Witchcraft has captivated musicians across generations, inspiring some of the most mystical and enchanting tracks in music history. From classic rock anthems to contemporary pop masterpieces, songs about witches tap into themes of power, mystery, and the supernatural. Whether you’re curating a Halloween playlist or simply drawn to the darker side of music, these twenty tracks showcase how artists have interpreted witchcraft through compelling melodies and haunting lyrics. This collection spans multiple decades and genres, proving that the witch’s spell on popular music remains as potent as ever.
“Season of the Witch” by Donovan
Donovan’s 1966 psychedelic folk masterpiece remains one of the most influential witch-themed songs ever recorded. The track’s hypnotic guitar riff and Donovan’s ethereal vocals create an atmosphere that perfectly captures the counterculture movement’s fascination with mysticism and the occult. Producer Mickie Most crafted a soundscape that was revolutionary for its time, incorporating jazzy bass lines and minimalist percussion that allowed the song’s eerie mood to breathe. The lyrics evoke transformation and spiritual awakening, making this track a timeless exploration of magic’s seductive power.
“Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks channeled Welsh mythology when she penned this 1975 classic about a witch who “rules her life like a bird in flight.” The song’s commercial success helped establish Fleetwood Mac as superstars, with Christine McVie’s keyboards and Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work providing the perfect mystical backdrop for Nicks’ bewitching vocals. Nicks has explained that Rhiannon represents freedom and feminine power, themes that resonated deeply with audiences then and continue to captivate listeners today. The live performances of this track became legendary, with Nicks’ flowing shawls and spinning stage presence embodying the witch queen she sang about.
“Witchy Woman” by Eagles
The Eagles delivered this Southern California rock gem in 1972, with Don Henley’s distinctive vocals painting the portrait of an irresistible enchantress. Bernie Leadon’s guitar work incorporates subtle Latin influences that give the song an exotic, mysterious quality, while the tight harmonies the Eagles were famous for add depth to the chorus. The production by Glyn Johns captured the band at their early peak, balancing radio-friendly accessibility with genuine artistic substance. This track became a Top 10 hit and remains a staple of classic rock radio, proving that witch imagery translates perfectly into commercial success.
“Black Magic Woman” by Santana
Carlos Santana transformed Peter Green’s original composition into a Latin rock masterpiece in 1970, fusing it seamlessly with Gábor Szabó’s “Gypsy Queen.” Santana’s guitar tone on this track is absolutely sublime, with each note dripping with emotion and technical precision that few guitarists have ever matched. The percussion section drives the song with Afro-Cuban rhythms that make the track impossible to resist, while Gregg Rolie’s organ work adds layers of supernatural atmosphere. This interpretation became Santana’s signature song and introduced mainstream audiences to the possibilities of blending rock with Latin musical traditions.
“Witch” by The Bird and The Bee
This 2015 indie pop confection showcases Inara George’s playful vocals over Greg Kurstin’s sophisticated production. The track updates witch imagery for contemporary audiences with clever wordplay and an infectious melody that burrows into your consciousness. Kurstin, who’s produced for Adele and Sia, brings his pop craftsman skills to create a sound that’s both retro-inspired and thoroughly modern. The song’s bridge features particularly clever harmonic progressions that elevate it beyond typical pop fare, demonstrating how witch themes can inspire genuine musical innovation.
“I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ 1956 original remains one of the most visceral recordings in music history, with his wild vocal performance sounding genuinely possessed. The song’s legend includes stories of Hawkins emerging from a coffin during performances, creating theatrical spectacle that influenced everyone from Alice Cooper to Marilyn Manson. Producer Arnold Maxin captured raw emotion that transcends technical perfection, with Hawkins’ guttural moans and screams conveying obsessive desire in ways that still shock modern listeners. This track has been covered hundreds of times, but no version matches the primal energy of Hawkins’ definitive take.
“Strange Magic” by Electric Light Orchestra
Jeff Lynne’s 1975 production masterpiece demonstrates ELO’s ability to blend rock instrumentation with orchestral arrangements into pop perfection. The song’s layered vocals and sweeping string sections create an atmosphere of genuine enchantment, while the tight rhythm section keeps everything grounded and danceable. Lynne wrote this as a love song that uses magical imagery to describe romantic attraction, but the supernatural elements feel authentic rather than merely metaphorical. The meticulous production includes backward vocal effects and carefully orchestrated dynamics that reward headphone listening, making this essential content for anyone interested in how audio quality affects musical appreciation.
“Voodoo” by Godsmack
Sully Erna’s powerhouse vocals drive this 1998 hard rock anthem that incorporates genuine interest in Wiccan spirituality. The tribal drumming that opens the track immediately establishes a ritualistic atmosphere, while Tony Rombola’s heavy guitar riffs provide crushing weight to the mystical themes. Godsmack recorded this during sessions that would define late-90s alternative metal, with producer Joe D’Angelo capturing the band’s raw power without sacrificing clarity. The song’s breakdown section features percussion patterns inspired by actual pagan ceremonies, demonstrating how research into authentic witchcraft practices can inform compelling songwriting.
“Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra
Nelson Riddle’s lush orchestral arrangement transforms Cy Coleman’s composition into pure sophistication in Sinatra’s 1957 recording. Sinatra’s vocal control is absolutely masterful here, with his phrasing demonstrating why he remains the gold standard for interpretive singing. The brass section punctuates key moments with impeccable timing, while the string arrangements create romantic atmosphere that makes the witch metaphor work as sophisticated seduction. This track showcases how witch imagery predates rock music’s fascination with the occult, existing comfortably in the Great American Songbook as shorthand for irresistible attraction.
“Burn the Witch” by Queens of the Stone Age
Josh Homme’s 2005 desert rock burner combines witch trial imagery with criticism of mob mentality and persecution. The guitar tone throughout this track is absolutely ferocious, with Homme and Troy Van Leeuwen creating walls of fuzz that feel genuinely menacing. Producer Chris Goss helped QOTSA achieve a sound that’s both massive and detailed, with each instrument occupying its own sonic space despite the overall density. The lyrics reference historical witch hunts while commenting on contemporary scapegoating, proving that witch themes can carry serious political weight when handled intelligently.
“Witches” by Good Kid
This 2022 indie rock track represents how younger artists continue finding fresh angles on witchcraft themes. The production incorporates modern alternative rock sensibilities with surprisingly complex arrangements that reward repeated listening. Good Kid’s approach feels influenced by bands like The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys, but they bring their own perspective to witch imagery that resonates with Gen Z audiences. The song’s chorus features infectious vocal hooks that have helped it gain traction on streaming platforms, demonstrating the commercial viability of contemporary songs across multiple genres.
“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak
While not explicitly about witches, Chris Isaak’s 1989 haunting ballad uses bewitchment as metaphor for destructive love. The reverb-drenched guitar work by James Calvin Wilsey creates one of the most recognizable tones in rock history, with each note dripping with melancholy longing. Producer Erik Jacobsen captured Isaak’s crooning vocals with crystalline clarity, allowing every subtle inflection to communicate heartbreak. The song gained massive exposure through David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart” soundtrack, proving how visual media can resurrect seemingly overlooked tracks into cultural phenomena.
“She’s a Witch” by Kino
This 1990 Soviet rock track by Viktor Tsoi’s legendary band demonstrates how witch imagery translates across cultural boundaries. Tsoi’s vocals carry the melancholic quality that made him an icon in Russian rock, while the jangly guitar work reflects influences from British post-punk. The production is notably sparse compared to Western contemporaries, but this minimalism allows the emotional weight of the performance to resonate powerfully. Kino’s approach to supernatural themes incorporates Slavic folklore elements that give the song unique cultural specificity.
“Witch Hunt” by Rush
Neil Peart’s lyrics tackle mob mentality and persecution on this 1981 progressive rock statement from Rush’s “Moving Pictures” album. Geddy Lee’s synthesizer work creates ominous atmosphere while Alex Lifeson’s guitar provides sharp, angular counterpoint to the keyboards. The song’s structure is complex without being indulgent, showcasing Rush’s ability to incorporate progressive elements into relatively compact song forms. Producer Terry Brown captured the band during their creative peak, with the drum sound particularly benefiting from the advanced studio techniques available in the early 80s.
“Cry Little Sister” by Gerard McMann
This 1987 track became inseparable from “The Lost Boys” soundtrack, with its gothic atmosphere perfectly capturing vampire-as-witch aesthetics. McMann’s haunting vocals soar over the dramatic orchestration, while the prominent saxophone adds unexpected emotional depth. The production incorporates 80s synthesizer technology in ways that feel timeless rather than dated, with layered textures creating genuine supernatural ambiance. The song has experienced renewed popularity through TikTok and streaming platforms, introducing new generations to its dark romanticism.
“Abracadabra” by Steve Miller Band
Steve Miller’s 1982 synth-rock departure proved the veteran rocker could adapt to changing musical landscapes. The heavy use of synthesizers was controversial among longtime fans, but the infectious chorus and danceable groove made it Miller’s biggest commercial hit since the 70s. The production by Steve Miller and Gary Mallaber incorporates elements of new wave without abandoning Miller’s blues-rock roots entirely. The song’s playful approach to magic and seduction demonstrates how witch themes can work in contexts beyond horror or heavy rock.
“Season of the Witch” by Lana Del Rey
Del Rey’s 2014 cover reimagines Donovan’s classic through her signature dreamy, cinematic lens for the “Scary Tales to Tell in the Dark” soundtrack. Her languid vocal delivery transforms the psychedelic original into something simultaneously more sensual and more sinister. Producer Rick Nowels crafts a soundscape that feels vintage and contemporary at once, with subtle electronic elements enhancing rather than overwhelming the track’s witchy atmosphere. This interpretation demonstrates how classic witch songs continue inspiring contemporary artists to create new versions that speak to modern sensibilities.
“Witch Image” by Ghost
The Swedish occult rock band Ghost delivered this track on their 2018 album “Prequelle” with their characteristic blend of metal heaviness and pop accessibility. Tobias Forge’s vocals channel vintage hard rock while the guitar work references classic Black Sabbath-style doom. Producer Tom Dalgety achieved a massive sound that works equally well through high-quality earbuds or full speaker systems, with each instrumental layer clearly defined despite the overall density. Ghost’s commitment to their satanic witch aesthetic extends beyond mere imagery into genuine musical craftsmanship.
“The Witch” by The Sonics
This 1964 garage rock scorcher predates most bands’ interest in occult themes, with The Sonics delivering raw, primitive energy that influenced punk decades later. Gerry Roslie’s screaming vocals and distorted keyboard sound genuinely unhinged, while the crashing drums provide relentless forward momentum. The lo-fi recording quality actually enhances the track’s menacing atmosphere, proving that expensive production isn’t necessary for creating powerful witch imagery. This Pacific Northwest band’s influence on later garage and punk movements cannot be overstated, with this track serving as a perfect example of their primal approach.
“Which Witch” by Florence + The Machine
Florence Welch’s 2015 baroque pop epic explores witch trial imagery through the lens of toxic relationships and self-destruction. The song builds from sparse verses to an absolutely massive chorus, with Welch’s powerful vocals soaring over crashing percussion and dramatic string arrangements. Producer Markus Dravs captured the orchestral scope Welch envisioned while maintaining the raw emotional intensity that makes her performances so compelling. The music video features stunning choreography that enhances the song’s themes of persecution and resilience, creating a complete artistic statement about feminine power and vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great song about witches?
The best witch-themed songs combine atmospheric production with authentic engagement with supernatural themes rather than treating witchcraft as mere gimmick. Strong examples incorporate specific musical elements like minor keys, haunting melodies, and production techniques that create mysterious or otherworldly soundscapes. Lyrically, compelling witch songs either explore the historical reality of persecution, embrace witchcraft as metaphor for empowerment and transformation, or use magical imagery to describe intense emotions like love and obsession. The most memorable tracks in this category balance accessibility with genuine artistic vision, creating music that works both as entertainment and as serious exploration of mystical themes.
Why do musicians write songs about witches?
Witchcraft provides rich symbolic territory for songwriters exploring themes of power, otherness, persecution, and transformation. Historically marginalized as dangerous outsiders, witches represent rebellion against societal norms, making them perfect subjects for rock, metal, and alternative artists challenging mainstream values. The supernatural elements allow musicians to create dramatic, theatrical presentations that enhance live performances and music videos. Additionally, witch imagery taps into universal human fascination with magic and the unknown, giving these songs immediate emotional resonance with listeners. From a commercial perspective, witch-themed songs often perform particularly well during Halloween season while maintaining year-round appeal for fans of darker musical aesthetics.
Which music genres feature the most witch-themed songs?
Heavy metal and hard rock contain the highest concentration of witch-themed material, with bands from Black Sabbath to Ghost building entire aesthetics around occult imagery. Classic rock from the 1960s and 70s produced numerous witch songs as artists explored psychedelic and mystical themes during that era’s countercultural movement. Folk music has long incorporated witchcraft themes, drawing from traditional ballads and pagan folklore that predate commercial recording. More recently, indie and alternative artists have embraced witch imagery as part of broader interest in feminism and reclaiming historically persecuted identities. Even pop music occasionally features witch themes, though typically in more playful or metaphorical contexts than the literal supernatural exploration found in heavier genres.
Are there any modern artists keeping witch-themed music alive?
Contemporary artists across multiple genres continue creating compelling witch-themed material that updates classic tropes for current audiences. Ghost has built an entire career around satanic and occult imagery with increasingly sophisticated songwriting and production. Florence + The Machine frequently incorporates witchcraft and magic into her baroque pop compositions with both lyrical depth and visual spectacle. Indie artists like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have explored occult themes within their eclectic experimental rock. The resurgence of interest in witchcraft among younger generations, particularly within feminist and LGBTQ+ communities, has inspired new artists to engage with these themes in ways that feel politically and personally meaningful rather than purely aesthetic. Streaming platforms have also made it easier for niche artists creating witch-themed music to find dedicated audiences.
What was the first popular song about witches?
Pinpointing the absolute first witch song proves difficult given folk music’s long history of supernatural ballads, but Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” from 1956 represents one of the earliest major commercial hits explicitly using witchcraft imagery. Earlier blues and folk recordings reference hoodoo and rootwork, which share conceptual territory with witchcraft traditions. The 1960s psychedelic era brought witch themes into mainstream rock through songs like Donovan’s “Season of the Witch,” establishing templates that countless later artists would follow. Classical music contains much earlier examples of witch-themed compositions, including portions of operas and tone poems from the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the modern conception of witch-themed popular music largely begins with mid-20th century rock and roll’s embrace of supernatural subject matter as part of its rebellious identity.