The world of music has always been captivated by the mystical, the supernatural, and the enchanting realm of witchcraft and magic. Witch and magic themed songs have cast their spell across generations, blending haunting melodies with lyrics that explore the mysterious and otherworldly. From iconic rock anthems to contemporary pop bangers, these bewitching tracks transport listeners to a realm where spells are cast, potions bubble, and magic flows freely through every note. Whether you’re seeking the perfect Halloween playlist or simply drawn to the darker, more mystical side of music, these songs offer an enchanting journey through sonic sorcery.
Witchcraft by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft” remains one of the most sophisticated entries in the magical music canon, released in 1957 and becoming an instant standard. The song’s smooth jazz arrangement perfectly captures the bewitching nature of romantic attraction, with Sinatra’s velvet vocals delivering Cy Coleman’s melody with unmatched charm. The track peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been covered by countless artists, cementing its status as a timeless classic. The production features lush orchestration that evokes the sensation of being under a spell, while the lyrics cleverly compare falling in love to being bewitched by supernatural forces.
Season of the Witch by Donovan
Donovan’s psychedelic masterpiece “Season of the Witch” from 1966 perfectly encapsulates the mystical atmosphere of the counterculture era. The song’s hypnotic guitar riff and atmospheric production create an eerie soundscape that has influenced countless artists across multiple genres. With its cryptic lyrics about strange happenings and mystical transformations, the track became a staple of psychedelic rock and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to a dreamlike state where reality and magic blur together, making it essential listening for anyone exploring compare headphones for the ultimate immersive experience.
Black Magic Woman by Santana
Originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Santana’s 1970 Latin rock interpretation of “Black Magic Woman” transformed the song into an international sensation. Carlos Santana’s signature guitar tone, combined with the band’s infectious Afro-Cuban rhythms, created a version that reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s narrative about a mysterious woman with supernatural powers to control men’s hearts became one of rock’s most recognizable tales of mystical seduction. The extended instrumental sections showcase Santana’s virtuosic guitar work, with each note seeming to cast its own spell on the listener.
I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ 1956 voodoo blues classic “I Put a Spell on You” stands as one of the most theatrical and powerful songs about supernatural love and possession. Hawkins’ wild vocal performance, complete with grunts, screams, and growls, created a controversial yet captivating piece that has been covered by Nina Simone, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and countless others. The song’s raw emotional intensity and its explicit references to casting spells made it shocking for its time, yet it became a cult classic that continues to influence artists today. The production’s sparse instrumentation allows Hawkins’ primal vocal delivery to take center stage, creating an atmosphere of genuine musical witchcraft.
Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” from 1975 tells the story of a Welsh witch and became one of Stevie Nicks’ signature compositions. The song reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Nicks as rock’s premier mystical storyteller. Inspired by the Welsh mythological figure from the Mabinogion, the song features Nicks’ distinctive vocals floating over a mesmerizing arrangement that perfectly captures the character’s ethereal nature. The live performances of “Rhiannon” became legendary, with Nicks often extending the song into a ten-minute showcase of theatrical mysticism, complete with flowing shawls and dramatic stage presence that reinforced her image as rock’s white witch.
Wicked Game by Chris Isaak
Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” from 1989 uses the metaphor of witchcraft and dark magic to describe the dangerous allure of toxic love. The song’s reverb-drenched guitar and Isaak’s haunting vocals create a dreamlike atmosphere that became synonymous with early 1990s alternative rock. After being featured in David Lynch’s film “Wild at Heart,” the track climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100, introducing Isaak’s unique sound to mainstream audiences. The song’s sparse production and melancholic melody evoke the feeling of being under an inescapable spell, making it one of the most emotionally resonant magical-themed songs ever recorded.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
The Police’s 1981 hit “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” transforms the concept of magical enchantment into an upbeat celebration of romantic infatuation. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased the band’s ability to blend pop accessibility with sophisticated musicianship. Sting’s lyrics describe the overwhelming effect a loved one has, comparing their influence to supernatural powers, while the arrangement features layered synthesizers and Andy Summers’ distinctive guitar work. The track’s production incorporates elements that were cutting-edge for early 1980s pop, creating a sound that remains fresh decades later.
Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band
Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982, becoming one of the most commercially successful magic-themed songs ever recorded. The song’s synthesizer-driven arrangement and catchy chorus perfectly captured the era’s pop-rock aesthetic while maintaining Miller’s blues-rock credibility. The lyrics playfully mix magical terminology with romantic metaphor, creating an accessible yet mystical narrative that resonated with mainstream audiences. The track’s success demonstrated that witch and magic themed songs could dominate pop charts, paving the way for future artists to explore supernatural themes in commercial contexts.
Wicked Garden by Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots’ debut single “Wicked Garden” from 1992 uses garden and witchcraft imagery to critique superficiality and corruption in Los Angeles culture. The song’s grunge-influenced sound, featuring Scott Weiland’s dynamic vocals and heavy guitar riffs, helped establish the band as major players in the alternative rock explosion. While not explicitly about witchcraft, the song’s references to wickedness and its dark, brooding atmosphere align it with magical themes. The track received significant airplay on alternative radio stations and helped the album “Core” achieve multi-platinum status.
The Witch by The Sonics
The Sonics’ 1964 garage rock classic “The Witch” delivers raw, primal energy that perfectly captures the fear and fascination surrounding witchcraft in popular culture. The song’s aggressive guitar work and Gerry Roslie’s screaming vocals influenced countless punk and garage rock bands that followed. With its simple yet effective narrative about encountering a witch, the track exemplifies the garage rock aesthetic of unpolished, visceral musical expression. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple of garage rock compilations, demonstrating the enduring appeal of combining rock and roll with supernatural themes.
Magic by Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John’s “Magic” from the 1980 film “Xanadu” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the most successful pop songs about magical transformation. The song’s lush production, featuring synthesizers and orchestral arrangements by John Farrar, created a dreamy soundscape that perfectly complemented the film’s fantasy themes. Newton-John’s sweet vocals deliver lyrics about bringing dreams to life through magic, creating an optimistic take on supernatural powers. Despite the film’s commercial failure, “Magic” became one of Newton-John’s signature songs and remains a beloved example of early 1980s pop craftsmanship.
Witchy Woman by Eagles
The Eagles’ “Witchy Woman” from 1972 combines country rock with mystical themes to create one of the band’s most distinctive early hits. The song reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased Bernie Leadon’s innovative use of banjo and electric guitar to create an eerie, hypnotic atmosphere. Don Henley’s lyrics describe an encounter with a mysterious woman possessing supernatural allure, with references to ravens and silver spoons adding to the gothic imagery. The song’s success helped establish the Eagles as major commercial forces in 1970s rock while demonstrating that country-rock could effectively explore darker, more mysterious themes.
Black Magic by Little Mix
Little Mix’s 2015 single “Black Magic” brought witch-themed pop music into the modern era, reaching number one in the UK and achieving platinum certification. The song’s upbeat production and empowering lyrics about using magic to win someone’s affection resonated with younger audiences while maintaining broad appeal. The accompanying music video, featuring the group as high school witches, became a viral sensation with over 400 million views on YouTube. The track’s success demonstrated that contemporary pop could embrace supernatural themes while maintaining commercial viability, inspiring other artists to explore similar territory.
Voodoo by Godsmack
Godsmack’s “Voodoo” from 1998 combines heavy metal with occult themes, becoming one of alternative metal’s most recognizable songs about magic and mysticism. The track’s tribal drumming and Sully Erna’s intense vocals create an atmosphere of ritualistic power that resonated with late 1990s rock audiences. The song received extensive airplay on rock radio stations and helped the band’s self-titled debut album achieve multi-platinum status. The track’s direct references to voodoo practices and its dark, heavy sound exemplify how modern rock embraced supernatural themes with aggressive musical approaches.
That Old Black Magic by Louis Prima and Keely Smith
Louis Prima and Keely Smith’s swinging 1958 version of “That Old Black Magic” transformed Harold Arlen’s composition into a jubilant celebration of love’s bewitching power. The duo’s chemistry and Prima’s energetic delivery, combined with Smith’s cool, understated responses, created a dynamic performance that became a Las Vegas staple. The song’s sophisticated arrangement and playful interpretation of magical metaphors demonstrate how jazz and swing could approach supernatural themes with wit and charm. Their version influenced countless lounge and swing revival artists, cementing the song’s place in the American songbook.
Witch Hunt by Rush
Rush’s “Witch Hunt” from their 1981 album “Moving Pictures” uses witch hunt metaphors to critique mass hysteria and persecution. The song’s atmospheric introduction, featuring synthesizers and sound effects, creates an ominous mood before exploding into Neil Peart’s powerful drumming and Geddy Lee’s soaring vocals. The lyrics draw parallels between historical witch hunts and modern mob mentality, adding intellectual depth to the supernatural theme. As part of Rush’s “Fear” trilogy, the song showcases the band’s ability to combine progressive rock complexity with accessible melodies while exploring serious social themes through magical imagery.
Magic Man by Heart
Heart’s breakthrough hit “Magic Man” from 1975 uses magical metaphors to describe a seductive, manipulative relationship. Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals and the song’s driving rhythm helped it reach number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing Heart as one of rock’s premier acts. The lyrics describe being under the spell of a charismatic figure, with Nancy Wilson’s guitar work adding mystical atmosphere to the hard rock foundation. The song’s success proved that female-fronted rock bands could compete commercially while exploring darker themes, including supernatural manipulation and enchantment.
Spellbound by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Siouxsie and the Banshees’ 1981 post-punk masterpiece “Spellbound” creates an urgent, hypnotic atmosphere that perfectly captures the feeling of being under an irresistible spell. Siouxsie Sioux’s distinctive vocals and the band’s innovative use of tom-tom drums create a tribal, ritualistic sound that influenced gothic and alternative rock for decades. The song reached number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the band’s signature tracks, showcasing their ability to blend punk energy with mystical themes. The production’s raw power and the song’s driving momentum make it essential listening for anyone exploring the darker side of magical music.
Strange Magic by Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra’s “Strange Magic” from 1975 demonstrates Jeff Lynne’s mastery at blending orchestral pop with rock, creating a lush soundscape around themes of magical enchantment. The song’s layered production, featuring strings, synthesizers, and ELO’s trademark vocal harmonies, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that transports listeners to a realm of sonic sorcery. Though not a major chart hit upon release, the song has gained recognition over decades and was prominently featured in the 2015 film of the same name. The track exemplifies how prog-rock could approach magical themes with both sophistication and accessibility, making complex arrangements feel effortlessly enchanting.
Pagan Poetry by Björk
Björk’s experimental 2001 track “Pagan Poetry” explores ritualistic and magical themes through avant-garde electronic production and deeply personal lyrics. The song’s innovative use of vocal manipulation and unconventional song structure pushed boundaries of what magical-themed music could be. The controversial music video, featuring body modification and intimate imagery, reinforced the song’s themes of ritualistic devotion and transformation. Though not a commercial hit, the track’s influence on experimental and electronic music has been profound, demonstrating how artists can explore ancient magical practices through cutting-edge sonic techniques.
Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ 1968 masterpiece “Sympathy for the Devil” may focus on demonic rather than witchcraft themes, but its exploration of supernatural evil and occult power makes it essential to any magical music discussion. The song’s samba-influenced rhythm and Mick Jagger’s menacing vocal performance create one of rock’s most iconic depictions of supernatural forces. Reaching number one in multiple countries, the track demonstrated that rock could address dark spiritual themes while achieving massive commercial success. The song’s sophisticated lyrics, referencing historical events from the devil’s perspective, elevated rock music’s literary ambitions while the production’s hypnotic groove proved irresistible to audiences worldwide.
White Witch by Caprice
British singer Caprice’s 2003 dance-pop track “White Witch” brought electronic music production to witch-themed pop, though it achieved only moderate commercial success. The song’s club-friendly beats and mystical lyrics attempted to position Caprice as a pop provocateur, though it couldn’t match the commercial heights of her earlier work. The track’s production featured elements of trance and house music popular in early 2000s European clubs, demonstrating how electronic music could incorporate supernatural themes. While not achieving lasting cultural impact, the song represents early 2000s experimentation with magical imagery in dance-pop contexts.
Witch by The Bird and The Bee
The Bird and The Bee’s 2007 indie pop track “Witch” showcases Inara George’s ethereal vocals over Greg Kurstin’s sophisticated electronic production. The song’s dreamy atmosphere and playful lyrics about casting spells demonstrate indie pop’s lighter approach to magical themes. The duo’s innovative production techniques, blending vintage synthesizers with modern programming, created a sound that felt both nostalgic and contemporary. Though the track didn’t achieve mainstream success, it found a devoted audience among indie music fans and demonstrated how witch themes could be explored with whimsy and sophistication rather than darkness.
Love Potion No. 9 by The Clovers
The Clovers’ 1959 R&B classic “Love Potion No. 9” tells the humorous story of purchasing a magical elixir to solve romantic troubles. The song’s narrative structure and catchy melody made it a doo-wop standard that has been covered extensively, most notably by The Searchers in 1964. The lyrics’ playful approach to magic potions and their unexpected consequences demonstrate how 1950s music could address supernatural themes with humor and accessibility. The song’s enduring popularity across multiple decades proves that audiences appreciate magical themes presented with lighthearted charm rather than exclusively dark seriousness.
Witches by Good Kid
Canadian indie rock band Good Kid’s 2022 track “Witches” represents contemporary alternative rock’s approach to magical themes with introspective lyrics and dynamic arrangements. The song explores feeling like an outsider through witch metaphors, resonating with younger audiences navigating identity and belonging. The production combines indie rock guitar work with modern production techniques, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Though emerging artists, Good Kid’s thoughtful approach to supernatural themes demonstrates how new generations continue finding fresh perspectives on witch and magic imagery in music, particularly when exploring kids instrument quiz to discover musical paths.
Burn the Witch by Radiohead
Radiohead’s 2016 single “Burn the Witch” uses witch hunt imagery as political commentary, marking their return after a five-year hiatus. The song’s orchestral arrangement, featuring aggressive string sections, creates tension that mirrors the lyrics’ critique of fear-mongering and scapegoating. The stop-motion animated video, reminiscent of 1960s children’s television, provides disturbing contrast to the dark themes. The track reached number one on several alternative charts and demonstrated Radiohead’s continued ability to address serious social issues through supernatural metaphors, proving that witch themes remain relevant for contemporary political commentary.
Hex by 80purppp
Rising rapper 80purppp’s 2023 track “Hex” incorporates witch and curse imagery into modern hip-hop production, showcasing how supernatural themes continue evolving across genres. The song’s trap-influenced beats and autotuned vocals represent contemporary rap’s embrace of mystical and occult aesthetics. While still building their audience, 80purppp represents a generation of artists incorporating magical themes into hip-hop culture, from lyrics to visual aesthetics. The track’s streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify demonstrate growing interest in supernatural themes within hip-hop communities, suggesting continued evolution of magical music across diverse genres.
Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s 1982 hit “Gypsy” features Stevie Nicks’ reflections on her past while incorporating mystical imagery consistent with her witchy persona. The song reached number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Nicks’ most beloved compositions. The production’s dreamy synthesizers and Nicks’ nostalgic lyrics create an enchanting atmosphere that transports listeners to her memories of bohemian freedom. The track’s success reinforced Nicks’ position as rock’s premier mystical songwriter while demonstrating that witch-adjacent themes could achieve mainstream commercial success without compromising artistic integrity.
Magic by Pilot
Scottish rock band Pilot’s 1974 hit “Magic” combines glam rock influences with mystical themes, reaching number eleven on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s infectious chorus and piano-driven arrangement created an accessible yet enchanting sound that became a staple of 1970s radio. The lyrics celebrate the transformative power of music itself as a form of magic, creating a self-referential celebration of artistic creation. The track’s production, overseen by Alan Parsons, features sophisticated studio techniques that were innovative for the era. Though Pilot never matched this song’s success, “Magic” remains a beloved example of 1970s pop-rock’s ability to celebrate supernatural themes with optimism and joy.
Season of the Witch by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s cover of Donovan’s classic for the 2015 film “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” reimagines the psychedelic original as a haunting, cinematic experience. Del Rey’s sultry vocals and the contemporary production’s darker atmosphere transformed the song into something entirely new while respecting the original’s mystical essence. The cover introduced the classic to new generations while demonstrating Del Rey’s affinity for vintage material and supernatural themes. Her interpretation showcases how classic witch-themed songs continue inspiring modern artists, creating dialogue between generations of magical music. The track’s inclusion in the film exposed it to audiences discovering witch-themed music through contemporary media, particularly those seeking immersive experiences through compare earbuds for optimal sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a song qualify as witch or magic themed?
Witch and magic themed songs incorporate supernatural elements, mystical imagery, or explicit references to witchcraft, spells, potions, or magical practices in their lyrics, themes, or atmosphere. These songs can range from literal narratives about witches and spellcasting to metaphorical uses of magical imagery to describe love, power dynamics, or transformation. The musical production often enhances magical themes through atmospheric arrangements, mysterious melodies, or otherworldly sound effects that create an enchanting or eerie sonic landscape.
Which artist has released the most witch-themed songs?
Stevie Nicks stands as the undisputed queen of witch-themed music, having built her entire persona around mystical imagery throughout her career with Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist. Beyond “Rhiannon,” Nicks has written and performed numerous songs incorporating witchcraft themes, magical metaphors, and supernatural storytelling, including “Gold Dust Woman,” “Sisters of the Moon,” and “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You.” Her stage presence, featuring flowing shawls, platform boots, and dramatic gestures, reinforced her image as rock’s white witch.
Are witch-themed songs only popular during Halloween?
While witch and magic themed songs experience increased streaming and radio play during October surrounding Halloween celebrations, many of these tracks enjoy year-round popularity and cultural relevance. Classic songs like “Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra and “Black Magic Woman” by Santana maintain consistent streaming numbers regardless of season, demonstrating their appeal extends beyond seasonal novelty. Contemporary artists continue releasing witch-themed music throughout the year, recognizing that audiences interested in supernatural themes, gothic aesthetics, and mystical imagery engage with this content constantly rather than exclusively during autumn.
How has the portrayal of witches in music changed over time?
Early witch-themed songs from the 1950s and 1960s typically portrayed witches as either dangerously seductive figures or objects of fear, reflecting broader cultural anxieties about female power and sexuality. Songs like “Witch Hunt” by Rush used witch imagery to critique persecution and mob mentality, introducing more nuanced social commentary. The 1970s saw Stevie Nicks reclaim witch imagery as empowering, presenting mystical femininity as strength rather than threat. Contemporary artists increasingly portray witches positively as symbols of independence, marginalized identity, and resistance to patriarchal structures.
Can instrumental music be considered witch or magic themed?
Absolutely, instrumental music can powerfully convey witch and magic themes through atmospheric production, ominous melodies, and sonic techniques that evoke supernatural imagery without requiring lyrics. Film scores like those from “The Witches,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “The Craft” demonstrate how orchestral arrangements, unusual instrumentation, and specific musical motifs create unmistakable magical atmospheres. Electronic producers and ambient artists frequently create witch-themed instrumental works using synthesizers, sound effects, and unconventional production techniques to conjure otherworldly soundscapes.
What role do witch-themed songs play in modern feminist movements?
Witch-themed music has become increasingly important to contemporary feminist discourse, with the witch serving as a powerful symbol of female autonomy, resistance to patriarchal control, and reclamation of historically demonized feminine power. Artists like Little Mix with “Black Magic” and numerous emerging artists use witch imagery to celebrate female strength, solidarity, and the power to control one’s own destiny. The historical persecution of women as witches represents patriarchal attempts to suppress female knowledge, independence, and sexuality, making the witch a potent feminist icon.
How do different music genres approach witch and magic themes differently?
Rock music typically approaches witch themes through dark, mysterious atmospheres and narratives about seduction or danger, as exemplified by “Black Magic Woman” and “Witchy Woman.” Pop music often treats magic more playfully and accessibly, using spells and potions as metaphors for romantic attraction with upbeat, commercial production. Hip-hop increasingly incorporates witch and hex imagery into lyrics about power, revenge, and mystical aesthetics, particularly within alternative and experimental rap subgenres. Electronic and ambient music use sonic manipulation to create otherworldly atmospheres that suggest magical realms without requiring narrative lyrics.