The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
[Verse 1]
To hunt a witch, follow this plan:
Cut a switch and thrash the back of your hand
When your palms begin to itch
That's the scent that attracts a witch
[Chorus]
She may come at you
You will never catch her
The pine box rock
When it starts rockin', seal it with a coffin
Yeah, the pine box rock
Pine box rock
[Verse 2]
To tempt your fate, trace a spellbound
Track the coven to their hallowed ground
Draw blood from your fingertip
Mix it with the essence of the sacred witch
[Chorus]
You may find your hunted
Brewing in a cauldron
The pine box rock
When it starts rockin', seal it with a coffin
Yeah, the pine box rock
Pine box rock
[Verse 3]
To catch a witch, you must be bold
Stomach strong and attitude cold
Steel nerves that won't heed nature's call
Sharp witted and that's not all, yeah
[Chorus]
She may come at you
You will never catch her
The pine box rock
When it starts rockin', seal it with a coffin
Yeah, the pine box rock
[Outro]
Take the dreaded trip
On a broomstick
Pine box rock
To hunt a witch, follow this plan:
Cut a switch and thrash the back of your hand
When your palms begin to itch
That's the scent that attracts a witch
[Chorus]
She may come at you
You will never catch her
The pine box rock
When it starts rockin', seal it with a coffin
Yeah, the pine box rock
Pine box rock
[Verse 2]
To tempt your fate, trace a spellbound
Track the coven to their hallowed ground
Draw blood from your fingertip
Mix it with the essence of the sacred witch
[Chorus]
You may find your hunted
Brewing in a cauldron
The pine box rock
When it starts rockin', seal it with a coffin
Yeah, the pine box rock
Pine box rock
[Verse 3]
To catch a witch, you must be bold
Stomach strong and attitude cold
Steel nerves that won't heed nature's call
Sharp witted and that's not all, yeah
[Chorus]
She may come at you
You will never catch her
The pine box rock
When it starts rockin', seal it with a coffin
Yeah, the pine box rock
[Outro]
Take the dreaded trip
On a broomstick
Pine box rock
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