Black Magic Woman
Fleetwood Mac;Peter Green Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I got a black magic woman
Got a black magic woman
Yes, I got a black magic woman
Got me so blind I can't see
But she's a black magic woman
And she's tryin' to make a devil out of me

Don't turn your back on me baby
Don't turn your back on me baby
Yes, don't turn your back on me baby
You're messin' around with your tricks
Don't turn your back on me baby
'Cause you might just break up my magic stick

You got your spell on me baby
You got your spell on me baby
Yes, you got your spell on me baby
Turning my heart into stone
I need you so bad, magic woman, I can't leave you alone

Yes, I need you so bad
Well, I need you darling
Yeah, I need you darling
Yes, I want you to love me
I want you to love me
Whoa, I want you to love me, ah
Whoa, yeah




Oh, whoa, baby
Yes, I need your love

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Magic Woman" by Fleetwood Mac, originally written by Peter Green, is a complex exploration of the power dynamics in a romantic relationship. The singer describes a woman who possesses a mysterious and seductive energy, which he refers to as "black magic." He is both drawn to and afraid of her, as he feels she is trying to turn him into a devil, perhaps referring to the dark and dangerous aspects of his personality. The woman is portrayed as using her sexuality as a weapon, with her "tricks" and her ability to cast spells on the singer. The singer is powerless to resist her, as she has put a spell on him, turning his heart to stone. He is so consumed by his desire for her that he cannot leave her alone and is willing to endure whatever pain she might cause him.


Overall, "Black Magic Woman" is a complex and multi-layered exploration of power dynamics in a romantic relationship, using supernatural imagery to convey the intense emotions at play. The lyrics speak to a sense of both attraction and fear, as the singer is drawn to the woman's power but also aware of the danger it poses.


Line by Line Meaning

I got a black magic woman
I have a woman who is skilled in black magic.


Got a black magic woman
My woman is experienced in black magic.


Yes, I got a black magic woman
Indeed, I possess a black magic woman.


Got me so blind I can't see
She has spellbound me and I can no longer see the truth.


But she's a black magic woman
Despite her abilities, she is still a woman.


And she's tryin' to make a devil out of me
She is attempting to lead me down the path of evil.


Don't turn your back on me baby
Do not ignore me, my love.


You're messin' around with your tricks
You are playing games with your magic.


Don't turn your back on me baby
Please do not turn away from me.


'Cause you might just break up my magic stick
You could ruin my powers and leave me helpless.


You got your spell on me baby
You have charmed me with your magic.


Turning my heart into stone
Your magic is making me feel cold and unloving.


I need you so bad, magic woman, I can't leave you alone
I crave your company and cannot be without you.


Yes, I need you so bad
Truly, I am in need of you.


Well, I need you darling
My dearest, I require you.


Yeah, I need you darling
I must have you, my love.


Yes, I want you to love me
I desire your affection.


I want you to love me
Please give me your love.


Whoa, I want you to love me, ah
Oh, how I long for your love.


Whoa, yeah
Indeed.


Oh, whoa, baby
Oh, my love.


Yes, I need your love
I require your love and affection.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@psychoheaded5270

today is the day i learned that santana did not write this song. my life is a lie.

@same5952

Indeed! So was mine.

@ap4802

Me too... Peter Green was a mad man. I had no idea.

@clemguitar63

More than you know!

@HunterMann

Hey I love Santana (the group) and Carlos Santana, but he gets credit far too often for writing songs like this, he also gets credited for writing Oye Como Va which was written by the legendary Tito Puente.
I’ve heard Santana fans praise Carlos Santana for his vocals on “black magic woman”. Carlos did not sing on the Santana albums, he’s had various vocalists over the years. Carlos is a great arranger and has written some awesome songs for sure, But I’ve never understood why many people call Carlos Santana “the best guitarist in the world”.
Perhaps they haven’t heard of Django Reinhardt, Les Paul, Andre Segovia, Howard Roberts, or Joe Pass?

@sampuatisamuel9785

Not really, Santana did a great job and it is only today that I have heard Peter singing the original version. It's fantastic

228 More Replies...

@phillpearson269

What I enjoy about Peter Green is his willingness to let other guitarists shine. He is so unselfish and humble in his greatness.

@christopherduesterhaus7833

You got to let everybody breathe I'm a bass player he was a hell of a guitarist you're correct to let everybody breathe and have their space to shine

@ruddle17

He didn't need to compete because he even gave B.B. King the "cold sweats"

@moody__blooz7408

100%!! He was very modest and humble Danny Kirwan was a very talented kid and Peter Green always let him have his moment to shine. I think Danny Kirwan is only like 19 here.

More Comments

More Versions