Cher’s career is defined by reinvention — from her early folk-pop duets with Sonny, to disco glitter, rock power ballads, and dance-pop anthems. Yet even she admits that one song stands out as the oddest creation she ever released: 1974’s “Dark Lady.”

The track is a murder ballad wrapped in flamenco-inspired guitar and theatrical vocals. Its story unfolds like a gothic soap opera: a fortune teller predicts betrayal, and the narrator ultimately discovers her lover’s infidelity — leading to a shocking double homicide. “It’s strange in a special way,” Cher reflected years later. “I don’t think anyone expected me to sing a gothic soap opera with a crime twist.”

Despite — or perhaps because of — its oddness, “Dark Lady” resonated. It hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Cher as one of the few female artists of the ’70s to repeatedly top the charts. The song’s dramatic narrative and bold production gave it a unique place in pop history, setting it apart from more conventional radio hits.

Over the decades, “Dark Lady” has earned a cult following. Younger audiences rediscovered it through drag performances, Halloween playlists, and viral TikTok reinterpretations. Its macabre drama and theatrical flair now feel timeless, highlighting Cher’s fearless approach to storytelling through music.

“I’ve sung plenty of big ballads and dance hits,” Cher mused. “But there’s something about the weird ones that stick with people.”

With “Dark Lady,” the strangeness has never faded — it has only deepened into legend, proving that sometimes the most unconventional songs leave the most lasting impact.