SEASON OF THE WITCH - the message in the song

There’s something timelessly enchanting about Lana Del Rey’s cover of “Season of the Witch.” When I first heard her rendition, I felt that familiar thrill of standing on the edge of a vast, unseen realm—the season of the witch itself. It’s not just about supernatural vibes; it’s an invitation to dive into our lives, seeing them as they are, full of quirks, contradictions, and shadowy mysteries.

The song opens with that subtle observation: “When I look out my window, many sights to see. And when I look in my window, so many different people to be.” How often do we look out at the world and see strangeness staring back at us as if life’s holding up a mirror, inviting us to reflect on who we are? Lana captures that strange duality so well—those moments where we feel both enchanted by the mysteries around us and cautious of the unknown.

Then, there’s that haunting refrain: “You’ve got to pick up every stitch…” It’s a call to action, a reminder that life doesn’t just hand us answers. We have to work through each detail, stitch by stitch, unravelling the complexities in front of us. This line resonates as a mantra of resilience—facing challenges and oddities, piecing things together no matter how tangled they seem.

As the song goes on, there’s a hint of caution, a sense of watching our backs. “When I look over my shoulder… what do you think I see?” We see another “strange cat” gazing back, mirroring our own uncertainties. Here, Lana’s voice holds that eerie, almost whimsical quality, capturing the essence of self-reflection and the way we sometimes project our own questions onto others. It’s as if life itself is telling us to embrace these strange encounters, to accept both the beauty and the tension in this “season of the witch.”

But what does this “season of the witch” mean? Is it simply the mystical aura we tend to associate with October and the Halloween season, or is it a metaphor for times when people challenge norms, embrace their individuality, and are often misunderstood? Lana’s version feels like a call to accept those who live on the edges, who might not fit in easily. In many ways, it's about accepting our own strangeness and that of others—seeing the world as it is, peculiarities and all, and finding a way to move through it with grace and resilience.

Listen to Lana Del Rey's rendition of, Season of the Witch

“Season of the Witch,” originally written and performed by Donovan Leitch in the mid-1960s, became a haunting anthem for a turbulent era. The 1960s were a time of intense social change, marked by the counterculture movement, protests, and a dramatic reshaping of societal norms. Donovan’s lyrics capture the paranoia, disillusionment, and defiance that permeated the decade, speaking directly to a generation questioning the establishment and seeking freedom from conventional thinking.

Donovan wrote “Season of the Witch” in 1966, during a period when counterculture was rising against traditional systems and norms. The Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and an explosion of new political ideologies created a society in flux. For many young people, it was a time of awakening but also uncertainty. This climate made the song feel almost like a coded message, capturing the spirit of rebellion and the strange “witching hour” of change.

The line, “You’ve got to pick up every stitch,” might seem cryptic, but in the context of the time, it suggested vigilance and the need to pay attention to details in a world where the truth could be elusive. Many interpreted the song as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to see through illusions and be aware of hidden forces shaping society. The concept of a “season of the witch” hinted at a societal reckoning, a time when unconventional thinkers—those who challenged the status quo—were met with suspicion or hostility, much like the witches of history.

In Donovan’s original recording, his hypnotic melody and lyrics, laced with surrealism, embodied the psychedelic essence of the 60s. His words hinted at a world that was both enchanting and dangerous, a mix of wonder and wariness. It echoed the feeling that change was not just coming—it was already here, and one had to be ready to navigate it.

So, “Season of the Witch” became more than just a song; it was a snapshot of a moment in time. It reminded listeners to question, to be vigilant, and to remain resilient, even in the face of sweeping societal change.

Listen to Donovan Leitch's original, Season of the Witch

Lyrics by Donovan Leitch:

When I look out my window
Many sights to see
And when I look in my window
So many different people to be
That it's strange, so strange

You've got to pick up every stitch
You've got to pick up every stitch
You've got to pick up every stitch
Mmm, must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch, yeah
Must be the season of the witch

When I look over my shoulder
What do you think I see?
Some other cat lookin' over
His shoulder at me
And he's strange, sure, he's strange

You've got to pick up every stitch
You've got to pick up every stitch, yeah
Beatniks are out to make it rich
Oh no, must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch, yeah
Must be the season of the witch

You've got to pick up every stitch
The rabbits running in the ditch
Beatniks are out to make it rich
Oh no, must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch

Where'd I go?

When I look out my window
What do you think I see?
And when I look in my window
So many different people to be
It's strange, sure is strange
You've got to pick up every stitch
You've got to pick up every stitch
The rabbits running in the ditch
Oh no, must be the season of the witch
Must be the season of the witch, yeah
Must be the season of the witch
Where'd I go?
Where'd I go?

So, what do you think? Does “Season of the Witch” resonate with you as a reminder to embrace life’s complexities, or maybe as a call to be brave enough to face our own shadows? I’d love to hear how this song speaks to you, especially if you, like me, find magic in life’s strange mysteries. Drop a comment below, and let’s unravel this song together!

~ Tracey