About the song
“Spooky” by Dusty Springfield is a sultry, jazz-infused pop track that perfectly showcases her ability to blend sensuality with sophistication. Originally an instrumental hit for Mike Sharpe in 1967, and later turned into a vocal version by Classics IV, Springfield’s rendition adds a distinctive layer of smoky allure, making it one of the most memorable interpretations of this timeless tune.
Recorded in 1970 for her album See All Her Faces, Springfield’s take on “Spooky” is a masterclass in vocal subtlety and phrasing. Where Classics IV delivered a breezy, playful version with a light jazz-pop touch, Dusty Springfield transforms the song into something more intimate, more mysterious—almost hypnotic. Her voice, known for its velvety texture and deep emotional expressiveness, glides effortlessly over the track’s laid-back groove, pulling the listener into a moody, late-night atmosphere.
Lyrically, “Spooky” is about a flirtatious, unpredictable romance—someone whose enigmatic and teasing nature keeps the narrator intrigued yet slightly on edge. Lines like “Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little boy like you” (altered from the original “girl like you”) reinforce that mix of attraction and uncertainty. Springfield’s delivery, with her breathy, almost whispered inflections, adds a sense of personal intimacy, as if she’s singing directly to the listener, drawing them into her world of romantic mystery.
Musically, the song leans into its smooth jazz and lounge-pop influences, featuring a gentle yet infectious rhythm, subtle horns, and a soft but persistent bassline that gives it an unmistakable cool, seductive vibe. The arrangement is restrained yet deeply effective, allowing Springfield’s voice to remain the focal point while still carrying the song’s effortless swing.
Though “Spooky” was not one of Dusty Springfield’s biggest commercial hits, it stands as a testament to her ability to take a well-known song and completely make it her own. Her version oozes sophistication, proving once again why she remains one of the most versatile and influential vocalists of her time. Whether you’re listening to it on a quiet evening with a glass of wine or in a dimly lit lounge, Springfield’s “Spooky” is the perfect soundtrack for moments of intrigue, romance, and effortless cool.
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Lyrics
In the cool of the eveningWhen everything is gettin’ kind of groovyYou call me up and ask meWould I like to go with you and see a movie?First I say no, I’ve got some plans for tonightAnd then I stopAnd say, “Alright”Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little boy like youYou always keep me guessingI never seem to know what you are thinkingAnd if a girl looks at youIt’s for sure your little eye will be a-winkin’I get confused, I never know where I standAnd then you smileAnd hold my handLove is kinda crazy with a spooky little boy like youSpookyIf you decide some day to stop this little game that you are playingI’m gonna tell you all the things my heart’s been a-dyin’ to be sayin’Just like a ghost you’ve been a-hauntin’ my dreamsBut now I knowYou’re not what you seemLove is kinda crazy with a spooky little boy like youSpooky, ahSpooky, mm-mmSpooky, ah, ah, ahSpooky, ooh, spooky