Music In Supernatural and Character Theme Songs
Music in Supernatural and Character Theme Songs
Music in Supernatural has been an ever-present, essential part of the story telling. The pilot episode, stocked as it was with drama and Winchester history, managed to make that clear. In the iconic moment that found Sam mocking Dean’s cassette collection and the ‘mullet rock’ it contained, and Dean defiantly blaring “Back in Black” over his brother’s protests, the audience learned that “driver picks the music, and shotgun shuts his cakehole.” Music, loud, mad, or sad, has followed the brothers from that first journey in the Impala. Dozens of musician aliases later, music is still there.
Sometimes music cleverly set the mood. Dean hummed “Dueling Banjos” when he found Sam in the grips of the Benders (or at least he was supposed to). The brothers escaped from Special Agent Victor Henricksen to Styx’s “Renegade.” Sam spent a hundred Tuesdays waking up to Asia’s “Heat of the Moment,” and found relief twice in “Back in Time.” To complete the black and white homage to classic monster movies, complete with a Bela Lugosi loving shapeshifter and a lederhosen-clad Dean, “Toccata and Fugue in D minor,” by Johann Sebastian Bach was played on a Casio. And of course, Dean fought an ‘alien’ that turned out to be Tinkerbell to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”.
Sometimes music was a warning. “Bad Moon Rising” played under John and Sam’s argument in the Impala as they drove a broken Dean toward the hospital, just before a semi-truck smashed into the car and nearly killed her occupants. The arrival of the Seven Deadly Sins was signaled by “I Shall Not Be Moved.” A soon-to-be witch victim listened to “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” on his car radio, only to have it switch to “I Put a Spell on You”. And Dean bravely encouraged his brother to sing along to “Dead or Alive” a few short hours before Dean faced that horrible, unavoidable, unsuccessful fight for his life.
Sometimes music revealed emotions. Terrified of flying, Dean hummed Metallica to calm himself while hunting a demon on a plane. Queensryche’s “Silent Lucidity” accompanied Sam when he found himself forced to kill Madison, the unfortunate werewolf. Dean struggled through a year of civilian life to the strains of “Beautiful Loser.”
The characters have their melodies, some they choose, and some chosen for them. Crowley listened to “Everybody Plays a Fool” while he made himself a drink and watched newsreel footage of the Nazis. Young John Winchester was first introduced to the strains of “Ramblin’ Man.” Death walked down the street to an eerie cover of “O Death” by Jennifer Titus. And Baby, newly restored, rocketed down the road to “Back in Black.”
Bobby Singer got a theme song in the sixth season, Kenny Roger’s “The Gambler,” to go along with his own episode. It’s a fine choice for the practical, weary hunter. From his worn jeans to his flannel shirts to his trucker cap, Bobby is plain, loyal, hardworking folk, and he needs a song that is straightforward and frank. He is the voice of experience in every situation and the irritable curmudgeon that has to deal with idjits.
Dean’s music choices have dominated the show. His love of rock, hard rock especially, is unquestioned. He chose “Smoke on the Water” as a ringtone, and “Rock of Ages” as a defiant battle cry. Plenty of his dreams are set to rock, if his “Cherry Pie” backed goggling is any indication. This rock devotion has come in handy, enabling Dean to discover that one particular haunting in Texas began as a fake, because the symbol for Blue Oyster Cult was used by the authors’ of the prank in question. Dean’s tolerance for pop music is nil, but he does manage an appreciation of blues. It fills the Impala while Dean and Sam are investigating crossroads deals, and contemplating their father’s own bargain.
Of all the bands out there, it is Led Zeppelin that seems to have a special place in Dean’s heart. No doubt part of that is because of Eric Kripke’s affection for it, along with all the episode title homages, but Zeppelin is the perfect choice for Dean. The edgy, blues influenced rock can be both energetic and sorrowful. Dean teaches a traumatized little boy to say “Zeppelin Rules!” The siren that targets Dean in the guise of an FBI agent wins his respect by exchanging Zeppelin trivia. When asked by the publisher of the Supernatural book series to name Dean’s favorite song (and thereby prove himself a ‘fan’), Dean is quick to answer that “It’s a tie, between “Zep’s ‘Ramble On’ and ‘Traveling Riverside Blues’.”
Leave it to Dean to pick two songs about travel, and the search for a special woman. In “Ramble On”, the object of pursuit is “the queen of all my dreams,” and in “Traveling Riverside Blues,” “she’s a kind hearted lady, she studies evil all the time.” Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam” must be a little too despairing, even for the oft saddened Dean.
Either of his favorites could be Dean’s theme. He has been seeking after a family, a partner, a home for so long, that even when he feels unworthy of what he finds, the desire defines him. In the end, “Travelling Riverside Blues,” first recorded by Robert Johnson of supposed crossroads fame, expanded and covered by Zeppelin, seems the best choice to stand for Dean.
Sam is challenging. Even on the occasions when he is the driver, he doesn’t pick the music. The only song heard from Sam’s ipod, before Dean rips it out of the Impala, is Jason Mann’s “Vision.” When Sam does show a song preference, it’s usually a bad sign. While possessed by Meg, Sam listens to Bon Jovi. Much later, when a teenager swaps bodies with Sam, he partly gives himself away by asking Dean to turn up “Rock and Roll Never Forgets.”
Sam mentioned in the pilot episode that Dean needed to “update” his music, so he may have more modern tastes. Most of Sam’s pivotal moments on Supernatural are accompanied by scored music, except of course in the THEN montages before the episodes. Memorable recap songs have included “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “Lonely is the Night,” “Thunderstruck,” and of course, THE recap song, “Carry on My Wayward Son.”
Though all are good songs for Supernatural, of the group, Kansas’s “Wayward Son” is the most Sam appropriate. It could also work for Dean, but it isn’t as apt for him as his own selections. Sam has struggled throughout the series with finding the right course to take, often making the wrong choice with the best intentions. He has fought against his fate for years, but only to find tragedy at every turn: Mary’s death, Sam’s estrangement from John and Dean, Jess’s death, discovering the demonic nature of his powers, Dean’s deal and death, falling prey to Ruby, unleashing Lucifer, destiny as a vessel, over a year in hell, and now confronted by the acts of a soulless self he doesn’t remember. Sam is more than due for a little peace, so until something more appropriate comes along, “Carry on My Wayward Son” is a good choice for Sam.
The only major character with even less musical preference than Sam is Castiel. Angel radio seems to have only talk programs, so most of his musical exposure comes from the humans Castiel has come to know. He has been in the Impala with Dean, so no doubt he has heard some metal. Ellen and Jo had “Oye cómo va” on while the urged the curious angel to do shots.
Rock isn’t the traditional music associated with angels. Classical music is typical, and it can be both moving and powerful. In modern music, any song about angels is usually a soft, feminine, romantic, possibly tragic, pop construction. Unless it’s a song about fallen angels, or the Angel of Death, in which case it is allowed to rock. But neither of these really fits Castiel. He became a lonely figure after his separation from heaven, and a despairing one toward the end of the fifth season, but Castiel never stopped fighting, even when there was no reasonable hope. And though he rebelled, he has not gone Dark Side like Lucifer.
However forlorn or comical his position may sometimes be, Castiel kicks ass. He deserves a song that does the same. An edgy, dark adaptation of Pink Floyd’s “Learning to Fly” might do. The original is a little too slow and contemplative. It isn’t something that awes. Dio’s “Holy Diver” has possibilities. It has a quiet build that transitions to a pounding beat. Demons could be fought to it. Then there is Grim Reaper’s “Fear No Evil.” The title and the ominous lyrics are a nice tie in to the series, and the rapid tempo fits the sense of urgency so often surrounding action.
Music is always an aspect to look forward to in this series. The sixth season in bound to have at least one more memorable musical moment, not to mention another instance of “Carry on My Wayward Son.” What gems other gems should the crew try to work in? What scenes that have already past should have had special songs? Should Lucifer have menaced Earth while the Guns N Roses cover of “Sympathy for the Devil” played? Should Sam have leaped into Lucifer’s cage to Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory”? Fans can always imagine.
We are so fortunate to get many great guest submissions on this site, but this one has easily become one of my favorites. I’m a sucker for the sentimentality of the music and what it does for this show. Thanks Mister Glass for this article, it is inspired.
Thank you so much Alice for adding the perfect pictures!! Music use in this show is so important, and I’m glad to be able to discuss it with a like minded group. Having enjoyed so many articles on this website, it is a thrill to have my own little project listed.
And I think I should give thanks to supernaturalwiki.com for being there to confirm my recollection of a few songs.
Wow. This was amazing. The music of the show was one of the factors that attracted me in the first place and holds true to this day.
Thank you!
Fantastic article! My own version of the Supernatural soundtrack is always with me where ever I go. It’s become the soundtrack to my life 😛
My favorite tracks are Carry On My Wayward Son and Renegade. Closely followed by all the rest 🙂
The strategic use of music has always been one of things I love about the show – one that springs to mind is The Contours’ ‘Do You Love Me’ in ‘The End’, playing as the Croatoan infected mob are mown down by soldiers as they chase Dean into the alley. (Not exactly ‘classic rock’ but a perfect choice.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
I have to agree, ‘Do You Love Me’ was a great non-sequitur choice for the Croat death scene. It adds that touch of off-balance that impresses the moment even deeper into memory. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Hello Mister Glass!
Loved this! The music, the boys, the car…perfect.
Find myself curious about your moniker. Is it symbolic of the shattering title card? Or homage to ‘Unbreakable’? “They call me Mister Glass?!†Either way (or neither) I like. Hope to see more of your writing soon.
*unrelated movie spoiler*
Yvonne, good call! Yes, it is an Unbreakable reference. I find the idea that a person can be the villain in their own life striking. And how horrible to decide that that is your purpose, and live down to it!
Yes it’s me, just am not currently allowed to sign into my account.
Glad I called it! That’s my fav Shallymon (sp?) movie and the villain of that piece was facinating. Not to mention well played.
But forgot to say in my first post concerning the music, I still hope to hear ‘Uriah Heep’ at some point. “Lady in Black” or “Gypsy” especially would make such an awesome background. Sigh…and they weren’t such a big name band that the price wouldn’t fit the budget. Or that may just be wishful thinking on my part.
Thanks for this Mister Glass. The rock music was one of the things that attracted me to the show in the first place during the pilot since I always was, am and always will be a rock girl.
As for a song for Castiel. I am still waiting to hear “Send me an angel” by Scorpions when ever someone is praying/asking for Castiel to appear. Also this is a quiet mellow song it is done by a classic rock band.
That is a good one, I was not familiar with it. It would be very good for a scene of desperation. Thanks for sharing! I always like to discover new songs.
Great article Mister Glass. I love the music on the show and have received a fine education on the virtues of Classic Rock than I ever had before.
Although I do wish they had the budget for even more, I appreciate what has been done so far. The music fits so well into the story and I have many of them in my iTunes Supernatural library.
Especially remembered, Wayward Son, Wanted Dead or Alive and of course Back in Black and Renegade. All so very fitting in their placements. O Death was awesome!
Supernatural has given me a new appreciation for songs that I already loved, and introduced me to some I didn’t know. And I agree, O Death was once of the most brilliant choices.
I have missed the rock this season because there has been less of it than there was in past years. I don’t suppose that we could take up a collection for a few special songs to be used. Oh well.
Using the right music at the right moment is a magical instrument that works its power every time, be it in movies or television.
What is its purpose? To evoke emotion, mostly. To emphasize a certain moment, a move within a soul, tragedy and happiness behind a face…
Thank you for this, Sir. It’s a tribute to the magic of music as applied to our show.
Best, Jasminka
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I am happy to be included beside the wonderful authors on this website, yourself included.
Being a soundrtacks geek myself, I found this article really fascinating. I would add that also SPN original soundtrack is wonderfully crafted, revolving about some leading-themes (“leitmotifs”) especially linked to characters or situations. I’m particularly fond of Jay Gruska’s “Americana” theme.
About an “angel” song, I agree that usually hard rock is not much used or related to angels, but there are some emo- or gothic-rock bands that have sometimes covered the matter, for example Within Temptation’s “Angels” or Nightwish’s “Angels fall first”. Their music is usually a mix of hard rock sound with a “classical” swing (for example, Nightwish’s singer sings with soprano/alto voice), so it fits with the usual angel figure.
But SPN angels are warriors (and also real dicks, as a rule), so I suppose that also some more “hard” rock songs could fit them.
Anyway, there are always Robbie Williams’ “Angels” and Sarah McLachlan’s “In the arms of the angel” or RyanDan’s “Tears of an angel”… 😛
You make an excellent point about the original score pieces. The versatility of the composers amazes me. They have had everything from old fashioned horror music to reflective and uplifting interludes to, well, rock. Those guitar chords in the Brother’s Guitar Theme always fool me into think a classic rock song is about to start. I think part of the reason the rock songs blend so well into the show is that the score provides the necessary transition, while being a fine work in itself.
I must admit that I was not familiar with either Within Temptation or Nightwish. I’ve gone a little looking and listening, and the songs you mention do seem topical. What do you think of Nightwish’s “Wish I Had an Angel”? It is perhaps less elegant, but is a little closer to the hard rock slant of the show.
I thought about mentioning “In the arms of the angel”, but thought perhaps it was too tied to the “City of Angels” film.
Thanks for reading!
[quote]What do you think of Nightwish’s “Wish I Had an Angel”? It is perhaps less elegant, but is a little closer to the hard rock slant of the show.
[/quote]
Surely it would fit very well for Castiel’s fighting scenes! 😉
This is just awesome! The role that music plays in Supernatural is huge. It’s basically a character in and of itself. Thanks for putting the connection into perfect words. Great article!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the read.
Hi MisterGlass
Thank you for this wonderful article.
It’s amazing how one song or piece of music can impact, enhance or intensify a specific scene. And at times make it so memorable that every time you hear that particular song you immediately think of that scene or moment.
I will forever think of Supernatural when I hear ‘Carry on Wayward Son’
‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’, ‘Renegade’, ‘Silent Lucidity’, ‘Back in Black’ and the list goes on.
It is such a shame that the music fell victim to the unstable ‘Economy’.
It is a pity, isn’t it? Well, they may have something special saved up for later this season. We’ll have to see.
Wonderful article Mister Glass! It made me want to race to my iPod and tune in to my Supernatural playlist. It’s funny, but my husband tried for years to get me to listen to classic rock, and I wasn’t that interested. I watch a couple of seasons of Supernatural and I’m hooked. In fact, the Supernatural playlist was my birthday request last year. I listen whenever I’m running, or working out. My kids listen to it too. And just the other night, my daughters (9 & 7) and I had a long chat about which AC/DC tunes we liked the most.
Now, if they could just add some Queen..
I’m glad you liked it. It’s wonderful that your family has had a chance to bond over some great rock!
I am also a Queen fan, and it amazes me that “Another One Bites the Dust” hasn’t made it onto the show. Not to mention “Fat Bottomed Girls” or “We Will Rock You”. I suppose Queen may be too expensive :sigh:
Great article! The music definatly adds to the show. My friend and I laughed out loud at the use of Captain and Tenille’s Do That to Me One More Time. Brilliant!
Bad Company is Dean’s Sexytime music!
When he was with his ex in Route 666 “She Brings Me Love” was in the background, and when he and Anna were in the Impala “Ready for Love” was playing (presumably through the Radio)
We’ve seen Den get with two ladies by my count, and the dulcet tones of Bad Company were playing both times!
[quote]I would love to see some Bad Company make the show — especially “Holy Water”, “Fearless”, “Walk Through Fire” or “Stranger, Stranger”. I can see situations where all of them could work.[/quote]
“out with the old”, driving me nuts. is the opening with the ballerina from the nutcracker? I think only “classical”, classical music gets listed, lol
It’s from Swan Lake. If it’s not from The Nutcracker, it’s usually from Swan Lake. What’s really sad is I only know that because of a very bad Barbie video my daughter loved a few years ago.
Hey,that is okay with me…it has been driving me crazy…and making me jones for classical music. thank you