4 Songs That Became Unintentional Halloween Classics

Any time you write a song with some dark elements, you run the risk of it becoming a staple on Halloween playlists for years to come. While the four artists below may not have intended it, their songs have become spooky classics.

[RELATED: 4 Spooky Songs for Your Halloween Playlist]

4 Songs That Became Unintentional Halloween Classics

1. “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” (Blue Öyster Cult)

Blue Öyster Cult’s song about not fearing death has become a Halloween staple. The mere mention of the Grim Reaper makes it a shoo in for Hallows festivities. Though this track was supposed to an assuage in the face of death, it has been co-opted by celebrants in costume for decades.

All our times have come

Here but now they’re gone

Seasons don’t fear the reaper

Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain

We can be like they are

2. “Psycho Killer” (Talking Heads)

Why wouldn’t a song about a serial killer become a Halloween staple? In hindsight, the Talking Heads likely should’ve seen that one coming. Countless movies and tv shows have used this song as a spooky needle drop since its release in 1977.

I can’t seem to face up to the facts

I’m tense and nervous and I can’t relax

I can’t sleep ’cause my bed’s on fire

Don’t touch me, I’m a real live wire

3. “Bad Moon Rising” (Creedence Clearwater Revival)

Creedence Clearwater Revival wrote “Bad Moon Rising” as a foreboding message of impending doom. That by itself is scary enough to land it on a Halloween playlist. But, when you consider the mention of the moon and the ever present Werewolf trope on Halloween, it holds a new (yet equally as apt) meaning.

I see the bad moon a-risin’

I see trouble on the way

I see earthquakes and lightnin’

I see bad times today

4. “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder)

Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” might not be tailor-made for the holiday, but it feels aptly Halloween. Though you may not be superstitious yourself, Halloween brings up fear of the mystical and unknown. This song is the perfect expression of that idea.

Very superstitious,

Writing’s on the wall,

Very superstitious,

Ladders bout’ to fall,

Thirteen month old baby,

Broke the lookin’ glass

Seven years of bad luck,

The good things in your past

[RELATED: Listen to Stevie Wonder’s New Single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” a Heartfelt Plea for Unity]

(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)