About the song
“Witchy Woman,” released in 1972, is a song by the American rock band Eagles.
Background:
- Writing: The song was written by Don Henley and Bernie Leadon. It is one of the earliest songs written for the band.
- Inspiration: Henley has mentioned several sources of inspiration for the song:
- A character in the movie “Witchcraft” (1964).
- Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was known for her wild and alluring personality.
- The women of the Laurel Canyon music scene, who embodied a free-spirited and somewhat mysterious aura.
- Sound: The song has a distinctive, almost Middle Eastern-sounding guitar riff played by Bernie Leadon.
Themes:
- Attraction and Danger: The song explores the allure of a captivating, enigmatic woman who is both seductive and potentially dangerous. The lyrics suggest both fascination and a sense of caution towards this “witchy woman.”
- Mysticism and the Supernatural: While not explicitly about witchcraft, the song uses imagery and language that evokes a sense of mystery, magic, and the supernatural. It taps into a fascination with the unknown and the power of feminine allure.
- Desire and Longing: The lyrics convey a yearning for the “witchy woman,” despite the potential risks and uncertainties involved. There’s a sense of longing for the thrill and excitement she represents.
Overall, “Witchy Woman” is a classic rock song that has resonated with audiences for its catchy melody, evocative lyrics, and exploration of timeless themes of attraction, mystery, and desire.
Video
Lyrics
Raven hair and ruby lips
Sparks fly from her fingertips
Echoed voices in the night
She’s a restless spirit on an endless flight
Woo hoo witchy woman,
See how high she flies
Woo hoo witchy woman
She got the moon in her eye
She held me spellbound in the night
Dancing shadows and firelight
Crazy laughter in another room
And she drove herself to madness with a silver spoon
Woo hoo witchy woman
See how high she flies
Woo hoo witchy woman
She got the moon in her eye
Well, I know you want a lover,
Let me tell you, brother,
She’s been sleeping in the Devil’s bed.
And there’s some rumors going round
Someone’s underground
She can rock you in the nighttime
‘Til your skin turns red
Woo hoo witchy woman
See how high she flies
Woo hoo witchy woman
She got the moon in her eye