The song has only 2 chords and is ideal for long jams when played live, which makes it a popular cover for many bands.
Season of the Witch
Donovan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Many sights to see
And when I look in my window
So many different people to be
That it's strange, sure is strange
You've got to pick up every stitch
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
You've got to pick up every stitch
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
Oh no, must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch, yeah
Must be the season of the witch
When I look over my shoulder
What do you think I see?
Some other cat lookin' over
His shoulder at me
And he's strange, sure, he's strange
You've got to pick up every stitch
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
You've got to pick up every stitch, yeah
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
Beatniks are out to make it rich
Oh no, must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch, yeah
Must be the season of the witch
You've got to pick up every stitch
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
You've got to pick up every stitch, yeah
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
The rabbits running down the ditch
Oh no, must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch, yeah
Must be the season of the witch
Where'd I look?
The song "Season of the Witch" by Donovan, released in 1966, is often interpreted as an ode to the counterculture of the 1960s and the changes happening in society during that time. The song starts with the singer looking out his window and seeing many different things, implying that the world is full of different experiences and people. The repetition of the phrase "you've got to pick up every stitch" suggests the need to pay attention to every detail and to be aware of one's surroundings. The mention of beatniks trying to make it rich suggests a critique of the commercialization of the counterculture movement.
The chorus "must be the season of the witch" is repeated several times, and while it's not clear what the "season of the witch" refers to, one interpretation is that it represents a time of change and upheaval. The final verse mentions rabbits running down a ditch and the singer looking over his shoulder and seeing someone else looking back at him, implying a sense of paranoia and unease.
Overall, "Season of the Witch" can be interpreted as a comment on the social and cultural changes happening in the 1960s, as well as a call to be aware of these changes and to not get caught up in the commercialization of them.
Line by Line Meaning
When I look out my window
There are many different things to see when I look outside.
Many sights to see
There are a lot of things to observe.
And when I look in my window
Looking inside my home, I see a variety of people and circumstances.
So many different people to be
There are many roles and identities that one can take on.
That it's strange, sure is strange
The diversity of the world is intriguingly peculiar.
You've got to pick up every stitch
Attention must be paid to every detail.
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
You've got to pick up every stitch, yeah
It's important to not miss any details.
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
You've got to pick up every stitch
Every aspect of a situation needs to be examined.
(You've got to pick up every stitch)
Oh no, must be the season of the witch
This sense of urgency must be because it is the season of the witch.
Must be the season of the witch, yeah
It can only be a certain time of year that warrants this level of scrutiny.
When I look over my shoulder
When I check behind me.
What do you think I see?
What would you guess I observe?
Some other cat lookin' over
An unnamed person is watching me.
His shoulder at me
Looking at me intently.
And he's strange, sure, he's strange
This person is odd or peculiar.
Beatniks are out to make it rich
People who are part of a specific subculture are motivated to attain wealth.
The rabbits running down the ditch
Rabbits are sprinting along the drainage channel.
Where'd I look?
Where should I direct my attention next?
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Donovan Leitch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@collapsingquantumwav
One of the coolest songs ever written.
@breejames6323
Agreed ! I watched the movie scary stories to tell in the dark in theatres and remember hearing it in the opening and thinking holy shit this song is badass and had to find it . I’m a bit surprised this song was made in the 60’s ! this dude was way ahead of his time .
@lwoods7283
Definitely,even my 25 yr old daughter thinks so n loves all my music n hates whatever they call that talentless monkey shit today!
@lwoods7283
@@breejames6323 Bree,u should really start listening to real music from 60s n 70s! That's when there were musicians that could read n write music! Rolling stones,the doors,Fleetwood Mac,Chicago transit authority,steely Dan,Elton,Queen,Led zeppelin,grand funk railroad,etc.......! My daughter is 25n listens to that instead of the shit u have today! It ended in the 90s w me
@dbodooley
This and Black Magic Woman
@dbodooley
@@lwoods7283 I love your daughters taste in music. I’m 35 and can’t stand the horrible dog shit they make today. There is absolutely not a shred of talent out there now. It’s all a bullshit gimmick today.
@MaryBarresi
Jimmy Page on lead guitar, John Paul Jones on organ, and Donovan's voice...a perfect combination!
@davidconnor9978
Hi
@MaryBarresi
@Donovan Hi There!!! I haven't, I was born in the early 1960's, but my husband and I have driven across this country many times with your cd's slammed in the player with the windows down. Pure Joy! Thank You!!!
@MaryBarresi
Please come to Woodstock "Bethel Woods" !!!!! We will be there in a heartbeat!!!