American Witch

Album: Educated Horses (2006)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, when women suspected of performing witchcraft were burned alive. When Zombie sings about "20 innocent," he is referring to the 20 people who died during the witch trials. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Joe - Chicago, IL

Comments: 7

  • Sana from Lahore, PakistanGiles Corey was accused of witchcraft, but he died because he refused to plead 'guilty' or 'not guilty' of being a warlock in court. The punishment for not pleading was 'peine forte et dure'. This involved being tortured-this includes the pressing with stones-until the person in questions pleads.
  • Leeja from Philadelphia, Pathis song reminds me of a book i read in the sixth garde, gallows hill by lois duncan.
  • Mike from Burkittsville, MdGood song. Rob Zombie is cool. I think the song is about the Salem witch trials.
  • Tommy from Marietta, GaIf ONLY Educated Horses came out earlier.
    When I was in Middle School, there was this teacher, Mrs. Krodman, who was one complete BITCH, who I had for a teacher for all three years in middle school. But at the end of 8th grade, I knew I wouldn't have to see her anymore and the lyrics, "The end, the end, of the american witch!" would have been really helpful with Rob Zombie telling me that she's gone and 20 of your classmates where innocent and NOT 1 deserved those lunch detentions, or days in ISS.

    That's how I can relate to that song because "If you had Mrs. Krodman for a teacher, she was THE WITCH! and now that I'm enjoying my summer and about to be a juinor in high school, I can realize that Rob Zombie is telling me that it's the end of the witch and is no longer of concern."
  • Daniel from Derby, KsStill the song is about the salem witch trials, FINALLY someone else gets it
  • Patrick from Bremen, GaNot all of them were hanged. Giles Corey was crushed to death using large stones that were stacked on top of him. Some were tortured in other ways.
  • Dave from Indianapolis, InThe people that were suspected of being witches were
    hanged not burned alive as that had been baned.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Joe Ely

Joe ElySongwriter Interviews

The renown Texas songwriter has been at it for 40 years, with tales to tell about The Flatlanders and The Clash - that's Joe's Tex-Mex on "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.