That Old Black Magic
André Previn And His Orchestra Lyrics


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That old black magic has me in its spell
That old black magic that you weave so well
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
The same old witch craft when your eyes meet mine
The same old tingle that I feel inside
And then the elevator starts its ride
And down and down I go
Round and round I go
Like a leaf that caught in a tide

I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name and I'm a flame

A flame, with stars your burning desire
That only your kiss can put out the fire
Oh, you're the lover I have waited for
The mate that fate had me created for
And every time your lips meet mine
Darling, down and down I go
Round and round I go
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love

Darling, down and down I go
Round and round I go




In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love

Overall Meaning

In the song "That Old Black Magic" by André Previn And His Orchestra, the lyrics depict the intense and captivating effect that love can have on a person. The mention of being under the spell of "old black magic" suggests a sense of enchantment and fascination, as if the singer is entranced by the mysterious and powerful force of love. The way the magic is described as weaving around the person, sending chills down their spine and creating a tingling sensation, adds to the idea of being under a spell that is both thrilling and irresistible.


The lyrics also convey a sense of inevitability and surrender to the overwhelming emotions that come with being in love. The singer acknowledges that they should stay away, recognizing the potential danger or complications that come with this intense attraction. However, despite this awareness, they find themselves unable to resist the pull of their feelings when they hear the name of their beloved, symbolizing the all-consuming nature of love and desire.


The imagery of being caught in a whirlwind or a spinning sensation mirrors the feeling of being swept off one's feet by love. The repetitive phrases "down and down I go, round and round I go" evoke a sense of being lost in a cycle of emotions, unable to break free from the enchantment and intensity of their feelings. The reference to an elevator ride further emphasizes the idea of being taken on a journey beyond one's control, plummeting deeper into the depths of love and desire.


The final stanza of the song emphasizes the joy and ecstasy that come with surrendering to love, despite the risks involved. The mention of being in a spin and loving the feeling they are in suggests a willingness to embrace the unpredictability and excitement that love brings. The "old black magic called love" is portrayed as a force that is both irresistible and intoxicating, drawing the singer deeper into a world of passion and longing. Overall, the lyrics of the song convey the exhilarating and all-encompassing nature of love, capturing the complexities and emotional whirlwind that come with falling for someone deeply.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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