iconic witches and the supernatural with her song “Waking the Witch,” released in the mid-1980s on the album Hounds of Love.

It’s another example of a great song about witches that uses witch trials to craft an insightful piece of music about the sinister forces of the occult.

Kate Bush enjoyed some successes at the height of her career, with the song “Running Up That Hill” her highest Billboard Hot 100 release.

 

3. “Sorcerer” – Stevie Nicks

After collaborating with John Stewart on their excellent song about gold, Stevie Nicks turned her attention to magic with the song “Sorcerer.”

In this song, Stevie Nicks evokes images of stars and ink-black darkness as she explores how sorcery has helped her find her way to the high life.

Released on the 2001 album Trouble in Shangri-La, “Sorcerer” is Stevie Nicks at her finest and another magical song written about witchcraft.

 

2. “Mr. Crowley” – Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne draws on more esoteric references with his song “Mr. Crowley,” referencing the “Wickedest Man in the World,” Aleister Crowley, in his lyrics.

As you might expect, given the influence, it’s a song that draws on occult imagery, tarot cards, and other mystical symbols used by magicians and witches.

The second of two singles from the album Blizzard of Oz, “Mr. Crowley,” has been featured in the video games Fallout 3 and Guitar Hero World Tour.

 

1. “Witchcraft” – Frank Sinatra

Last but by no means least, we’re rounding up this playlist of songs about witches with a beautiful tune from Frank Sinatra, “Witchcraft.”

This fabulous song from 1957 was nominated for the Grammy Award for “Record of the Year,” it’s not hard to see why when listening to the gorgeous vocals and arrangements.

Frank Sinatra has released many of the best songs of all time, and “Witchcraft” exists comfortably alongside his better-known hit releases.

 

Summary

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article, which covers the best songs about witches from throughout music history and performed by iconic singers and bands.

It’s a timeless subject that goes back centuries and has resulted in some of the most incredible music from genres including rock, pop, and folk.

With interest in the occult and magic commonplace in the music industry, we can expect to hear many more excellent songs about witches in the future.

What’s the best song about witches, in your opinion? Leave a comment below. 

Andy has been producing music since the early days of Cubase and spent much of the 2000s mixing house and techno with his trusty Technics 1200s. Fast forward two decades, you'll find him in his home studio experimenting with the latest music production software, tinkering with Ableton plug-ins, and occasionally trying (and failing) to complete Cuphead for the hundredth time.