The band formed in 1977. The original line-up was Tim Worman (a.k.a Tim Polecat, vocalist), Martin "Boz" Boorer, (guitarist and vocalist, later of Morrissey's band), Phil Bloomberg (bassist), and Chris Hawkes (drummer), and originally played under the name "Cult Heroes."
Finding difficulty persuading promoters to book them on the Rockabilly circuit with a name sounding "too punk", they adopted Hawkes' suggested band name The Polecats. Hawkes was later replaced by Neil Rooney.
Black Magic
Polecats Lyrics
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You used black magic when you took hold of me
You told me that your love was true
All the time you were castin' a voodoo, black magic
Will you ever let me, will you ever set me free
Black magic, black magic
You used black magic when you made me want you so
But I know you used a mojo hand
Black magic, will you ever let me, will you ever set me free
Hocus pocus and my love was just for you
Alakazam, now you leave me feelin' blue
Black magic, black magic
You used black magic when you took hold of me
You told me that your love was true
All the time you were castin' that voodoo, black magic
Will you ever let me, will you ever set me free
Hocus pocus and my love was just for you
Alakazam, now you leave me feelin' blue
Black magic, black magic
You used black magic when you took hold of me
You told me that your love was true
But all the time you were castin' that voodoo, black magic
Will you ever let me, will you ever set me free
Will you ever let me, will you ever set me free
Will you ever let me, will you ever set me free
oh_cest_moi
The Polecats' song "Black Magic" speaks of a love that was not meant to be, wherein the singer is lamenting over being under the spell of black magic cast by their lover. The song speaks of the betrayal, deceit, and manipulation that comes with the use of such magic, which led to the singer's heartbreak. The lyrics suggest that the lover had used black magic to make the singer fall in love with them, but the singer is now aware of the truth, and understands that the love they shared was not genuine - it was a product of manipulation. The singer is now asking to be set free from the spell and its effects.
The lyrics use various spells and magical incantations, such as "hocus pocus" and "alakazam," to reinforce the idea of black magic being used by the lover. The line "You used black magic when you made me want you so" suggests that the singer was not initially interested in the lover but was made to fall for them through the use of magic. Additionally, the line "But I know you used a mojo hand / With powers to hoodoo a mojo man" refers to the use of a mojo hand, a type of amulet or talisman that is believed to have magical powers. The song notes that this particular mojo hand was used to hoodoo a mojo man, a reference to the lover hoodwinking the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Black magic, black magic
The singer is addressing the concept of black magic, which is what they believe caused their current situation with the person they are singing about.
You used black magic when you took hold of me
The singer believes that the person they are singing about used black magic to ensnare them in a way they couldn't resist or escape from.
You told me that your love was true
The person the singer is singing about presented themselves as being genuine in their love for the singer, which the singer now believes was a lie.
All the time you were castin' a voodoo, black magic
The artist believes that the person they are singing about was using black magic all along, despite presenting themselves as genuine and trustworthy.
Will you ever let me, will you ever set me free
The artist is expressing feelings of entrapment and a desire to be freed from the person they are singing about, who they believe used black magic to enslave them.
You used black magic when you made me want you so
The singer believes that their intense desire for the person they are singing about was not genuine, but rather the result of black magic being used on them.
But I know you used a mojo hand
The singer is claiming to have knowledge that the person they are singing about used a specific technique of black magic, called a mojo hand, on them.
With powers to hoodoo a mojo man
The artist believes that the person they are singing about used black magic to subjugate them, even though they consider themselves to be skilled in the same techniques - this highlights the perceived power the other person has, despite the artist also having knowledge in the area of black magic.
Hocus pocus and my love was just for you
The artist believes that they were made to think they loved the person they are singing about, but that these feelings were not genuine and were the result of black magic being used on them.
Alakazam, now you leave me feelin' blue
The artist is expressing sadness and disappointment that the person they believed had genuine feelings for them actually used black magic to manipulate them, leaving them feeling empty and hurt.
Contributed by Molly P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrGorehound
takes me back to the early 80s
@colinclarke4285
This takes me back
@janicegower9701
Love the polecats! !
@maddesi2709
I found this band by accident - a friend said one of her favorite animals was a marbled polecat. I thought what in the actual hell is that and looked it up. And then I found this band lol
@terojulku577
Best of the Best, Always & All Ways
...says Ter1 😉
@javiersacristanmanzano6145
Neo Rockabilly Pantone