Something Wicked This Way Comes: Unveiling the Origins of the Song

The Shakespearean Bedrock

The air crackles with anticipation, a shiver runs down your spine, and a whisper seems to slither through the darkness – “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” The phrase, steeped in mystery and foreboding, immediately conjures images of shadowy figures, lurking danger, and an unsettling sense of unease. But where does this potent phrase truly originate, and how has it been translated into the realm of music? While indelibly linked to the literary genius of William Shakespeare, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” has transcended its theatrical origins to become a recurring motif in the songwriting world, lending its eerie resonance to diverse musical genres. This article delves into the specific origins and evolution of the phrase’s presence in song, tracing its journey from the Bard’s quill to the modern soundscape. Understanding the Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin is key to understanding how art permeates art.

To truly understand the phrase’s power, we must first journey back to its birthplace: Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Act IV, Scene I transports us to a desolate cavern, where the three witches convene around a bubbling cauldron. Amidst their grotesque ingredients and chilling incantations, they conjure apparitions to reveal Macbeth’s fate. As the Second Apparition appears, a bloody child, the witches proclaim, “By the pricking of my thumbs, / Something wicked this way comes.”

In the context of the play, this line serves as a potent warning and a foreboding of Macbeth’s descent into tyranny. It foreshadows the arrival of Macduff, who, though born by cesarean section, can be seen as “not born of woman” according to the witch’s prophecy and who ultimately will kill Macbeth. The line itself is a powerful declaration, summoning a sense of dread and signaling the arrival of an evil force that threatens to disrupt the natural order. Its rhythmic cadence and alliterative quality make it particularly memorable, cementing its place in the literary canon. It is in this scene that we see the Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin bloom.

Beyond its narrative function, the quote resonated deeply with readers and writers alike, encapsulating the inherent human fascination with the darker aspects of existence. It speaks to our primal fears, our curiosity about the unknown, and our awareness that malevolence can lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life.

Whispers of Wickedness: Precursors and Early Adaptations

Finding specific musical interpretations predating well-known songs that directly use the phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes” can be challenging, as musical history often leaves earlier works undocumented or difficult to access. However, it is important to acknowledge the potential for earlier theatrical productions and musical scores associated with Macbeth itself. Many composers throughout history have been drawn to the play, creating incidental music to accompany performances. It is possible that some of these scores incorporated musical motifs or lyrical fragments inspired by the iconic line. However, verifiable examples of fully realized songs explicitly using the phrase from these early periods are difficult to definitively trace. The true Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin outside of Shakespeare has more modern roots.

Metallica’s Ominous Anthem: “The Thing That Should Not Be”

While not directly using the phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” Metallica’s “The Thing That Should Not Be,” from their seminal album Master of Puppets, draws heavily on the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos. Released in 1986, the song shares the thematic sense of encroaching dread and otherworldly evil that the phrase evokes. The lyrical content speaks of ancient, slumbering entities awakened to wreak havoc on humanity. James Hetfield’s guttural vocals and the song’s crushing instrumentation effectively create an atmosphere of impending doom.

The connection to “Something Wicked This Way Comes” lies in the shared feeling of something terrible on the horizon. The song masterfully establishes the feeling of ancient, unnameable horrors that transcend human understanding and control. Just as Shakespeare’s witches summon an evil force, Metallica conjures the image of Cthulhu rising from the depths, bringing madness and destruction. While not a literal adaptation, “The Thing That Should Not Be” captures the thematic essence of the phrase, demonstrating its influence through indirect allusion and shared emotional resonance. This is a crucial part of the larger Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin.

Iced Earth’s Theatrical Take: “Something Wicked Trilogy”

American heavy metal band Iced Earth delved directly into the phrase’s inherent darkness with their ambitious “Something Wicked Trilogy,” beginning with the album Something Wicked This Way Comes released in 1998. The album title itself is a clear homage to Shakespeare, and the trilogy weaves a complex narrative of a demonic entity named Set Abominae and his impact on humanity.

The “Something Wicked Trilogy” is not just a passing reference; it is the core concept underpinning the entire musical saga. Iced Earth uses the phrase as a launching point for exploring themes of good versus evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the cyclical nature of history. The lyrics are steeped in mythological and historical references, creating a rich and immersive world that draws the listener into the heart of the “wickedness” that is unfolding. Jon Schaffer’s songwriting and riffing create a sinister and epic atmosphere, further amplifying the sense of impending doom. Iced Earth’s direct engagement with the phrase firmly establishes its place within the metal genre and demonstrates the power of Shakespeare’s words to inspire elaborate musical narratives. Examining Iced Earth’s work is essential when exploring the Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin.

Avenged Sevenfold’s Glimpse of Madness: “Brompton Cocktail”

Avenged Sevenfold, with their blend of metalcore and hard rock, offer a glimpse into the phrase’s psychological implications with their song “Brompton Cocktail” from the album City of Evil. While not explicitly quoting the phrase, the song’s lyrics and overall theme evoke a sense of impending madness and psychological horror, alluding to the dark side of the human mind.

The song revolves around themes of addiction, inner turmoil, and the fragility of sanity. The phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes” is felt in the atmosphere of impending doom and psychological breakdown, as the protagonist descends further into chaos. While this song doesn’t use the direct quote, it stands out as a solid example to highlight the Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin.

A Legacy of Darkness: Enduring Appeal and Evolving Meaning

Analyzing these musical interpretations reveals common threads that bind them together. The phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes” consistently evokes a sense of impending doom, a feeling of unease, and an awareness of lurking danger. It speaks to the human fascination with the darker aspects of existence, our curiosity about the unknown, and our primal fears.

The enduring appeal of the phrase lies in its ambiguity and its ability to resonate with a wide range of emotions. It can represent external threats, internal struggles, or the seductive allure of forbidden knowledge. Its meaning continues to evolve beyond the original Shakespearean context, adapting to reflect the anxieties and concerns of each new generation. The Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin is ultimately linked to the universal themes of human experience.

In the realm of music, the phrase has become a shorthand for conveying a sense of darkness, mystery, and impending chaos. It allows artists to tap into a shared cultural understanding of fear and anticipation, creating a powerful connection with their audience. From Metallica’s Lovecraftian horrors to Iced Earth’s epic narratives, the phrase continues to inspire creative interpretations that explore the multifaceted nature of evil.

The Enduring Power of the Bard

Shakespeare’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes” remains a testament to the timeless power of language. His words, penned centuries ago, continue to resonate with artists and audiences today, inspiring new works of art across diverse mediums. The phrase has become more than just a line from a play; it is a cultural touchstone, a symbol of impending darkness, and a source of endless creative inspiration. As long as humanity grapples with the concepts of good and evil, fear and fascination, the echoes of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” will continue to reverberate through our art and culture. The Something Wicked This Way Comes song origin, therefore, remains a cornerstone of contemporary art.