“Black Magic Woman” is a song written by British musician Peter Green, which first appeared as a single for his band Fleetwood Mac in 1968. The term “black magic” signifies a profound and captivating power that ensnares the narrator.
The lyrics state, “Got me so blind, I can’t see / That she’s a black magic woman,” illustrating how the woman’s spell has made him oblivious to her actions and character.
Desire and Longing:
Themes of love, desire, and enchantment are central to the song, portraying the man’s desperate and almost helpless state of affection for the woman.
Inspiration from a Real Person:
Peter Green’s original inspiration for the song was his former girlfriend, Sandra Elsdon, whom he nicknamed “Magic Mamma”.
Evolution of the Song:
While Fleetwood Mac recorded the original version, Santana’s cover, featuring a blend of rock and Latin rhythms, became more famous and set the song to a well-known Latin clave groove.
Subsequently, the song appeared on the 1969 Fleetwood Mac compilation albums English Rose (US) and The Pious Bird of Good Omen (UK), as well as the later Greatest Hits and Vintage Years compilations.
In 1970, the song was released as the first single from Santana’s album Abraxas. The song, as sung by Gregg Rolie, reached number four on the US and Canadian charts, and its chart success made Santana’s recording the better-known version of the song.
The song was also covered by former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch on his 2006 album His Fleetwood Mac Years and Beyond, Vol. 2. Although Welch was not a member of the group at the time of the original recording, he had performed a number of Peter Green’s songs during his time with the band, including “Black Magic Woman”.