I Put A Spell On You Lyrics Hocus Pocus
Ever heard a song so catchy it burrows into your brain and refuses to leave? For many, that song is "I Put a Spell on You," especially if you're a fan of the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus.
But there's more to this spooky tune than meets the eye. It's not just a bit of Halloween fluff; it’s got a wild history.
The Screamin' Jay Hawkins Origin
Before the Sanderson sisters, there was Screamin' Jay Hawkins. He first recorded "I Put a Spell on You" back in 1956.
Hawkins' original version was...well, screaming! Think raw emotion, primal yells, and a general sense of delightful chaos. It was unlike anything else on the radio at the time.
Legend has it that Hawkins didn't even remember recording the song! He apparently blacked out drunk and woke up with a hit single. Talk about a wild ride!
From Screams to Spells
Fast forward to 1993, and Hocus Pocus needed a show-stopping musical number. The filmmakers clearly remembered Hawkins's song!
Bette Midler, as Winifred Sanderson, took the reins, and the song transformed. It went from bluesy screams to a theatrical masterpiece.
Midler, along with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, injected pure comedic brilliance. Their harmonies, exaggerated gestures, and over-the-top acting made it a Halloween anthem for generations.
A New Kind of Magic
The Hocus Pocus version isn’t just a cover. It's a reinvention! It’s got the camp, it’s got the sass, and it perfectly captures the film's playful spirit.
The song became instantly recognizable and is arguably the most memorable part of the film. It’s hard to imagine Hocus Pocus without it.
The Sanderson sisters' version became iconic, adding layers of mischievous fun to an already classic song.
The Enduring Power of the Spell
What makes "I Put a Spell on You" so enduring? Maybe it's the inherent drama of the lyrics.
Or perhaps it’s the song’s flexibility. It can be heartfelt, raw, funny, or downright spooky, depending on who's singing it.
More likely, it’s that the Hocus Pocus version taps into something primal. The magic, the sisterhood, the unapologetic villainy, all delivered with a wink.
The song is a perfect encapsulation of the movie’s charm, appealing to those who want to embrace a little bit of Halloween magic.
So, the next time you hear "I Put a Spell on You," remember the journey. From Screamin' Jay Hawkins' wild origins to the Sanderson sisters' bewitching performance, it's a song that keeps casting its spell, year after year.
It is not just a song anymore. It’s an experience, a memory, and a reminder that a little bit of spooky fun can go a long way. Don't you agree?
"Hello, Salem! My name is Winifred, what's yours?" - Winifred Sanderson
