Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Witchcraft” was recorded on May 26, 1963, at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Written by Dave Bartholomew and Pearl King, this bluesy, up-tempo track had originally been released by The Spiders in 1955, though Elvis gave it a new twist with his distinctive vocal style. Presley’s version of “Witchcraft” exhibits a dynamic contrast, transitioning from soft verses to a high-energy chorus, highlighted by saxophone solos from Boots Randolph and a rhythmically strong backing from The Jordanaires and his core studio musicians. The song is distinct from Frank Sinatra’s 1957 hit of the same name, emphasizing Presley’s playful and intense delivery.
Released as the B-side to “Bossa Nova Baby” in October 1963, “Witchcraft” was moderately successful on the U.S. charts, reaching #32 on Billboard’s Hot 100. While not as commercially impactful as some of his other hits, “Witchcraft” was still a notable entry in Presley’s discography, showcasing his adaptability across musical genres, from rock and roll to blues-inspired pop. The track later appeared on Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4 in 1968, further cementing its place in his body of work.
The song also reflects the high-quality production values and the skilled musicianship that defined Elvis’s early-1960s Nashville sessions, a period often celebrated by fans for its experimentation and stylistic breadth. “Witchcraft” remains a classic example of Presley’s ability to reinterpret songs and inject them with his own charisma and style, appealing to both pop and rock audiences of the era.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Witchcraft”
Don’t do that, please stop it
Please stop it now
You know I can’t take it
Please stop it nowMy head is spinning a spell on me now
My head is spinning around and around
My head is spinning around and around
Your witchcraft has got me
Keep going down and downLet me forget her, don’t mention her name
You know it brings back that old burning flame
It hurts to know that she doesn’t feel the sameI can’t go on since she left me alone
My one desire now is to cry, now to cry
She might come back one day by and by and by