Songs about magic captivate us with their mystical allure, blending tales of unseen forces and enchantment. Magic, as a concept, reflects a mode of thinking that invokes invisible powers to influence events or create illusions. This enigmatic quality makes magic a compelling theme for musicians, who often use it as a metaphor for love, power, or transformation. Magic in songs varies from deep, esoteric interpretations to light-hearted entertainment, mirroring its historical and cultural richness.
The magic in music serves varied purposes – to acquire, heal, protect, or amaze. It mirrors the duality of magic itself: an esoteric practice for some, and a source of entertainment for others. This theme offers a vast canvas for lyrical exploration, encompassing the high magic of the intellectual elite, common folk practices, and the contrast between ‘black’ and ‘white’ magic. Like magic practitioners channeling supernatural power, these songs channel emotions and ideas, creating an otherworldly experience.
Songs about magic thus transport listeners to a realm where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, blurring the lines between the mystical and the real in a harmonious melody. It’s a theme that continues to fascinate and enchant, embodying the very essence of magic itself
21 Best Songs Inspired by Magic
1. “Do You Believe in Magic?” – The Lovin’ Spoonful
- Singer: The Lovin’ Spoonful
- Writer: John Sebastian
- Release Year: 1965
A classic from the 1960s, this song celebrates the transformative power of music. It explores how different genres can influence emotions and attitudes. The song invites listeners to embrace the liberating effect of music and enjoy life to the fullest. It’s a testament to the magic of music and its ability to set us free.
2. “Houdini” – Kate Bush
- Singer: Kate Bush
- Writer: Kate Bush
- Release Year: On the album “The Dreaming”
This song is a tribute to the master illusionist, Houdini, and is sung from the perspective of his wife, Bess Houdini. The lyrics reference how Bess may have secretly helped Houdini in his escapology acts and her attempts to contact him after his death using a secret code. Kate Bush’s rendition captures the mystique and emotional depth of their relationship, intertwining magic with love and devotion.
3. “Black Magic Woman” – Santana
- Singer: Santana
- Original Writer: Peter Green
- Release Year: Originally by Fleetwood Mac
Although originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, “Black Magic Woman” gained immense popularity with Santana’s rendition. The song is about a bewitching woman who practices dark magic and casts a spell on the singer. The blend of blues and rock, coupled with Santana’s signature guitar work, gives this song a sense of enchantment and allure.
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4. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
- Singer: Stevie Wonder
- Writer: Stevie Wonder
- Release Year: 1972
“Superstition” isn’t directly about magic but discusses the perils of believing in superstitions. The song challenges common superstitions like walking under ladders or the bad luck of breaking a mirror. Stevie Wonder’s soulful voice and the funky rhythm make this a timeless hit, encouraging listeners to question superstitions rather than blindly following them.
5. “Abracadabra” – Steve Miller Band
- Singer: Steve Miller Band
- Writer: Steve Miller
- Release Year: 1982
This hit song from the 80s is all about the magical allure of a woman. Inspired by a chance encounter with Diana Ross, “Abracadabra” combines catchy pop melodies with the theme of being spellbound by love. The song’s iconic music video, featuring innovative special effects and editing, contributed to its lasting popularity and is emblematic of the era’s music video innovation.
6. “Magic” – Coldplay
- Singer: Coldplay
- Writer: Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion
- Release Year: 2014
Featured in Coldplay’s album “Ghost Stories,” “Magic” is a soothing and emotionally rich song. Chris Martin confirmed that it was written about the breakdown of his relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow. The song beautifully encapsulates the feeling of finding magic in a relationship, even amidst its dissolution. Its ethereal sound and heartfelt lyrics strike a chord with listeners who have experienced the complexities of love.
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7. “Magic Man” – Heart
- Singer: Heart
- Writers: Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson
- Release Year: 1976
“Magic Man” by Heart is a song that delves into the themes of seduction and allure. The “magic man” in the song is a metaphor for a charming, yet potentially harmful, lover. This track from the 1970s brilliantly captures the tension between desire and caution, portrayed through Ann and Nancy Wilson’s powerful vocals and compelling lyrics.
8. “Rhiannon” – Fleetwood Mac
- Singer: Fleetwood Mac
- Writer: Stevie Nicks
- Release Year: 1975
“Rhiannon” is a song inspired by the Welsh goddess of the same name and is known for its haunting melody. Stevie Nicks’ vocals perfectly capture the mystical and ethereal nature of the character. The song’s popularity led to an increase in the name’s use and remains a standout track in Fleetwood Mac’s discography, showcasing their ability to blend storytelling with captivating music.
9. “Magic Carpet Ride” – Steppenwolf
- Singer: Steppenwolf
- Writers: John Kay, Rushton Moreve
- Release Year: 1968
“Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf is an iconic song from the late 60s that captures the spirit of escapism and adventure. The song is metaphorically about letting one’s imagination soar on a ‘magic carpet ride’ to a world of dreams and fantasies. Its psychedelic rock elements perfectly complement the theme, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences seeking a musical escape.
Also Read: Exploring the World: Top 25 Songs About Traveling Unveiled
10. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” – The Police
- Singer: The Police
- Writer: Sting
- Release Year: 1981
This song by The Police, led by Sting’s distinct vocals, is a lively and upbeat track that celebrates the magical effect a person can have on someone. The catchy melody and optimistic lyrics convey the joy and wonder of being enamored with someone who seems to enchant everything around them. It’s a song that encapsulates the blissful feeling of new love and the charm it brings to life.
11. “You Can Do Magic” – America
- Singer: America
- Writer: Russ Ballard
- Release Year: 1982
This song by America is about the transformative power of love, akin to magic. The protagonist, initially a skeptic of magic, finds himself under a spell of love that changes his perspective. The melodic tune and heartfelt lyrics resonate with the theme of love’s enchanting and transformative power, showcasing America’s ability to create timeless love songs.
12. “This Magic Moment” – The Drifters
- Singer: The Drifters
- Writer: Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
- Release Year: 1960
“This Magic Moment” by The Drifters is a classic song that captures the enchanting feeling of a special moment in time. Its lyrics express the unforgettable and magical experience of falling in love. The Drifters’ soulful rendition, combined with the melodious harmony, makes this song a perennial favorite for those cherishing romantic, magical moments.
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13. “Magic” – Olivia Newton-John
- Singer: Olivia Newton-John
- Writer: John Farrar
- Release Year: 1980
Featured in the film “Xanadu,” Olivia Newton-John’s “Magic” is an uplifting song about the power of self-belief and determination. The lyrics encourage listeners to take control of their destiny, with the promise that anything is achievable with love and confidence. Its inspiring message and Newton-John’s captivating voice make this song a memorable anthem about the magic of ambition and dreams.
14. “Strange Magic” – Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
- Singer: Electric Light Orchestra
- Writer: Jeff Lynne
- Release Year: 1975
“Strange Magic” by ELO is a song that delves into the enchanting and mysterious aspects of love. Jeff Lynne’s songwriting and the band’s unique sound create a dreamy and mesmerizing atmosphere. The song’s theme revolves around the inexplicable and often surprising nature of love, which is likened to a kind of strange, captivating magic.
15. “Under Your Spell” – Desire
- Singer: Desire
- Writer: Johnny Jewel, Nat Walker, Megan Louise
- Release Year: 2009
Featured in the movie “Drive,” “Under Your Spell” by Desire is a synth-heavy track that encapsulates the hypnotic effect of infatuation and desire. The song’s dreamy, electronic sound complements the theme of being irresistibly drawn to someone, as if under a magical spell. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics make it a standout track about the bewitching power of love.
16. “Witchy Woman” – Eagles
- Singer: Eagles
- Writer: Don Henley, Bernie Leadon
- Release Year: 1972
“Witchy Woman” by the Eagles is a song that paints a picture of a mystical, enchanting woman. The lyrics, co-written by Don Henley and Bernie Leadon, describe her as a seductive, spellbinding figure. The song’s haunting melody and the band’s signature harmonies create an atmosphere of mystery and allure, making it a classic in the genre of songs about enchantment and magic.
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17. “Season of the Witch” – Donovan
- Singer: Donovan
- Writer: Donovan
- Release Year: 1966
Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” is a psychedelic track that reflects the cultural shifts and mystical explorations of the 1960s. The song’s lyrics evoke images of changing seasons and the supernatural, embodying the era’s fascination with the occult and mysticism. Its distinct sound and Donovan’s unique vocal style have made it an enduring favorite among fans of magical and mystical themes in music.
18. “I Put a Spell on You” – Nina Simone
- Singer: Nina Simone
- Writer: Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
- Release Year: Covered by Nina Simone in 1965
Originally written and performed by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” is a powerful and captivating version. The song, with its themes of love and enchantment, is rendered hauntingly beautiful by Simone’s expressive voice. It’s a classic piece that perfectly encapsulates the idea of love as a spellbinding force.
19. “Incense and Peppermints” – Strawberry Alarm Clock
- Singer: Strawberry Alarm Clock
- Writer: John Carter, Tim Gilbert
- Release Year: 1967
“Incense and Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock is a hallmark of the psychedelic rock era. The song’s whimsical lyrics and surreal sound capture the essence of the late 60s counterculture. Its title and chorus evoke images of a mystical, sensory-filled atmosphere, aligning perfectly with the magical and psychedelic themes prevalent in the music of that time.
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20. “Magic” – Pilot
- Singer: Pilot
- Writer: David Paton, Billy Lyall
- Release Year: 1974
“Magic” by Pilot is an upbeat, catchy song that became a pop classic in the 1970s. The song’s simple yet infectious chorus, “Oh, oh, oh, it’s magic,” along with its bright melody, perfectly captures the joyful and carefree spirit of the era. The song is about the magic of love and the wonder it brings to life, making it a timeless hit that continues to bring smiles to listeners’ faces.
21. “Spellbound” – Siouxsie and the Banshees
- Singer: Siouxsie Sioux
- Writer: Siouxsie and the Banshees
- Release Year: 1981
“Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees is a post-punk classic that immerses listeners in a world of hypnotic rhythms and ethereal vocals. The song’s dark, mesmerizing atmosphere captures the essence of being completely captivated or ‘spellbound.’ It’s a brilliant example of the band’s ability to blend gothic rock elements with hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Conclusion
The enchanting world of songs about magic not only captivates our imagination but also weaves a web of wonder around the mysteries of love, life, and the unseen. From the hypnotic rhythms of “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees to the joyous celebration in The Police’s “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” these songs transcend time and genre, each offering a unique glimpse into the magical moments that color our world.
They remind us that magic isn’t just found in fairy tales or mystical lands; it’s present in everyday life, in every little thing that sparks joy, wonder, and love in our hearts. As we journey through the diverse soundscapes of these magical melodies, we’re not just listening to music; we’re experiencing the universal charm and mystery that music, at its best, can unveil.