Witchcraft
Frank Sinatra with Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra Lyrics
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That sly come hither stare
That strips my conscience bare
It's witchcraft
And I've got no defense for it
The heat is too intense for it
What good would common sense for it do
'Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo
When you arouse the need in my
My heart says yes indeed in me
Proceed with what your leading me to
It's such an ancient pitch
But one I wouldn't switch
'Cause there's no nicer witch than you
“Witchcraft” is a song written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. It was first recorded by Frank Sinatra for his 1957 album Come Fly with Me. It was also recorded by Nelson Riddle for the album of the same name. The song has become a classic, with its lyrics describing the feeling of being under the spell of a beautiful woman.
The song starts off with the singer describing the seductive power of the woman he is with. She has a “sly come hither stare” and “fingers in my hair”. He feels defenseless against her, as the “heat is too intense” to resist. He knows it’s “strictly taboo”, but he cannot help himself. He describes it as “witchcraft”.
In the chorus, the singer admits that he is under her spell, and although he knows it’s wrong, he cannot help himself. He describes her as a “wicked witch” but also acknowledges that there is “no nicer witch” than her. He is completely captivated by her and is willing to go wherever she leads him.
Line by Line Meaning
Those fingers in my hair
The touch of your fingers in my hair
That sly come hither stare
The suggestive stare you give me
That strips my conscience bare
That awakens desire deep within me
It's witchcraft
You have casted a love spell on me
And I've got no defense for it
I can't resist your allure
The heat is too intense for it
Your seductive powers are too strong
What good would common sense for it do
Even if I know this is forbidden, I can't help but be entranced by you
'Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft
Your magic has got me under its spell
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo
Even though I'm fully aware this is wrong
When you arouse the need in my
When you initiate this feeling in me
My heart says yes indeed in me
I can't help but feel passionately about you
Proceed with what your leading me to
I'm willing to follow where you lead me
It's such an ancient pitch
Love spells are an age-old practice
But one I wouldn't switch
But I wouldn't choose anyone else to put me under their spell
'Cause there's no nicer witch than you
Because out of all the enchanters, you are the most alluring and irresistible
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Carolyn Leigh, Cy Coleman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Devito
This is one of the Capitol singles that I played drums on. It sounds as wonderful as it did the night we recorded it! Frank and Nelson made so much golden music that will live forever Bless them!1 Frank DeVito www.frankdevitodrummer.com
dylenickelwood
+Frank Devito Nelson with Frank were an amazing pairing. Listening to what they recorded back in the late 50s early 60s it's like WOW what a sound! So cool to see someone post with memories from that time.
Frank Devito
+Jack, No, I did not play on I've got you under my skin, It was the great Alvin Stoller . See 'the 'capitol singles 4 cd ] for allplayers on Sinatra Capitol singles. Ciao, Frank De Vito
jack freeman
Wow thanks for your response and please don't take my remark as uncomplimentary to yourself. I would give my eye teeth to have been good enough to play guitar on any of the stuff you did. I'm just particularly impressed with that track - it had everything even though my experience is rock and roll.
Frank Devito
+jack freeman Jack, thanks , Idid play on :Sinatra 57 " live album containing I;ve got you under my skin" but as I said, not on the Capitol Single of "Skin" Ciao, Frank DeVito
Hamilton Carvalho
They started a perfect musical marriage. For almost two decades.
Marcio Resende
Fabulous Music...Heaven!
Kevin Saunt
Bring back this type music
Scott Weaver
Sinatra! What else needs to be said?
Not Sure
Roadhouse!