64 Songs About Magic

FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

It's a Magical World

I'm married to an engineer—calculating, logical, precise. He sees magic in nothing, although he does know enough to say that being married to me is magical (wink, wink). I choose to see magic nearly everywhere.

Magic to me is that inexplicable spark between two people. Magic resides in a child's hug and in snuggling tender kittens. I experience it as reverence for nature and wonder in art. And magic exists, too, in the talent of a surgeon or an expert who operates at the peak of his or her performance.

I hope you have a sheer abundance of magic in your life. Why not make a "Magic Playlist" to celebrate everything in your life that is mysterious and enchanting? We have a long list of pop, rock, and country songs to start you off with.

1. "Don't Kill the Magic" by MAGIC!

The narrator in this 2014 song feels his partner pulling back from him, and he's begging her, "Don't kill the magic." He offers anything she might want: space, change, a little time, to sleep apart. The desperate man just wants to salvage their relationship.

2. "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars

This 2016 pop song captures all the flash and braggadocio that Bruno Mars is known for. Its narrator is a player who has allowed his wealth go to straight to his head.

He's flashing his "24 karat magic" pinkie ring and all his other gaudy possessions in public, hoping to attract lots of female attention. I say that if you're working that hard, it's not magic at all.

3. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police

Sting wrote this song years before he was with The Police, and the group ended up dubbing over his demo tape. This 1981 hit song is about a man who is smitten with a woman he cannot have. To him, "every little thing she does is magic" and enchanting, but he can't bring himself to reveal his true feelings.

4. "Abracadabra" by Steve Miller Band

The man in this 1982 song is feeling mighty overheated because his lady friend is working him over with some sexual magic. In response to her magic spell he:

• feels like he's spinning,
• begs for her kiss,
• wants to grab her (careful now, buddy), and
• is emotionally out of control.

Someone throw some water on this guy!

5. "Magic" by Olivia Netwon-John

This optimistic song from 1980 expresses support and encouragement for following your dreams. There's magic in being the master of your own fate:

You have to believe we are magic
Nothin' can stand in our way.
You have to believe we are magic
Don't let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Your destiny will arrive
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you.

6. "This Magic Moment" by Jay and the Americans

Aww, the young man in this 1969 song is feeling all magical and tingly. It's a new experience that has taken him by surprise, and he has his summer love to thank.

7. "Magic" by Colbie Caillat

In this 2007 song, the woman is mesmerized with the magic in her lover's touch. He has magic in his fingertips and his lips awaken her in more ways than one. Just a look makes her feel weak. (Now just watch him wave his magic wand.)

8. "Magic" by Coldplay

The heartbroken protagonist in this 2014 song longs for his former sweetheart. He still considers her magic and doesn't want anyone else but her. That lady's cast one heck of a spell on him, don't you think?

9. "Make A Little Magic" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

He may think he's being super smooth, but the dude in this 1980s country song needs to polish his approach. The narrator isn't getting the many signals that his love interest isn't all that into him.

The woman:

• gives excuses,
• runs for cover when he gets too close,
• talks about other men, and
• changes the subject.

But our Mr. Sexy Pants still proposes that they make a little magic before the night is through. He even insults her: "A boy could get pneumonia sitting next to you." Yep, that's a sure-fire way to light her fire. No wonder he's single.

10. "You Can Do Magic" by America

The guy in this 1982 song was once a realist, but that was before he met the magic lady who cast a love spell on him. She has hypnotized him and dried his tears. This alluring woman can work him like putty in her hands if she wants to.

11. "Magic" by Smashmouth

This 2012 alternative rock song tells the story of the narrator who becomes instantly attracted to a woman he meets on a plane. When she visits him, however, he discovers that his magical lady has a talent for disappearing acts, like Houdini or David Copperfield. Understandably, he starts to feel used. Perhaps he should check his wallet and credit cards to make sure they're still there, too?

12. "The Magic Hour Is Now" by Hellogoodbye

In photography, the "magic hour" (or golden hour) is the period when the sun sits on the horizon shortly after sunrise or before sunset). During this time, the light is soft and diffused rather than harsh, like at other times during the day.

Analogizing love to the sun, this 2013 indie rock song is about the inevitability of love:

Every time you run away it gets closer
You can't escape its raw power
It's coming up
The magic hour is now.

5 Magic Words in English

13. "Magic" by The Cars

The narrator is working his moves on a woman in this 1984 pop song, and he's confident it's magic he's making. (How's that for confidence?)

He thinks he's got a hold on her and can see it in her eyes. Is he right, or is it just some mystical thinking on his part?

14. "Do You Believe in Magic" by The Lovin' Spoonful

This catchy song from 1965 is timeless because it captures the essential truth of music: Music is sheer magic because it sets you free. A great song can make you smile and start tapping your feet. Then, before you know it, you'll be dancing late into the night.

15. "Love Sex Magic" by Ciara (featuring Justin Timberlake)

The two people in this 2009 song just need to get a room:

So let me drive my body around you, I bet you know what I mean
Cause you know that I can make you believe in love and sex and magic.

The woman suggests she'll wear nothing but shoes, and the man wants her to grab him by the neck and engage in sexy talk. Well, that's magical, I guess.

16. "Strange Magic" by Electric Light Orchestra

Although the lyrics are repetitive and simple, this 1975 song is catchy. It's about a guy whose magic relationship is about to end, even though he doesn't want it to.

The protagonist claims he's "got a strange magic." Over and over and over. Could his lack of variety in conversation be fueling her desire to leave?

17. "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

Between the number "13" and broken mirrors, the narrator in this 1972 classic warns against investing too much attention in superstitions. Practical and level-headed, he explains that "when you believe in things that you don't understand, then you suffer."

What superstitions do you believe in? Some of the most common include:

• lucky charms
• picking up a penny on heads for good luck
• not walking under ladders
• making sure black cats don't cross your path and
• aversion for the numbers 13 and 666.

18. "Magic Bullet" by Jacob Whitesides

If you don't know what a magic bullet is, don't worry. I didn't either. (No, it isn't that "Kitchen Magician" appliance they sell on late night infomercials!)

In this 2015 upbeat song, the type of magic bullet the narrator refers to is a mysterious, highly prized remedy with valuable healing properties. He tells his girlfriend that he wants to be her lover as well as her best friend. Seeking "all in" commitment, the guy asks her to hit him with her magic bullet because he can take it.

19. "All The Magic" by Natalie Imbruglia

Having had her heart broken in the past, the tentative woman in this 2007 has rediscovered love. Her new partner has brought the magic back to her heart. As a result, she feels like she is waking for the first time. Promises finally have meaning again because of the magical healing that has taken place.

20. "Summer Is Magic" by Playahitti

This 1994 Eurodance song is about the magic of summer love — carefree and happy. Summer love: sing it, dance it, and enjoy it while it lasts. The song was a hit in the rest of the world but barely made a dent on the American pop charts.

Even More Songs About Magic

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2016 FlourishAnyway

Comments

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 29, 2020:

Peggy - Good addition! Thank you!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 29, 2020:

"Do You Believe in Magic," "Love Potion No. 9," and other older ones are familiar. I thought that I would see "Puff the Magic Dragon" on your list.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on May 20, 2018:

Steve Howard - Now that's one I haven't done yet. Are you referring to the color blue (Blue Christmas, Blue Suede Shoes, Blue Ain't Your Color, Blue Eyes, etc.)? If I can think of enough, that'll be next.

Steve Howard on May 20, 2018:

Found your site when I asked G.A. for a list of songs with the word blue in them. Have you done that word?

Enjoyed the Magic list.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on February 12, 2018:

momsurfing - Thank you for the suggestion. Although I wasn't able to find much information on that one, it triggered two additional songs. Have a great week.

momsurfing on February 11, 2018:

voodoo woman by the phantom rockers

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 26, 2018:

Caroline - Are you talking about "I Believe in Music?"

Caroline on January 26, 2018:

Add “I Believe in Magic”

Mac Davis - Donny Hathaway

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 05, 2018:

Frank - Thanks for the compliment. Best wishes for a fantastic 2018!

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on January 05, 2018:

could this be magic.. who sung that? Also noticed you had Queen on your list.. a great list and a great hub..:)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 05, 2018:

Jeff Schiewe - Thanks a bunch for these suggestions! Happy New Year!

Jeff Schiewe on January 04, 2018:

I LOVE your list and I thank you for enhancing my own Magic playlist. Here are a few more for you....Frank Sinatra - That Old Black Magic, Steppenwolf - Magic Carpet Ride, Helen Reddy - The Magic Is Still There, Jimi Hendrix - Spanish Castle Magic, Perry Como - Magic Moments, The Who - Magic Bus, Blind Melon - 3 Is A Magic Number (Schoolhouse Rock cover), The Hollies - Magic Woman Touch, Bay City Rollers - You Made Me Believe In Magic

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 24, 2016:

Gypsy Rose Lee - Glad you enjoyed this. I enjoy the perspective that there is magic all around us. Have a magical week.

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on October 23, 2016:

An awesome and most magical list of songs. Will check them all out soonest. Some I know, some I don't. I know when I'm working on my music blog I pick music themes or words to be in the title then I check out my choices and sometimes I discover like I see about the word magic there are so many songs that I can return to a certain theme at least a couple of times or more. Well done and enjoyed.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 18, 2016:

Linda - Thank you for your kind comment. It's not something I would typically write about, but I when I look at nature I see all the magic there is to see in this world. It's enchanting and breathtaking and captures my heart. I hope you have magic in your life, too.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on October 17, 2016:

Magic is a lovely theme for a playlist. Thanks for sharing another enjoyable and informative article, Flourish.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 17, 2016:

Heidi - So happy that I could bring back some good memories. Thanks for your loyal readership!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 17, 2016:

Linda - That's a good question! To me, a miracle is magic gone bonkers. Thanks for reading and have a great week! I appreciate you.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on October 17, 2016:

A new playlist is always a good way to start a Monday! I'm partial to Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" and Heart's "Magic Man." But seeing your list, the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" will probably be today's ear worm. :) Thanks for all the fun and magic you bring to our world!

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on October 16, 2016:

You didn't miss a one...and added a lot more that I had forgotten, and more than a few that I had never heard of. Bill gives us wings, you give us music. I have a question for you though--what is the difference between "magic" and "miracles" or are they just different names for the same thing?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 16, 2016:

MsDora - He's more of a scientific type, definitely not magical, but he does know how to make me happy. Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a magical week!

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on October 16, 2016:

You surely live up to your mission of finding playlists for every situation and you are creating lots of enjoyment for lots of folks. Hoping that one day your dear husband will feel the magic.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 16, 2016:

Hi, Bill - I figured this Magic Playlist was right up your alley. It has a number of tunes from the era you seem to prefer, based on the occasional music selections in your hubs. Glad you found at least one that you really enjoyed.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 16, 2016:

Larry - There are some I leave off because I think they're too dusty and obscure or I just really hate them. Sometimes it's an obvious one I accidentally leave off! If you see anything I did omit, set me straight. Have a great week!

Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on October 16, 2016:

You always seem to exhaust my music history resources and then some. I am always wanting to go, "But you forgot..," but you never forget anything, lol.

Another great list!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on October 16, 2016:

Shoot, my favorite was #14. Sigh! I'll just have to try harder on the next list. :) Happy Sunday, Flourish!