It’s that time of year again: Leaves are falling, colors are changing and there’s a brisk change in temperature. More importantly, however, it’s spooky season. That means it’s time to bring back the spooky jams to fuel one of the best times of year.

When I think of spooky music, the first song that comes to mind is always “Pet Sematary” by The Ramones. Everything about the song and album screams Halloween — from the cover to the lyrics to even the instrumental side of the track. 

“Pet Sematary” was released in 1989 for Stephen King’s movie of the same name. The track was also released on their studio album Brain Drain and has since become one of their most popular works, not necessarily because of its place in the movie, but because of the track itself.

The track had a funny start, as Dee Dee Ramone was actually a close friend of King, and King was a huge fan of The Ramones. King decided to call him up and ask if he could whip up a song, and he agreed. Ramone immediately went out and bought the book that the movie would be based on, and sent over the lyrics five hours later. The main chorus was insanely catchy:

“I don’t wanna be buried in a pet sematary /

I don’t want to live my life again /

I don’t wanna be buried in a pet sematary /

I don’t want to live my life again.”

Little is known about what happened in those five hours, but it is safe to say that they were an incredibly important and productive five hours, as one of the most interesting punk horror songs ever was created. The song has interesting lyrics that work to set a spooky scene:

“Molars and fangs, the clicking of bones /

Spirits moaning among the tombstones /

And the night, when the moon is bright /

Someone cries, something ain’t right.”

Chilling. Ramone sets a dreadful scene and helps us understand why he really doesn’t want to be buried in a pet sematary. The song continues in this manner, and the eeriness never seems to fade. In my opinion, this song is a Halloween classic, but I never seem to hear it! So this spooky season, throw this track in your queue, your playlist or whatever you prefer, but definitely make sure it’s spinning.

Happy spooky season!