I Put A Spell On You
ScreaminґJay Hawkins Lyrics


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I put a spell on you because you're mine
You better stop the things that you do
I ain't lyin', no, I ain't lyin'
I just can't stand it babe
The way you're always runnin' 'round
I just can't stand it, the way you always put me down
I put a spell on you because you're mine
I put a spell on you because you're mine
You better stop the things that you do
I ain't lyin', no, I ain't lyin'
I just can't stand it babe
The way you're always runnin' 'round
I just can't stand it, the way you always put me down
I put a spell on you because you're mine




I put a spell on you. I put a spell on you
I put a spell on you. I put a spell on you

Overall Meaning

In "I Put a Spell on You," Screamin' Jay Hawkins uses the metaphor of "putting a spell" on his lover to express his intense possessiveness and jealousy. He believes that his lover belongs to him, and he cannot stand the thought of her being with anyone else. When he says "You better stop the things that you do," he is warning her against any behavior that could cause him to lose her affection.


The repetition of the phrase "I put a spell on you" throughout the song emphasizes the power that Hawkins believes he has over his lover. By using the language of magic and witchcraft, he suggests that his love is so strong that he can control her actions to ensure that she stays with him.


The song also reveals Hawkins' anguish at his lover's mistreatment of him, with lines such as "the way you always put me down." He is desperate to change her behavior and keep her by his side, even if it means resorting to supernatural means.


Overall, "I Put a Spell on You" is a powerful and haunting portrayal of possessive, jealous love that borders on obsession. It captures the intense emotional turmoil and desperation that can result from a consuming infatuation.


Line by Line Meaning

I put a spell on you because you're mine
I bewitched you as a way of marking my territory and letting everyone know that you belong to me.


You better stop the things that you do
You must desist from any behavior that I deem inappropriate or disloyal to our relationship.


I ain't lyin', no, I ain't lyin'
I am telling the truth and I expect you to believe me because I am not lying.


I just can't stand it babe
Your actions and attitude towards me are causing me immense discomfort and unease.


The way you're always runnin' 'round
Your constant, restless activity and lack of focus suggest that you are not fully committed to our relationship.


I just can't stand it, the way you always put me down
Your critical remarks and negative feedback are causing me to feel constantly belittled and unappreciated in this relationship.


I put a spell on you because you're mine
Once again, I have cast a spell on you to maintain your loyalty and make sure that you stay mine.


I put a spell on you. I put a spell on you
As a repetition of my earlier statement, I want to emphasize that my spell is an effective and binding way of securing your love and devotion to me.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAY HAWKINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@raymond4794

@@Tapez Hard to hear because of the sound quality i think something like:
^ = bend
*= hammer on
E
A
D 10 13
G 10 13^ 8 8 *10 8
B 13 11
e 13 11


Hope you can do something with it, good luck!



All comments from YouTube:

@PatronFabian

I love how everyone copies this song and tries to make it seem like a love song but I’m pretty sure the original intent was for it to be creepy as fuck like this. This is the best version ever!

@gb.510

A&F Vlog Apparently the original intent was for it to be a love ballad but he got drunk before he recorded and this came out. I think there’s an interview out there where he explains it

@eamfos

Marilyn Mansons cover is the closest to this..not a love song for sure ...

@rmp77

Nah... CCR have the best version ever!

@karltonlittle4347

Nina Simone's version gets all the attention because it's in fact the best version.

@shady596x4

A&F Vlog it is a love song, a creepy love song but a love song none the less

121 More Replies...

@SensualityMajestic187

This man voice is gothic! Dark opera vocals is crazy! Way ahead of it's time. RIP 🕊

@alby1006

Have you heard of Angelina Jordan? https://youtu.be/nwFloCPXzCs

@flipflopy8538

Not Gothic demonic is the word you are looking for

@SensualityMajestic187

@@flipflopy8538 u don't know what I'm looking for. I said what I said

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