Funk-N-Fiction

Top Ten Witchiest Songs

Greetings! I’m so stoked to be here on the FunknFiction blog with the darlingest most wonderfulest Jennifer! I’m R.L. Merrill (Ro, pronouns she/her) and I’m a headbanging, horror-loving, rescue pet wrangler from the Bay Area and I love to write both swoony and shivery romance. You can find out more about my books on my website.

Today… let’s get witchy. I’m celebrating the release of my latest collection of Sapphic romance stories, For The Witches. I love to write short fiction, so when I get quite a few that I dig, I bundle them up. This year, I have released two collections, with all proceeds going to support reproductive justice. It seems appropriate to share with you my top ten witchy tunes!

I Put A Spell On You – Whether it’s Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Annie Lennox, or Nina Simone, this song is brilliant. It’s amazing how different the song can feel depending on who is singing it, but it’s sinister undertone is always there. Brilliant.

The Witch – The Sonics – Definitely an in-your-face warning song, but I love it. I was tickled with delight when we went to see Metallica in Seattle last year and Kirk and Rob played it! Apparently, the Sonics are from Seattle, and the guys decided on this tour that at each stop, they would play a cover of a song from a band that hailed from that city. I was bouncing in my seat screaming along with Rob. Check it out here on YouTube.

She’s My Witch – Kip Tyler – A sexy little number from a guy some call the Father of Horror Rock. I read this article about him as I hadn’t known anything other than this song. He was a bongoist, which is definitely not your usual rockabilly instrument, but he made it work. There’s also a super sexy version of this song by the horror bunch known as LVCRFT! They are a group of pop producers and they’ve put out some fantastic music for spooky season. Look them up on Spotify!

She Put A Hex On You – Them – Another warning about witches. Man, it’s like we’re dangerous or something. Maybe these guys just can’t handle a good woman, huh? Of course, I’d expect more from the Belfast boys, Them. Little trivia for you: this is the band that apparently launched Van Morrison’s career. 

Castin’ My Spell – Johnny Otis, Marci Lee – Greek American Rock ‘n’ Roller Johnny Otis was another artist I knew nothing about when I put this list together. I loved the Bo-Diddley-esque rhythm, which made sense when I learned that Otis made the song “Willie and the Hand Jive” popular. This Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer was actually a neighbor, born in Vallejo, California, and he worked to bring recognition to Black and African American Rhythm and Blues acts in the fifties. He even played drums on “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton. 

Witch Queen of New Orleans – Redbone – You probably know Redbone from “Come and Get Your Love,” but did you also know that Redbone was the first All-Native-American band to reach number one on the charts in Europe. They hailed from Los Angeles, but were taken with the stories about Marie Laveau, a Creole-born woman from New Orleans who lived a long and fascinating life. 

Your Wicked Company – Harley Poe – I first heard this band’s version of “The Hearse Song” and I fell in love with their sound, which is reminiscent of the Violent Femmes. They’re kind of horror folk/punk I guess? This one definitely shows the perils of loving a witch.

Season of the Witch – Donovan – I know a lot of folks are fans of the Lana Del Ray version, but the original does it for me. A sultry tune that lures you in… Perfection. I also really love the version by Joan Jett. 

Spellbound – Siouxsie and the Banshees – My 80s goth pals will love this tune. Siouxsie and the Banshees had so many great hits. Their sound is unmistakable and it immediately takes me back.

Heavy/Like A Witch – All Them Witches – I could have added many songs from this band. I found them while writing my books Connection and Protector, which both feature a bit of woo woo. I love their sound so much. Unfortunately, my opportunity to catch their live show will happen when I’m in Florida with the Coastal Magic bunch in February, so I’ll have to hope they come back around.

Honorable Mention: You Can Do Magic – America – Not really about a witch, but it was the inspiration for my book by the same title, and, well, magic…

Thanks for getting witchy with me! If you dig witchy stories, I’ve got plenty. I’ll be posting a list this week on Instagram, and you can always check out For The Witches. Here’s a link to all of my fave witchy songs for your listening pleasure. Thanks again, you funky fictioners! Stay Tuned for More…