“American Witch” by Rob Zombie
In “American Witch”, Rob Zombie sings about how some 20 innocent women were accused of practicing witchcraft and subsequently killed during. This is actually based on real life incident (the Salem Witch Trials) in 1692.
The song begins with the writer describing the events that led to the trials including the following:
- Birth of animals with deformed bodies
- A convulsive illness that occurred in children
The above ultimately made people accuse certain women of being behind those incidents. In the second verse, he continues to talk about how the court would search the bodies of those accused to find any strange mark that could implicate them.
When the singer talks about 20 innocents, he is referring to the 20 women, 19 of which were hanged and one pressed to death with stones. He recalls how they were dragged out of their homes, accused and sentenced without enough evidence. The song ends with the writer questioning whether people cared about the dreams and faith these women had.
The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials are often used as a primary example of how even progressive nations like the United States have had their issues with intolerance. It occurred during the late 17th century and was centered on a town in Massachusetts called Salem. Basically, what went down is that a bunch of people were accused of witchcraft, formally tried in court and either imprisoned or executed. Moreover, the majority of those who were executed were in fact women. In more recent times, this event is often used as a metaphor for what can transpire when mass hysteria, extremism or one-sidedness overrules reason.
“American Witch” Facts
Writing: Zombie penned “American Witch” with Scott Humphrey and one John 5
Production: Zombie alongside Humphrey
Album/EP: Rob Zombie’s 2006 metal album “Educated Horses”
Year of Release: 2006
Did Rob Zombie release “American Witch” as a single?
Yes. It was a promotional single from his “Educated Horses” album. Two other singles came out of this album. And they are:
- “Foxy Foxy”
- “Let It All Bleed Out”
