That Old Black Magic

Harold Arlen, Skip Nelson & The Modernaires, The Modernaires, Glenn Miller & His Orchestra, Skip Nelson

About That Old Black Magic

"That Old Black Magic" is a 1942 popular song written by Harold Arlen (music), with the lyrics by Johnny Mercer.. They wrote it for the 1942 film Star Spangled Rhythm, when it was sung by Johnny Johnston and danced by Vera Zorina. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943 but lost out to "You'll Never Know". It was first recorded by Gordon Jenkins and his Orchestra on July 9, 1942, and was released as a single by Judy Garland in January 1943 – in advance of the movie's release. Five other recordings (also made in 1942) followed within the next two weeks. 


Year:
1995
3:06
38 
#1

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Old black magic has me in its spell
Old black magic that you weave so well 
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
The same old witch craft when your eyes meet mine
Same old tingle that I feel inside
Then the elevator starts it ride

Down and down I go
Round and round I go
Like a leaf caught in a tide
I should stay away but what can I do 
I hear your name and I'm a flame

Flame, flame of desire 
Only your kiss can put out the fire 
Oh you're the lover I have waiting for 
Your the mate that fate had me created for 
And every time your lips meet mine

Down and down I go 
Round and round I go 
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in 
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin lovin' the spin I'm in 
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin lovin' the spin I'm in 
Under the old black magic called love
I should stay away but what can I do 
I hear your name and I'm a flame

Flame, flame of desire 
Only your kiss can put out the fire 
Oh you are the lover I have waited for
Your the mate that fate had me created for 
And every time your lips meet mine

Down and down I go 
Round and round I go 
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in 
Under the old black magic called love

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Harold Arlen

Harold Arlen (February 15, 1905 – April 23, 1986) was an American composer of popular music, having written over 500 songs, a number of which have become known the world over. In addition to composing the songs for The Wizard of Oz, including the classic 1938 song, "Over the Rainbow,” Arlen is a highly regarded contributor to the Great American Songbook. "Over the Rainbow" was voted the twentieth century's No. 1 song by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). more »

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Written by: HAROLD ARLEN, JOHNNY MERCER

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Songwriter Information
"That Old Black Magic" was a melody composed by Harold Arlen with the lyrics penned by Johnny Mercer.
Song Release
The song was originally recorded and released by Judy Garland in 1942.
Academy Awards
"That Old Black Magic" was used in the film "Star Spangled Rhythm", which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943.
Version Performances
This song has been performed by various artists over the decades, hence, many unique versions of it exist. Apart from Judy Garland, some other noteworthy performers include Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Grammy Hall of Fame
The version sung by Louis Prima and Keely Smith in 1958 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame on February 8, 1999.
Song Rankings
The song also made it to the charts in its release year with Glenn Miller's version reaching No. 1 and Judy Garland's version reaching No. 10.
Use in Television and Film
"That Old Black Magic" has made numerous appearances in popular culture, featuring in anime, TV series, and movies. It's been heard in films like "Bus Stop" (1956) and shows like "American Horror Story: Coven".
Influence on Other Songs
The melody of "That Old Black Magic" influenced other songs such as "This Could Be the Start of Something", written by Steve Allen.
Song Theme
The song is about a romantic interest who puts a ‘spell’ on the singer, reflecting the irresistibility and charm of the loved one, hence the reference to ‘black magic’.
Recognition by American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
In 1961, at ASCAP's 25th Anniversary celebration, "That Old Black Magic" was recognized as one of the top songs in its repertory.

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