Today
25 witchy songs that’ll put a spell on you
By Sarah Lemire
Aug. 13, 2024
25 witchy songs that’ll put a spell on you
Queue up these wicked good tunes for a pure witchy magic playlist.
Double, double, toil and trouble!
It’s spooky season and with it comes all things witchy. Sure, ghosts, goblins and vampires are always popular this time of year, but it’s witches that really capture everyone’s attention.
From their intriguing witch names to their sweet black-cat companions, witches are utterly fascinating. That probably explains why there are so many witch movies, books and even witch songs that pay tribute to the mysterious figures.
While many people think of witches as wart-covered hags flying around on broomsticks and conjuring up spells in their cauldrons, real-life witches are nothing of the sort. In fact, modern-day witchcraft isn’t much different than paganism, or the practice of worshipping Mother Earth. All that black-pointy-hat stuff? It’s all hocus pocus.
Either way, we’re here to pay tribute to witches and all their bewitching charm with this collection of spellbinding songs.
Below, you’ll find favorites like “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac, “Witchy Woman” by the Eagles, “Season of the Witch” by Donovan, and other classics from Stevie Nicks, Bette Midler, and Electric Light Orchestra, among others.
Whether you’re looking for something upbeat or more of a spooky Halloween song, you will find it in this compilation of witchy tunes. The best part? They’re all guaranteed to leave you feeling positively wicked.
‘Witchy Woman’ by Eagles
This Eagles’ classic tops the list of witchy tunes. With raven hair, ruby lips, not to mention sparks that fly from her fingertips, this witchy woman makes for an essential add to your witch songs’ playlist.
‘I Put a Spell on You’ by Bette Midler (‘Hocus Pocus’)
“Hocus Pocus” is a must-watch on Halloween and its title song “I Put a Spell on You” is a memorable cover of the original Screamin’ Jay Hawkins tune by the same name. No respectable witch songs playlist is complete without this classic.
‘Evil Woman’ by Electric Light Orchestra
ELO’s 1975 song “Evil Woman” gives total bad witch vibes. It’s also just a rockin’ good time, which is why it deserves a spot on the rundown.
‘The Witch Queen of New Orleans’ by Redbone
Not only does Redbone’s “The Witch Queen of New Orleans” belong on your witch playlist, but your Halloween songs’ playlist as well. It’s spooky, groovy and with lyrics about zombies, witches and spells, it’s a must.
‘Season of the Witch’ by Donovan
Released by Donovan in 1966, “Season of the Witch” is a psychedelic trip that’ll take you back to days bell bottoms and go-go boots, but with a total witchy theme. A favorite of Halloween enthusiasts, it’s the perfect add to your playlist.
‘Witchcraft’ by Frank Sinatra
No one does it better than Old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. The crooner does some of his best work on this jaunty, big-band tune from 1957.
‘Rhiannon’ by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks delivers peak witch vibes singing this classic Fleetwood Mac song from 1975. Like a cat in the dark, Rhiannon is the darkness. It doesn’t get any witchier than that.
‘Dark Lady’ by Cher
One of Cher’s earliest hits, “Dark Lady” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1974. With talk of seances, crystal balls and black magic, this one is a keeper.
‘The Mummers’ Dance’ by Loreena McKennitt
You’ll totally picture druids holding hands and dancing beneath a full moon listening to Celtic singer, Loreena McKennitt, serenade owls, trees and the sweetness of the earth.
‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ by King Harvest
This upbeat ’70s song by King Harvest pays tribute to the “supernatural delight” of dancing beneath the moon in wild abandon. Grab your friends and join in.
‘You Can Do Magic’ by America
After releasing hits like “Horse With No Name” and “Ventura Highway” back in the ’70s, America went decidedly pop in 1982 with “You Can Do Magic.” With all its talk of magic and spells, it’s a worthy addition.
‘Double Trouble’ by John Williams (‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’)
John Williams’ “Double Trouble” is a nod to Shakespeare’s “Double double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble,” the classic witchy quote from the pages of “Macbeth.”
‘Black Magic Woman’ by Santana
The legendary Carlos Santana landed on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970 with the classic song “Black Magic Woman.” The smooth Latin groove and white-hot electric guitar riffs make it a funky, addition to your playlist.
‘Witches Rune’ by S.J. Tucker
Light the candles and settle in for a peaceful meditation to “Witches Rune,” a calming, Celtic tune that features dreamy harmonies with acoustic guitar.
‘Bells, Books and Candles’ by Graeme Revell (‘The Craft’)
If you liked “The Craft,” you’re going to love “Bells, Books and Candles,” a head-trippy track from the 1996 movie that conjures up images of spells, hexes and dark magic.
‘If You Ever Did Believe’ by Stevie Nicks (‘Practical Magic’)
While you wait for the sequel of “Practical Magic” to be released, enjoy Stevie Nicks singing this sweet song from the original 1998 witch movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
‘Magic’ by Pilot
Ho, ho, ho, this Pilot song is total magic, you know. So, never believe it’s not so. Also, put “Magic” on your witch songs’ playlist because with it’s upbeat tempo and infectious lyrics, you’re sure to fall under its spell.
‘Intuition’ by Jewel
With its distinct pop sound, “Intuition” was a total departure from Jewel’s folksy music roots, but earned the artist a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer in 2003.
‘Witches’ Song’ by Marianne Faithfull
With her distinct singing voice, Marianne Faithfull’s career has spanned decades. The English singer released “Witches’ Song” in 1979 and it’s a melodic mix of guitar and witchy lyrics like “Bathed in magic greet, shall we meet on the hilltop, where the two roads meet?”
‘Devil Woman’ by Cliff Richard
She’s a devil woman and, look out, because she’s gonna get you. At least according to Cliff Richard, whose song about an evil woman with crystal balls, potions and evil on her mind landed in the Billboard Top 10 back in 1976.
‘Abracadabra’ by Steve Miller Band
Who needs toil and trouble when you can just say, “Abracadabra” and, voila, your wish comes true? This 1982 song by Steve Miller Band is so infectious, you’ll find yourself humming the tune all year round.
‘Bewitched’ by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra makes his return with yet another witch song. Before there was “Witchcraft,” he covered this classic from the 1940s. This tune has all the ingredients of a solid witch song: charms and bewitchery. What more do you need?
‘Bad Moon Rising’ by Creedence Clearwater Revival
When you think of witches, it’s hard not to picture a full moon with the silhouette of a broom-rider flying past. Not to mention a black cat riding shotgun. That’s why Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is an automatic addition.
‘The Sky & The Dawn & The Sun’ by Celtic Woman
While it’s fun to imagine witches as wearing black pointy hats and conjuring spells over a cauldron, the truth is that most real-life witches are people who believe in celebrating the earth and its many offerings. This tribute to the sky, sun and dawn by Celtic Woman is spirited representation of just that.
‘Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)’ by The Hollies
Just one look at this 5’9″ goddess will leave you in a bad way. At least according to The Hollies who had a bona fide hit with “Long Cool Woman” back in 1971. With all its talk of black cats and long dark dresses, it’s practically a witch’s theme song.
Such a variety of excellent songs, and so many memories. Thanks for all your newsletters!
Thank you, Judy