☝️ Key Points
- 'Old Black Magic' as a metaphor for the intense and irresistible attraction the singer feels for his beloved
- 'Those icy fingers up and down my spine' as a description of the physical sensations he experiences in her presence
- The singer feels like he's in free fall in the relationship, surrendered and with no control over his emotions
- The singer's strong passion and desire can only be quenched by the affection of the loved one
- The singer is convinced that he and his beloved are soulmates and destined for each other
- The chorus conveys the intensity of his feelings and the intoxication of love he's in
Interpretation
The lyrics of 'That Old Black Magic' by
Frank Sinatra describe an intense and almost magical love relationship that the singer has with another person.
'Old Black Magic' is metaphorical and refers to the strong and irresistible attraction that the singer feels for his beloved. 'That old black magic has me in its spell' means that he is completely under the spell of this love, he is enchanted and cannot resist.
'Those icy fingers up and down my spine' describes the physical sensations he has when he thinks of his beloved or is near her, a feeling of chills running down his spine.
'And then that elevator starts its ride, and down and down I go, round and round I go, like a leaf that's caught in the tide.' This quote illustrates the feeling of free fall and being at the mercy of this relationship, similar to a leaf caught in the current, he has no control over his feelings.
'Aflame with such a burning desire that only your kiss can put out the fire.' describes his strong passion and desire for the loved one and that only her affection can extinguish his longing.
'For you're the lover I have waited for, the mate that fate had me created for.' This shows his conviction that they are soulmates and are destined for each other.
The chorus 'In a spin, loving the spin I'm in, under that old black magic called love.' once again illustrates the intensity of his feelings, he is like in a state of intoxication by love and despite all the intensity and free fall, he loves the state he is in.
In summary, 'That Old Black Magic' is a depiction of intense, passionate, and almost magical love that has completely captivated the singer.