Popular Songs For Halloween Are More Than Just About Monsters
In North America, Halloween has become a day to celebrate with not only costumes and trick or treating but with decorations and light displays. Many include creepy sound effects or popular songs about monsters at their festivities to set the mood for their guests. I have only included a few favourites here from the numerous titles that are popular at this time of year.
In 1962 Bobby “Boris” Pickett released the novelty song – “Monster Mash.” The lyrics are well written and the use of sound effects create the perfect atmosphere . . . a scary party with real monsters as the guests of honour. In attendance are various vampires, zombies and of course – Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein and Igor (Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant.)
When the song, “Purple People Eater” was released in 1952 it was number one on the Billboards Singles Chart for five weeks from June 9th to July 14th. Although Sheb Wooley did not write this song with Halloween in mind it has become another favourite to be heard on radio stations in late October. The lyrics describe the journey that an alien takes to Earth to fulfill his dream of playing rock and roll music.
In 1964 a television series entitled – “The Addams Family” was debuted in North America and was based on the characters created by Charles Addams that initially appeared in 1938 as single panel cartoons in the publication The New Yorker. The television music composer Vic Mizzy wrote the theme song and through animated features and movies the members of the Addams family have become well known.
In 1984 Ray Parker Jr. released the song – “Ghostbusters” as a theme song for the movie having the same name. After the release of the movie the song stayed number one on the Billboard Single charts for three weeks and was nominated for an Academy Award. The popularity of the theme song continues today and was once again heard when studios released a newer version of the film in 2019. The lyrics provide “The Ghostbusters” as the answer for dealing with any type of haunting experienced.
Songs that are popular for Halloween are not just found in rock music. In fact country music also has some memorable titles that should be mentioned. In 1948 Stan Jones and his Death Valley Rangers released the song – “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” The lyrics describe a legend that warns cowboys to change their ways before they are doomed to chase the Devil’s herd across the sky for eternity.
In 1979 the Charlie Daniels Band performed a song entitled – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” This song won a Grammy Award for the best performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The lyrics describe a fiddling contest between a young boy and the Devil himself. The instrumental solos are fantastic and highlight the monumental battle taking place.
Take a moment to research and listen to other song titles that are being played on the radio and featured online at this time of year to celebrate Halloween.