Unveiling the Origins of “Something Wicked This Way Comes”: More Than Just a Shakespearean Phrase
Introduction
The air crackles with anticipation, a shiver crawls down your spine, and a sense of unease settles deep within. The phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes” evokes a primal fear, a feeling that darkness is not only approaching but is perhaps already here. Uttered, whispered, or screamed, the words carry a weight that transcends mere language. But where does this potent phrase truly originate? More than a simple spooky saying, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” has deep roots in literature and has found its way into the hearts and minds of musicians across genres and decades.
This article explores the origins of “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” tracing it back to its literary beginnings in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and examining its profound influence on various songs. From heavy metal anthems to alternative rock introspection, the phrase continues to resonate, proving its enduring power as a symbol of approaching darkness and the seductive allure of evil.
Literary Roots: Shakespeare’s Macbeth
The phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes” is most famously associated with William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The scene in question is a pivotal moment in the play, adding to the feeling that disaster is on the horizon. As Macbeth seeks counsel from the three witches, they conjure apparitions and deliver prophecies that propel the tragic hero toward his ultimate downfall. It is during this eerie and disturbing ritual that the witches chant the now-iconic line.
The witches, with their ambiguous pronouncements and connection to the supernatural realm, embody the dark forces at play in Macbeth. They represent temptation, manipulation, and the allure of unchecked ambition. The line “Something Wicked This Way Comes” serves as a warning, not just to Macbeth but to the audience, signaling the arrival of malevolence and the corruption of the natural order. It prepares us for the horrors that are about to unfold as Macbeth’s greed and ambition consume him.
Shakespeare’s mastery of language elevates the phrase beyond a simple statement. The poetic rhythm and alliteration create a haunting melody that lingers in the mind. The word “wicked,” in Shakespeare’s time, carried even stronger connotations of evil and moral depravity than it does today. Its placement within the phrase, combined with the use of “this way comes,” gives the sense of an unstoppable force, a dark tide that cannot be turned back.
The enduring power of this phrase lies in its ability to tap into our deepest fears. It speaks to our anxieties about the unknown, the potential for evil within ourselves and others, and the consequences of succumbing to temptation. “Something Wicked This Way Comes” has resonated with audiences for centuries because it captures the essence of the human struggle between good and evil, a battle that is as relevant today as it was in Shakespeare’s time. It expertly establishes the dark and supernatural atmosphere of the play, setting the stage for the tragedy that will inevitably follow.
Musical Interpretations: From Covers to Original Songs
The chilling resonance of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” has made it a popular source of inspiration for musicians across various genres. Artists have borrowed the phrase, not only as a song title but also as a thematic cornerstone, exploring themes of darkness, temptation, and the struggle against evil within their music.
Iced Earth’s Dark Prophecy
One notable example is the song “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by the American heavy metal band Iced Earth. Formed in Tampa, Florida, in the mid-eighties, Iced Earth has built a strong following over the years thanks to their blend of thrash, power metal, and progressive elements. The song “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” appearing on their concept album *Something Wicked This Way Comes,* released in nineteen ninety-eight, is central to their “Something Wicked” storyline, which encompasses multiple albums.
The band uses the phrase to introduce the character Set Abominae, an ancient evil entity poised to wreak havoc on humanity. The lyrics are filled with imagery of darkness, destruction, and the corruption of innocence. Musically, the song employs heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a soaring vocal performance to create a sense of epic dread and impending doom. The use of the phrase in the title directly connects the song to the themes of Macbeth, evoking a sense of ancient evil being unleashed upon the world. Iced Earth’s utilization of the phrase leans heavily into the foreboding feeling that is so prevalent in the Shakespearean play. The reception to both the song and album were incredibly positive, only adding to the band’s already strong fanbase.
Coheed and Cambria’s Apocalyptic Vision
Another band that have embraced the phrase is Coheed and Cambria. This American progressive rock band has created a very dedicated fanbase due to their commitment to weaving narrative elements into their albums and songs. “Something Wicked This Way Comes”, found on their album *Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness,* explores similar dark themes, though with a more personal and introspective approach. In this case, the song is more of a somber reflection on the inevitability of loss and death, and the struggle to find meaning in the face of despair.
The band has discussed in interviews how the phrase helped influence the mood and tone of their album. Musically, the song employs a blend of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and introspective lyrics to create an atmosphere of both despair and hope. It is an album of both triumph and sorrow, which helps the phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes” fit in perfectly. The album had a generally positive response, even managing to chart relatively well for an album that has elements of the progressive rock genre.
The Algorithm’s Electronic Overture
While the phrase is used most often within metal, there are other artists who have also employed it in their work. The Algorithm is a French musician who creates a blend of djent and electronic music. While he hasn’t made a song with the same title, the phrase has been used many times within his music, most famously in his song “Void”. It is commonly employed as a leitmotif, which enhances the meaning and emotion. The usage of the phrase in an electronic context also helps enhance the feeling of something artificial that is approaching, which helps play into some of the themes of transhumanism within the music. It is a perfect encapsulation of what is so great about the phrase, as it can be used in many different contexts and music genres.
Common Themes and Variations
Across these musical interpretations, certain common threads emerge. Artists consistently use the phrase to evoke a sense of dread, foreboding, or the supernatural. Themes of darkness, corruption, temptation, and the battle between good and evil are frequently explored, often through dark and evocative lyrics and the use of musical elements designed to create a specific atmosphere. Minor keys, dissonant chords, heavy instrumentation, and dramatic vocal performances are all employed to amplify the sense of impending doom and the alluring nature of wickedness. What makes the phrase so great is its versatility and ability to elicit emotions of both fear and temptation.
Beyond Music: The Phrase in Popular Culture
The influence of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” extends far beyond the realm of music. It has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, appearing in countless books, films, television shows, and video games.
Ray Bradbury’s nineteen sixty-two novel of the same name is perhaps the most well-known example outside of Shakespeare. Bradbury’s story, set in a small Midwestern town, tells the tale of two young boys who encounter a sinister traveling carnival that brings darkness and temptation to their community. The novel further cemented the phrase’s association with the arrival of evil and the loss of innocence.
Today, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” serves as a cultural shorthand for impending danger or a malevolent presence. It is a phrase that instantly evokes a sense of unease and suggests that something sinister is lurking just around the corner. Its versatility and inherent dramatic power have made it a favorite among writers, filmmakers, and artists seeking to create a sense of suspense and intrigue. It has become an instantly recognizable signal that something is terribly wrong, and that the balance of the world is about to be upset.
Conclusion
The journey of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” from its origins in Shakespeare’s Macbeth to its countless appearances in popular culture is a testament to the enduring power of language and the human fascination with darkness. Originally a chilling prediction spoken by the witches, it has become a symbol of approaching evil and the seductive allure of temptation.
From the epic heavy metal of Iced Earth to the progressive introspection of Coheed and Cambria, and even within electronic compositions, artists have embraced the phrase and re-imagined it in countless ways, exploring themes of darkness, corruption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The versatility of the phrase is something to be applauded.
The phrase “Something Wicked This Way Comes” continues to fascinate and inspire artists and audiences alike, reminding us of the power of suggestion and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s themes. It makes you wonder what is so special about the phrase and why it has managed to persevere for so long? Perhaps it is the simplicity, the alliteration, or simply the raw emotion that these simple words evoke. Whatever it is, the phrase is likely to continue to be relevant for many years to come. Ultimately, it speaks to our innate human curiosity about the unknown and our enduring fascination with the darker aspects of the human condition, proving that even after centuries, Shakespeare’s words can still send a shiver down our spines.
