15 Totally Witchin’ Witch Songs

Reading Time: 16 min read

15 Totally Witchin’ Witch Songs feature songs by Eagles, Frank Sinatra, KAYTRANADA, Lil Mabu, PVRIS, and Whitechapel.

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.” Those famous witchy lines hail from William Shakespeare, specifically one of his most famous tragedies, Macbeth. Scottish musician Donovan famously sang, “You’ve got to pick up every stitch,” adding, “Must be the ‘Season of the Witch’” in his 1966 classic. Yoko Ono, via Country Living Magazine, asserts, “I think that all women are witches, in the sense that a witch is a magical being.” There you have it. All of these quotes are about witches, just like our playlist, 15 Totally Witchin’ Witch Songs, is as well. A requirement of this list: all songs must feature some form of the word witch. 15 Totally Witchin’ Witch Songs feature songs by Eagles, Frank Sinatra, KAYTRANADA, Lil Mabu, PVRIS, and Whitechapel. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the witching ways, shall we?!

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1. KAYTRANADA, “Witchy” (Ft. Childish Gambino)

2. Lil Mabu, “WICKED WITCH”

3. Whitechapel, “When a Demon Defiles a Witch”

4. PVRIS, Tommy Genesis & Alice Longyu Gao, “Burn The Witch”

5. Ghost, “Witch Image”

6. Radiohead, “Burn the Witch”

7. Devon Cole, “W.I.T.C.H.”

8. Panic! At the Disco, “Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met…)”

9. Maisie Peters, “The Good Witch”

10. Queens of the Stone Age, “Burn the Witch”

11. Delilah Bon & ALT BLK ERA, “WITCH”

12. Eagles, “Witchy Woman”

13. Donovan, “Season of the Witch”

14. Frank Sinatra, “Witchcraft”

15. David Seville, “Witch Doctor”

1. KAYTRANADA, “Witchy” (Ft. Childish Gambino)

Timeless // RCA // 2024

“When I’m near, in your arms / I realize it’s voodoo.” Oh snap, that sounds witchy to me! “Witchy” is the 16^th track on Timeless, the 2024 album by Grammy-winning DJ/producer KAYTRANADA (Louis Kevin Celestin). Celestin is assisted by fellow Grammy-winner, Childish Gambino (Donald Glover). Glover provides the vocals bringing the occult lyrics and tuneful melodies to life. He brings smooth, soulful vocals during the verses (“Potion/ We drinkin’ somethin’, now I’m spinnin’”). He grows more assertive during the centerpiece, the chorus. There are vocal effects in play. He is bewitched in the chorus:

“You make me feel like I’ve been floatin’ (Oh, no)

This ain’t no spell, you got me open, girl (Oh, yeah)

You’re being witchy and I love it, girl

Can you feel it?

Girl, don’t wanna lie

Girl, don’t wanna lie

Girl, been holdin’ on to me, yeah

With me, yеah.”

Word! “Witchy” thrives off contemporary R&B vibes. It features an irresistible groove from the onset. The sound is chill and easygoing sound. It’s comprised of colorful keys, tasty synths, and a robust bass line. “Witchy” samples “Standing in the Shadows of Love” by Barry White, a Four Tops cover written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland. The Hollands and Dozier earn writing credits in addition to Celestin and Glover. “Witchy” is a win for KAYTRANADA and Childish Gambino.

Appears in 🔻:

KAYTRANADA, Witchy: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 71 (2024)

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2. Lil Mabu, “WICKED WITCH”

“WICKED WITCH” // Lil Mabu // 2022

“Grrah / Grrah / Mabu! / Gang, gang, gang.” Oh my! Affluent white boys aren’t the first profile you go to when it comes to rap, particularly drill music, but Lil Mabu (Matthew Peter DeLuca) is a confident artist (he’s got the rizz). Also, the Gen-Z musician doesn’t take himself too seriously. See the ridiculous cover art for his single, “WICKED WITCH.” Lil Mabu penned the two-and-a-half-minute single tapping Nato to produce. It commences with an unsettling instrumental introduction. Fittingly, it was released just before Halloween 2022. Lil Mabu brings the heat against the malicious, minor-key backdrop. His rapping is aggressive and intense. Among his most memorable bars: “I just need to snap my fingers and they gettin’ treeshy / I call your bitch a wide receiver, she get open easy (Baow, baow, baow)” and “Yea but I don’t want a bitch who gon’ throw ass when I throw cash (Treesha) / I might test you, drop a couple ones, see if you pass.” The pre-chorus and chorus are wicked and witchy to the nth degree, expectedly: “I need a wicked witch on some, wicked shit / I need a wicked witch wit’ some locked lips,” and “I need a wicked witch who gon’ get wicked for me.” “WICKED WITCH” is pretty wicked, Lil Mabu!

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3. Whitechapel, “When a Demon Defiles a Witch”

The Valley // Metal Blade // 2019  

“The demons dance by the fireside / But tonight they migrate to my bedside.” Woo!  “When a Demon Defiles a Witch”. Damn, that’s a disturbing song title to say the least 😱! “When a Demon Defiles a Witch” arrives as the opener on The Valley, the 2019 album by Tennessee metal collective, Whitechapel.  Fittingly, this witchy song is set in a minor key.  Also, portions of the song feature aggressive, unclean vocals, intense, jagged guitars, and wild lyrics 😈.  

“There’s nowhere left to run

There’s nowhere left for me to be

Without you by my side.”

For some context, the visions captured lyrically on “When a Demon Defiles a Witch” came from singer Phil Bozeman’s mom.  His mom had mental issues, hence why such a vision is incredibly outlandish.  Per Kerrang, guitarist Ben Savage states, “Phil’s mom would see a demon outside or by her fireside, and she knew that if she saw it there, then it would be by her bedside that night.” Wow! Truly, “What has the world come to when a demon defiles a witch?”

Appears in 🔻:

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4. PVRIS, Tommy Genesis & Alice Longyu Gao, “Burn The Witch”

F.I.L.T.H. // Hopeless // 2024

The women are in the house! That’s right, “Burn The Witch” is a collaboration composed, produced, and performed exclusively by women! It appears on the PVRIS (Lynn Gunn) mixtape, F.I.L.T.H.. Gunn, Tommy Genesis (Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj), and Alice Longyu Gao kick ass and take names on this witchy rock song. Gunn, Gao, Genesis, and Rachel Kenner penned “Burn The Witch.” Gunn produced as well. “Burn The Witch” features a dramatic instrumental from the beginning. It’s bombastic and ear-catching. There is colorful production beyond the introduction. Plenty of ear-catching, distinct sounds. A killer groove accompanies Gunn’s singing. She is the first voice heard, singing the first verse, refrain, chorus, and post-chorus.

Gunn sings unapologetically. “‘Cause you’re cutthroat, you’re deceiving / You’re a masochist on the weekend,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “Like an incubus, you a demon / When you fuck the world with no feelings.” Word! She also channels witchy things with the Shakespearean “Double bubble, toil, and trouble” (refrain) and “Burn, burn, burn, burn, burn the witch / Run, run, run, run, heretics” (chorus). Tommy Genesis takes the reins in the second verse, memorably singing, “I could be your blood donor / You could be my fuckable loner / Pussy taste like liquor / Don’t crucify my liver.” Alice Longyu Gao gets into the action in the bridge: “ALG / Naked in the street / Shameless fucking freak / My nails are on your chest / Learned from the best, I’m digging deep,” and, most memorably, “Throw me in, but I won’t float, no stopping / Can’t burn the witch.” PVRIS, Tommy Genesis, and Alice Longyu Gao make a formidable team on “Burn The Witch”, PERIOD!

Appears in 🔻:

PVRIS, Tommy Genesis & Alice Longyu Gao, Burn The Witch: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 72 (2024)

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5. Ghost, “Witch Image”

Prequelle // Loma Vista // 2018

“While you sleep in earthly delight / Someone’s flesh is rotting tonight.” Well, that’s disturbing, isn’t it? Morbid, morbid, MORBID! Ghost tends to ‘keep it real’ musically, something they do masterfully on their 2018 album, Prequelle. “Witch Image” features dynamic, bluesy harmonized guitars, giving it a ripe sound. Worth noting, a witch is never explicitly mentioned but rather, referenced. Prequelle focuses on the plague during the Middle Ages, so this ‘image’ is one of widespread death. “You never want me to appear,” Cardinal Copia (Tobias Forge) sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “You never want this to be over / You never want it to reach out to the edge of time.” Everything he says is accurate and continues at the song’s end: “While you sleep in earthly delight / Still, your soul will suffer this plight.” Day-um, that’s witchy AF!

Appears in 🔻:

Witch: 5ive Songs No. 89 (2021)

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6. Radiohead, “Burn the Witch”

A Moon Shaped Pool // XL // 2016

“This is a low flying panic attack / Sing the song on the jukebox that goes / Burn the witch / Burn the witch / We know where you live.” “Burn the Witch” served as a promo single from A Moon Shaped Pool, the 2016 album by Grammy-winning British alternative rock darlings, Radiohead. An intriguing, mysterious affair, this opening record makes for a clever, dramatic, and dynamic listening experience.

“Stay in the shadows

Cheer at the gallows

This is a round-up.”

Thom Yorke’s vocals are splendid, never forced, yet pack a punch. Instrumentally, the strings are the crowning achievement.

“Red crosses on wooden doors

If you float you burn.”

Per Mental Floss (referencing Oxford English Dictionary), a witch referred to “a male practitioner of sorcery and magic… over the centuries, witch’s masculine application melted away, thanks in no small part to the historical persecution of many women believed to be witches.”

Appears in 🔻:

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7. Devon Cole, “W.I.T.C.H.”

“W.I.T.C.H.” // Devon Cole / Arista // 2022

“Rumor on the street is that her apples are delicious / The jury says she’s charming, but her exes say she’s wicked.” Noted, Devon Cole. The pop singer/songwriter’s 2022 song, “W.I.T.C.H.” is brief but a vibe. Cole penned it alongside Alexandria Soumalias and producer John Mark Nelson. As ‘witchy’ as “W.I.T.C.H.” is, it features soulful pop vibes, a sickening groove, a prominent bass line, and a tuneful melody from the get-go. Cole delivers well-rounded, pleasant vocals as she brings the lyrics to life. Besides ill lead vocals, the harmonized vocals are sweet, too. In the second verse, Cole asserts, “Villainous, kitty queen, she’s got tricks up her sleeve / And I got a few up mine.” Oh, really? The section to beat, unsurprisingly, is the chorus:

“She don’t wanna be anybody else

She’s a woman in total control of herself

It’s such a wonder to be under her spell

What a woman in total control over herself.”

So, “W.I.T.C.H.” is an acronym for a woman in total control [over] herself. Cool! Women and witches, be empowered!

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8. Panic! At the Disco, “Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met…)”

Vices & Virtues // Fueled By Ramen // 2011

“You have set your heart on haunting me forever from the start / It’s never silent.” Man, oh man, Brendon Urie! The Panic! At the Disco frontman is suffering from those devastating matters of the heart on “Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met…).” “Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met…)” is the closing cut on Vices & Virtues, released in 2011. This is an epic closer to any album. The lyrics are creative, descriptive, and poetic, particularly in the verses. See Exhibit A, the first verse:

“My wing tips waltz across naïve wood floors

They creak innocently down the stairs

Drag melody, my percussive

Feet serve cobweb headaches…”

Only PATD could concoct such colorful lyrics! The Baroque pop cues add character to the production, something else that’s a selling point of the band. The best section of the song, expectedly, is the dramatic chorus, which highlights the witching experience perfectly:

“Ever since we met, I only shoot up with your perfume

It’s the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

Ever since we met, I’ve got just one regret to live through

And that one regret is you.”

Appears in 🔻:

Witch: 5ive Songs No. 89 (2021)

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9. Maisie Peters, “The Good Witch”

The Good Witch // Gingerbread Man / Asylum // 2023

“Still Decoy, still a good witch with her tea / Still bitter, still don’t play the black keys,” English singer/songwriter, Maisie Peters sings in the first verse of “The Good Witch.” “The Good Witch” is the opening song from her 2023 sophomore album, The Good Witch. “The Good Witch” commences dreamily. Peters flaunts her lovely, distinct vocals. The melody is radiant while the songwriting is thoughtful and reflective. “Still King’s Cross and pullin’ heartbreak out of hats,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “Still argue like my mother and suppress stuff like my dad / Still miss you, but I know now it’ll pass.” The centerpiece is the chorus, where Peters asserts, “When all I do is think about the past / Make it a universe that you can live in / You wanna hear from all the people in my heart / Well, okay, when it kicks in.” Some other notes about this “The Good Witch.” Peters penned it with producer, Joe Rubel. Nearly a minute in, drums join the mix, giving “The Good Witch” a more driving, dynamic sound. In the final, the instrumental dominates accompanied by spoken word. The final lines of “The Good Witch”: “Maisie, Maisie, Maise, Maisie, Maisie.” “The Good Witch” is a vibe.

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10. Queens of the Stone Age, “Burn the Witch”

Lullabies to Paralyze // Interscope // 2005

“Ask yourself / Will I burn in Hell? / Then write it down / And cast it in the well.” Hmm, if I were accused of being a witch, or perhaps knew I were a witch, I supposed I’d ask myself that question. More than a decade before Radiohead recorded a song entitled “Burn the Witch”, Queens of the Stone Age, led by Josh Homme recorded their own “Burn the Witch,” which appears on their 2005 album, Lullabies to Paralyze. “Burn the Witch” explores ‘witches’ being tried and burned at the stake, often, wrongfully. “The mob it cries for blood / To twist the tale / Into firewood,” Homme sings on the second verse. Later, chillingly, “The skin it peels / Like the truth, away / What it was / I will never say.” Bigger picture, “Burn the Witch” explores persecution (aka witch hunt), specifically one regarding Homme firing his friend, Nick Oliveri, from the band. This idea of persecution is clear throughout the record, but crystal clear on lines like, “Bite your tongue / Swear to keep your mouth shut / Make up something / Make up something good.” The groovy “Burn the Witch,” with brilliant vocals by both Homme and Billy F. Gibbons, is one of the best songs from the QOTSA catalog.

Appears in 🔻:

Witch: 5ive Songs No. 89 (2021)

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11. Delilah Bon & ALT BLK ERA, “WITCH”

“WITCH” // Delilah Bon / ALT BLK ERA // 2023

“They just wanna burn me at the stake / Burn me like a witch, like a bitch / 300 years ago they would tie me down / Said ‘Kill that witch, fucking bitch’.” Wow. Delilah Bon brings a sickening combo of rap and metal on her 2023 single, “WITCH.” She shows off a compelling cadence and flow with aggressive, unapologetic vocals. Bon doesn’t do it all by herself either. ALT BLK ERA joins for a witchy assist! “WITCH” commences with thunder and lightning sound effects. Soon, ear-catching synths enter the mix. Bon starts things off and delivers her fair share of memorable bars. “But I got a potion in motion, sorority / Fuck your misogyny and white supremacy,” she asserts in the first verse, adding, “I got an army of people who’ll follow me / I am the charge you do not wanna see.” In the third verse, she brings more fire: “Women with power, women so angry / We can do anything they tell us not / We’re nothing more than bitches and whores / Feminist men-hating witches galore / And I’m looking for revenge.” Word! ALT BLK ERA brings their own lyrical gems: “You lit the fires now, we’re coming back to burn you / Innocent souls gathering to come and haunt you / Don’t hunt her please, she’s not a beast.” Bold, dark, and enigmatic, “WITCH” by Delilah Bon and ALT BLK ERA is the sugar honey iced tea.

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12. Eagles, “Witchy Woman”

Eagles // Asylum // 1972

“Raven hair and ruby lips / Sparks fly from her fingertips.” Oh, snap, Don Henley! Those lyrics hail from the Eagles’ minor-key single, “Witchy Woman”. “Witchy Woman” appeared on the legendary band’s self-titled, 1972 debut album. It marks one of 10 top 10 hits by the Eagles. It peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Henley not only sings lead but penned the song alongside Bernie Leadon. Glyn Johns produced.

Given the title, Henley, singing expressively paints this woman as all things witch-related. In the second verse, he asserts, “She had me spellbound in the night /… Crazy laughter in another room.” A cackling witch? Later, he sings, “She can rock you in the nighttime ‘til your skin turns red.” Devilish! The chorus is the centerpiece, sung by the collective: “Woo hoo, witch woman / See how high she flies / Woo hoo, witch woman / She got the moon in her eye.” Not only are Henley and the Eagles referencing a witch riding a broom, but they could be referencing drugs. The second verse delivers an interesting lyric: “And she drove herself to madness with a silver spoon.” Is this silver spoon a reference to drugs (heroin specifically) or privilege? “Witchy Woman” was inspired by several women including Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald who was born into wealth. Their marriage was turbulent. A classic, “Witchy Woman” thrives thanks to the ‘witchy’ songwriting, fabulous lead vocals by Henley, harmonized vocals by the Eagles, and a sweet, minor-key accompanying instrumental.

Appears in 🔻:

Eagles, Witchy Woman: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 142 (2024)

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13. Donovan, “Season of the Witch”

**Donovan // Sunshine Superman // Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. // 1966**

“When I look out my window / Many sights to see / And when I look in my window / So many different people to be / That it’s strange, so strange.” Strange indeed, Donovan (Donovan Leitch) – witchy! “Season of the Witch” was written and performed by the Scottish musician, appearing as the sixth track on his 1966 album, Sunshine Superman. The record, produced by Mickie Most, exemplifies the psychedelia of the 1960s. Amazingly, Leitch charted 17 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including four top 10 hits yet “Season of the Witch” was NOT one of them 🤯.

One aspect of “Season of the Witch” that stands out is its harmonic progression. It’s simple, featuring three chords: A (I), D (IV), and E (V). Of those three chords, the dominant, E, appears the least, and only in the chorus. The simplicity is part of the charm. Vocally, Donovan sounds authentic and expressive as he sings the paranoid lyrics, as evidenced by the lyrics in the first verse. The second verse is much like the first: “When I look over my shoulder / What do you think I see / Some other cat lookin’ over / His shoulder at me / And he’s strange, sure is strange.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which is energetic to the nth degree. Donovan informs us, “You’ve got to pick up every stitch,” later adding, the titular lyric, “Must be the season of the witch.” Also adding to the allure of this witching classic is the instrumental, which includes an organ solo. Ask yourself, what is more psychedelic than an organ? “Season of the Witch” is nothing short of epic – a 1960s rock classic!

Appears in 🔻:

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14. Frank Sinatra, “Witchcraft”

Ultimate Sinatra // Universal Music Enterprises // 2015

“Those fingers in my hair / That sly come hither stare / That strips my conscience bare / It’s witchcraft.” Those are some witchy lyrics that the late, great Frank Sinatra, aka ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes,’ (1915 – 1998) sings in “Witchcraft”. The original version of “Witchcraft” that Sinatra recorded arrived as a single in 1957 and was released on his 1961 compilation album, All The Way. At the 1^st Annual Grammy Awards, “Witchcraft” was nominated for Record Of The Year and Best Vocal Performance, Male. Interestingly, the talented musician won his first Grammy that night for Best Album Cover… Let that sink in. Refocusing on “Witchcraft,” it reappears in his 2015 compilation, Ultimate Sinatra: The Centennial Collection. Carolyn Leigh and Cy Coleman penned the standard.

“Witchcraft” is heavenly for many reasons. First and foremost, Frank Sinatra was the man. His voice is buttery smooth. He sings with ease never breaking a sweat. The cool, poised energy is impressive. He brings the lyrics and melodies to life marvelously. In the verse (excerpted above), he continues singing, “I’ve got no defense for it / The heat is too intense for it / What good would common sense for it do?” He has a point, considering she’s the witch casting the spells. He sings in the chorus, “Cause it’s witchcraft, wicked witchcraft /… When you arouse the need in me / My heart says, ‘Yes, indeed’ in me.” Sinatra concludes, “There’s no nicer witch than you.” Aww. Besides elite vocals and playful lyrics, the musical accompaniment is epic. The big band and orchestral arrangements are colorful and sophisticated. The articulated, sometimes muted, sometimes open horns provide bite, intensifying the song. The strings provide an angelic sound atop the accompaniment. All parts of “Witchcraft” come together to produce a classic that will NEVER sound anachronistic. This song is timeless.

Appears in 🔻:

Frank Sinatra, Witchcraft: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 141 (2024)

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15. David Seville, “Witch Doctor”

Alvin And The Chipmunks // Kidz Bop // 2007

“I told the witch doctor I was in love with you.” Oh, really? Hmm. In 1958, a great, novel song was born: “Witch Doctor” by David Seville. David Seville is the stage name of singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, Ross S. Bagdasarian (1919 – 1972). Seville’s biggest claim to fame is creating the beloved Alvin and the Chipmunks. The Chipmunks are renowned for their squeaky singing, notably in the novel, no. 1 Christmas song, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”. “Witch Doctor” wouldn’t achieve the same success, but it’s still a gem.

The witch doctor that Seville references gives unique advice on the most fun part of the song, the chorus:

“Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang

Walla walla, bing bang

Ooo eee, oo ah ah ting ting

Walla walla, bing bang.”

Word. The lyrics are playful and nonsensical. That’s part of the charm. In the second verse, Seville also consults with the witch doctor: “I told the witch doctor you didn’t love me true.” The advice given is the same in the chorus. In the bridge, there is a change of pace, keeping things engaging: “You’ve been keeping love from me just like you were a miser / And I’ll admit, I wasn’t very smart / So, I went out and found myself a guy that’s so much wiser / And he taught me the way to win your heart.” Hmm… a witch doctor? “Ooh ee, ooh ah ah ting tang…” Sure… “Witch Doctor” is a novel song and should be taken with a grain of salt. There is no need for deep analysis. This silly classic is what it is. Seville brings ample personality, particularly when the chipmunk voice comes in during the chorus, and the musical accompaniment is characteristic of the era (fiery rhythm section and articulated horns).

Appears in 🔻:

David Seville, Witch Doctor: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 159 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

15 Totally Witchin’ Witch Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; ALT BLK ERA, Arista, Asylum, Atlantic, Delilah Bon, Devon Cole, Fueled By Ramen, Gingerbread Man, Hopeless, Interscope, Lil Mabu, Loma Vista, Metal Blade, RCA, Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., Universal Music Enterprises, XL; T Leish from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Ilya Deryabin, Mária Endrész, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

15 Totally Witchin’ Witch Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on October 2, 2024October 2, 2024