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What three songs relate to Macbeth?

Three songs that relate to Macbeth include the following:


"I Shot the Sheriff" by Bob Marley. The title says it all. Although the authority figure Macbeth shot was the king, not the sheriff, the same idea holds. In Marley's song, he rationalizes his action by claiming he "did it in self-defense." Macbeth also rationalizes his action, although he does this by arguing killing the king was the quickest way to get the crown. In both cases, someone is dead and we know there will be trouble coming.


"Witchy Woman" by the Eagles. This song describes Lady Macbeth, who casts a "spell" on Macbeth with her words to motivate him to kill Duncan. She also fits the line "she drove herself to madness with a silver spoon." Lady Macbeth drives herself to madness, not in pursuit of money (which is what a silver spoon signifies), but with pursuit of power. 


"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. Macbeth, to his downfall, never stops believing the witches' prophecies, so the lyrics "don't stop believin'/ hold on to the feeling" reflect what Macbeth does, especially at the end of the play. When armies are invading, Macbeth's belief in the witches' prophecies keeps him going—at least, until he sees Birnam Wood coming toward him. Plus, Macbeth is ambitious and this is a song about ambition: "Everybody wants a thrill ... some will win, some will lose ..." Macbeth makes some high-stakes gambles and loses.

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