Bonnie Tyler
bonnie tyler, “i put a spell on you”
from: all in one voice,1998
“By the late 90s the days of mega-hits like “It’s a Heartache” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart” were in the past for Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, but she continued (and continues) to release some fine music. I especially like her 1998 album, “All In One Voice”, which features this heart-wrenching version of “I Put a Spell on You” (recorded earlier that year for Mike Batt’s “Philharmania”). Pretty sure it’s Chris Spedding on guitar.
She’s not trying to out-scream Jay Hawkins (who could?); rather she uses her signature rasp to keep things just below the boiling point. Whereas Jay Hawkins’ “spell” sounds like a threat, Bonnie Tyler’s feels like it comes from a place of despair.
-Charlie Blaum-
I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine
You better stop the things you do
I ain’t lying
I ain’t lying
I can’t stand it
The way you run around
I can’t stand it
The way you always put me down
I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine
I love you
I love you anyhow
And I don’t care
If you don’t want me
I’m yours anyhow
I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine
Because you’re mine
Because you’re mine
(Jay Hawkins)”