“Voodoo” is a song by American rock band Godsmack, released as the third single from their self-titled debut album in October 1999. Written by the band’s vocalist Sully Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill, the song is known for its haunting melodies, tribal rhythms, and dark, mystical lyrics. It gained significant popularity and was featured in the MTV television program Fear and used by WWE wrestler Batista during his time in Ohio Valley Wrestling.
The inspiration for “Voodoo” came from the 1988 horror film The Serpent and the Rainbow, directed by Wes Craven, which explores Haitian voodoo practices. The song’s lyrics and music video reflect this influence, depicting ritualistic and supernatural themes. The video, directed by Dean Karr, features witches performing rituals, zombies, and other eerie imagery, enhancing the song’s dark and mystical atmosphere.
In this article, we will analyze the lyrics of “Voodoo” to unravel the deeper meaning and symbolism behind the words.
Table of Contents
“Voodoo” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Candles raise my desire
Why I’m so far away
No more meaning to my life
No more reason to stay
Verse 1 suggests a sense of longing and detachment. The imagery of candles raising desire could symbolize a ritualistic or spiritual awakening. The lines indicate a feeling of being distant, both physically and emotionally, and a loss of purpose or motivation to remain in a certain state or place.
[Pre-Chorus]
Freezin’ feelin’
Breathe in, breathe in
I’m comin’ back again
This part conveys a sense of coldness or numbness, possibly from emotional or spiritual desolation. The act of breathing in suggests an attempt to regain composure or consciousness, indicating a return to awareness or reality.
[Chorus]
I’m not the one who’s so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did I wanna be here again
And I don’t remember why I came
The chorus reflects a paradoxical feeling of proximity and distance. The snake bite metaphor could symbolize a sudden, painful intrusion, possibly referring to addiction, betrayal, or a spiritual crisis.
The speaker expresses regret and confusion about their current situation, emphasizing a lack of control or understanding of how they ended up there.
[Verse 2]
Hazing clouds rain on my head
Empty thoughts fill my ears
Find my shade by the moonlight
Why my thoughts aren’t so clear
This verse describes a state of mental fog and confusion. The imagery of hazing clouds and rain suggests a depressive or overwhelming state. Seeking shade by the moonlight could imply looking for solace or clarity in a dark or uncertain time. The speaker acknowledges their unclear thoughts, reinforcing the theme of confusion and disorientation.
[Pre-Chorus]
Demons dreamin’
Breathe in, breathe in
I’m comin’ back again
Similar to the first pre-chorus, this section highlights internal struggles, possibly with personal demons or nightmares. The repetition of breathing in signifies an ongoing effort to regain control or clarity.
[Interlude]
Voodoo, voodoo
Voodoo, voodoo
Voodoo, voodoo
Voodoo, voodoo
The interlude chants “voodoo,” which could symbolize a mystical or supernatural influence over the speaker. Voodoo often connotes themes of control, magic, and spirituality, suggesting that the speaker feels under the influence of an external, possibly malevolent force.
[Outro]
(Voodoo) So far away…
(Voodoo) I’m not the one who’s so far away
(Voodoo) I’m not the one who’s so far away
I’m not the one who’s so far away
The outro reiterates the chorus, emphasizing the speaker’s struggle with feeling distant yet affected by something powerful and intrusive. The repetition underlines the persistent nature of this struggle, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension.
Music Video
The music video for Godsmack’s song “Voodoo,” directed by Dean Karr, is a visually striking and atmospheric piece that complements the song’s dark and mystical themes. Released in 1999, the video is heavily inspired by the 1988 horror film The Serpent and the Rainbow, which delves into Haitian voodoo practices.
In the video, the band is shown performing in a cornfield. This natural setting contrasts with the supernatural elements, creating a haunting visual experience. A naked gorgon is depicted dancing as part of the ritual; whereas zombies emerge from a lake and wander through the woods.
The video also features Laurie Cabot, a well-known witch, and members of her coven at that time.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Voodoo”
Godsmack’s popular song “Voodoo” was written by lead singer Sully Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill. The song delves into Sully’s Wiccan beliefs, touching on themes like misunderstandings, spirituality, and addiction. The song’s music video, influenced by a Wes Craven thriller, brings its message to life in a captivating way.
Sully Erna practices Wicca and aimed to clarify misconceptions about witchcraft through “Voodoo.” In an MTV News interview, he explained that Wicca doesn’t involve Satanism, demons, or devils but focuses on Earth-based beliefs, natural remedies, karma, and spirituality. Through “Voodoo,” Sully used his platform to challenge stereotypes and share the essence of Wicca.
Sully’s inspiration for “Voodoo” came from the movie “The Serpent and the Rainbow,” which is about voodoo practices in Haiti. According to Sully, he wrote the song while watching that movie.
Voodoo is a religion practiced in parts of the Caribbean (especially Haiti) and the southern United States that combines elements of Roman Catholic ritual with traditional West African magical and religious rites.
The song incorporates elements of voodoo rituals, such as candles and chanting, to create an eerie, mystical ambiance. This is evident in the lyrics and the music video, which features witches performing rituals and zombies.
Despite common misconceptions, “Voodoo” is not about drug addiction. Sully Erna has clarified that the song has no personal meaning related to drug use and is entirely inspired by the movie. The imagery of the “snake bite” entering veins is often misinterpreted as a reference to intravenous drug use, but in the context of the song, it aligns more with the supernatural and ritualistic themes of voodoo.
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He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.