The Dark Origins of “Something Wicked This Way Comes”: From Shakespeare to Song

Introduction

The air hangs heavy with anticipation, a sense of impending doom clinging to the edges of our awareness. It’s a feeling familiar to anyone who has ever watched a horror film, read a gothic novel, or simply sensed that something unsettling is about to occur. This feeling often bubbles up when encountering a phrase that has resonated through the ages: “Something wicked this way comes.” Beyond its immediate impact, the phrase has a history that is interwoven with literature and more recently, with music. While that simple phrase often gets a shudder from most, the something wicked this way comes song origin has a much more layered and detailed origin that begins long before any modern music.

Originating from the pen of William Shakespeare in his chilling tragedy Macbeth, the line has transcended its theatrical roots to become a cultural touchstone. It’s a potent reminder of the darker aspects of human nature, the seductive pull of temptation, and the inescapable consequences of our actions. This article aims to delve into the fascinating journey of this phrase, exploring its Shakespearean beginnings and charting its evolution into the realm of music, examining how different artists have interpreted and reimagined its chilling essence. We will uncover the layers that make up the something wicked this way comes song origin and discover how the bard of Avon has transcended genre and time.

The songs titled “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” while undeniably influenced by Shakespeare’s iconic verse, each offer unique artistic interpretations and explorations of themes such as darkness, temptation, and the anticipation of inevitable doom. Through lyrical analysis and contextual exploration, we will trace the lineage of this captivating phrase and understand its continued relevance in contemporary music.

Shakespearean Genesis The Tragedy of Macbeth

To truly understand the power and impact of “Something wicked this way comes,” we must first return to its source: Act Four, Scene One of Macbeth. In this pivotal scene, Macbeth seeks counsel from the three witches, desperate to know his future and secure his reign. The witches, brewing their infernal concoction in a cauldron, chant the famous line as they summon apparitions to reveal Macbeth’s fate. The phrase is not merely a statement; it’s an incantation, a signal that something malevolent is approaching, something that will irrevocably alter Macbeth’s destiny.

Within the play, “wicked” represents not only moral corruption but also the supernatural forces that manipulate and ultimately destroy Macbeth. The “something” that is coming is multifaceted: it encompasses the apparitions themselves, the prophecies they deliver, and the inevitable downfall that awaits Macbeth as a result of his ambition and his willingness to embrace darkness. The phrase is filled with an unnerving anticipation, a feeling of dread that permeates the entire scene. The alliteration, the rhythmic cadence, and the inherent ambiguity of the words all contribute to its lasting power.

The line’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into a primal fear – the fear of the unknown, the fear of forces beyond our control, and the fear of the consequences of our own choices. It resonates because it speaks to the darkness that resides within us all, the temptation to stray from the path of righteousness. Its impact is undeniable, and it has been reinterpreted and recontextualized countless times in literature, film, television, and of course, music. This enduring legacy is key to the something wicked this way comes song origin, the roots that each later interpretation drew from.

Echoes in Song Exploring Musical Interpretations

Numerous bands and artists across diverse genres have been drawn to the evocative power of “Something wicked this way comes,” using it as a title or lyrical inspiration for their songs. Each interpretation offers a unique perspective on the phrase, exploring its themes in different ways.

AFI

Consider the work of AFI, who, while not having a song directly titled, “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” their song “Something to Die For” (often subtitled with the phrase) comes close. Founded in the early 1990s, AFI (A Fire Inside) has evolved through multiple genres, including hardcore punk, alternative rock, and gothic rock. “Something to Die For” appeared on the soundtrack of the film Frankenweenie, released in 2012. The band brings a unique take to the concept of something wicked. This isn’t a malevolent outside force, but the deep desire for love that could lead to tragedy. That core idea of love, twisted by fate, is the something wicked lurking just below the surface.

Lyrically, the song delves into themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the intoxicating allure of darkness. While not a direct retelling of Macbeth, the song evokes a similar atmosphere of foreboding and impending doom. The lyrics “And something wicked this way comes to claim you/So full of venom, she will come to tame you” suggest a powerful, seductive force that is both irresistible and destructive. AFI’s signature blend of haunting melodies and Davey Havok’s distinctive vocals amplify the song’s emotional intensity, creating a captivating and unsettling listening experience.

The phrase “Something Wicked” could be a metaphor for the destructive nature of obsession or the intoxicating allure of danger. The overall effect is a song that captures the essence of Shakespeare’s line – the sense of unease, the anticipation of something terrible, and the realization that we are often drawn to the very things that will destroy us.

Iced Earth

Then there’s Iced Earth, known for their heavy metal sound and storytelling. Many of their songs are steeped in historical events. For Iced Earth, the something wicked this way comes song origin is closer to the intended meaning of the phrase. Their music is filled with foreboding and impending evil. Their use of the phrase might be directly tied to the Shakespearean play or perhaps to a broader sense of impending darkness in the world.

Motionless In White

The heavy metal band, Motionless in White, also has a song titled, “Something Wicked.” Formed in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 2005, the band blends elements of metalcore, gothic metal, and industrial rock, creating a dark and theatrical sound that perfectly complements the themes of horror and the macabre. “Something Wicked” leans into the theatrical, embracing the darkness and creating a soundscape that embodies the eerie anticipation that the Shakespearean phrase so perfectly encapsulates.

In this context, “something wicked” is more a personification of the artist’s own inner demons and the struggles that they have in life. This is something that almost everyone deals with, and by using the phrase “something wicked” Motionless In White takes on a more personal interpretation of the phrase, taking it from the dark omens of Shakespeare to a more personal level.

Common Threads and Divergent Paths

While each of these songs draws inspiration from the same Shakespearean source, they diverge in their interpretation and execution. They share a common thematic thread – an exploration of darkness, temptation, and the anticipation of something terrible – but they express these themes in unique ways, reflecting the individual artistic visions of each band.

AFI utilizes lyrical ambiguity and emotional intensity to create a haunting atmosphere, while Iced Earth possibly weaves the phrase into a larger narrative, drawing on historical or mythological influences. The variation in genre only serves to highlight the strength of Shakespeare’s words. Each artist’s unique style makes the phrase their own while keeping the original intent.

The degree to which the songs directly reference Macbeth varies. Some may simply borrow the phrase as a title or lyrical motif, while others may delve deeper into the play’s themes and characters. Regardless of the specific connection, the use of “Something wicked this way comes” allows artists to tap into a pre-existing cultural understanding of dread and anticipation, instantly creating a sense of unease in the listener. They also may delve into the deep, dark roots of the something wicked this way comes song origin.

An Undying Phrase The Power of Language

The phrase “Something wicked this way comes” continues to resonate with artists and audiences alike because it speaks to a fundamental aspect of the human condition: our fascination with darkness. We are drawn to stories of horror, tragedy, and the supernatural because they allow us to confront our fears and explore the darker corners of our own psyches.

Artists are drawn to the phrase because it provides a potent symbol for exploring these themes. It’s a versatile phrase that can be interpreted in countless ways, allowing for endless creative possibilities. It evokes an immediate reaction, and can be used to create mood and atmosphere quickly.

As we move further into the future, it’s likely that “Something wicked this way comes” will continue to appear in songs, books, films, and other forms of art. Its enduring power lies in its ability to tap into a universal sense of dread and anticipation, reminding us that darkness is always lurking just beneath the surface. The something wicked this way comes song origin may have started with Shakespeare, but it is still evolving today.

The enduring legacy of “Something wicked this way comes” is a testament to the power of language and its ability to inspire art across centuries. Shakespeare’s words have become a part of our collective consciousness, shaping our understanding of darkness, temptation, and the human condition. As long as these themes continue to resonate with us, the phrase will continue to inspire artists to create new and compelling works of art. This means that the something wicked this way comes song origin story is only just getting started.