Burn The Witch

Album: Lullabies To Paralyze (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song the lead guitar and backup vocals are provided by ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - Rostock, Germany
  • This song is based on the Witch Trials in Salem, Massachusetts, where people accused of witchcraft were imprisoned and sometimes executed.
  • The theme of the album Lullabies To Paralyze is that of a child's fairytale book. The album booklet and songs depict this. The video for the song features people hunting a witch. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Marc - United Kingdom
  • Josh Homme felt victimized because of the flak he received for sacking his longtime friend, bassist, vocalist, and co-songwriter Nick Oliveri. The song's lyrics about the Salem Witch Trials acted as a metaphor for the hostility Homme was getting at the time. He explained to Spin magazine in a 2013 interview: "I felt a little persecuted because I fired my best friend and it was really hard and it wasn't about music. And I didn't say anything, thinking that people would respect that decision. But instead, I felt these social rocks hitting me. Instead of saying, 'I feel persecuted,' I wrote 'Burn the Witch.' I thought, 'Well this is clear as day' and it's more interesting than writing 'What the f--k is your problem?' But people didn't pick up on it."

    Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri first played together in the seminal desert-rock band Kyuss in the early '90s. Oliveri then joined his pal in Queens Of the Stone Age, shortly after they recorded their debut album in 1998. According to Homme he ordered Oliveri to leave the band in 2004, after he had been physically abusive to his girlfriend. Ever since Oliveri was fired, fans have clamored for his return to the band and their wish was partly granted when he contributed backing vocals to a couple of tracks on ...Like Clockwork in 2013.

Comments: 1

  • Ryan from New Lexington, OhOverall badass song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.