WE WILL. WE WILL ROCK YOU. Yes, ladies and gents, Game of Thrones has already done that. With the detailed story lines, intriguing characters, rich costumes and shifting political allegiances, Game of Thrones is poised to be the best show on HBO and television (in my humble opinion, which, depending on who you are and how you feel about me, you may agree….or disagree, albeit respectfully)!
We all know the score that Ramin Djawadi has produced is sumptuous, foreboding and climatic for the series. However, did you ever stop to think about how much fun it would be to have certain songs represent the various Houses in the Seven Kingdoms? I have. In fact, I’ve been thinking about it for a few months so much that I started listening to various tracks on my computer and MP3 player, just to let inspiration sink in. And MAN…..the list is a long one and a DOOZEY! In my defense, there are so many amazing songs in the rock, pop, alternative and rap genres that I had a tough time trying to narrow down the choices for each illustrious House. And so, allow me to present my list of “Party Rock Anthems” for Game of Thrones, Part One.
House Stark – Motto: “Winter is coming.” Sigil: Direwolf
The late Eddard Stark’s song would have been “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. Ned was fair, just, respected and above all, dutiful to his King and territory. Catelyn’s song would be “Stand by Your Man” by Patsy Cline. It is the perfect song, as Catelyn truly embodies loyalty, courage and love for her man. Robb’s song would be “Hello, I Love You” by the Doors, due to the fact that it was love at first sight for him, once he set eyes upon the lovely Lady Talisa Migear. Sansa’s would be “Live to Tell” by Madonna. Considering everything that she’s had to go through (and the events we have not yet seen on screen), this song is somber and foreboding – well suited for Sansa’s current predicament. Arya’s song would be “Trouble” or “So What?!” – both by P!nk. Aptly named but describing women who are strong, sassy and stand up for what they believe in, these two songs are perfect for our little assassin in training, who will be putting more men in the ground then her two older brothers combined! Bran’s song is “Of Wolf and Man” by Metallica. Given the nature of his newfound powers, this song depicts a wolf’s need to roam free and explore what is out there, over there. Bran is going to be on a long journey of self- exploration and our little Stark is going to prove his worth in doing so. “These Dreams” by Heart would be Rickon’s song, as he also displays some sort of extra sensory perception. Hodor’s song was easy to pick, as he is a simple man, so Pink Floyd’s ballad “Grantchester Meadows” fits the bill. Easy to listen to and of few words, just like the great Hodor himself.
The Night’s Watch – Motto: “Night gathers, and now my watch begins.” Sigil: A Black Crow
Jon Snow’s song would be a memorable one to explain his relationship with Samwell Tarly: “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother” by the Hollies. The song idolizes a tight knit relationship between brothers and is perfect for Sam and Jon’s unswerving loyalty to one another. Samwell’s song would be “Back in Black” by AC/DC. Given that the men of the Night’s Watch are sworn to take the black clothing on for the rest of their lives, no other song aptly sums up the colour of the men of the Wall.
House Lannister – Motto: “Hear me roar.” Sigil: A Lion
The fierce Tywin Lannister would have the rap mash-up of “I Want it All” (Queen) and “We will Rock You” (Queen) off the ‘Suckerpunch’ soundtrack because he is a hardcore medieval GANGSTA. ‘Nuff said about daddy-o. Cersei’s song would be “Mama” by Phil Collins. Listen to the lyrics – about a controlling, conniving mother….hmm….do we know a certain she-devil in House Lannister who fits that description?! Jaime’s song would be “Ain’t no Other Man” by Christina Aguilera because as he once said, “There are no men like me, there’s only me.” Tyrion is the only other person in my article to have two songs dedicated to his character. “Domino Dancing” by The Pet Shop Boys is perfect, given his uncanny ability to sniff out intrigue and betrayal and play the people at court like pieces on a chessboard. On the flipside, “Talk that Talk” by Rihanna would be a tongue and cheek homage to our favourite Lannister. He always has a quick “oh SNAP” burn for his enemies. He delivers some of the best lines in the series. He also comes from the family we hate so much and yet….we all root for Tyrion, the forgotten son. He loves a good romp and roll in the hay. He’s sexy with the intellect and wit to match! We root for the underdog who was insulted, abused, isolated, bullied all his life. So when we see Tyrion unleashing his sarcastic wit and wielding his power, as befits a Lannister, we stand behind him! As for Joffrey, the most demonic, insufferable character, I thought the song “Heads will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs fit the bill nicely. After all, he is so drunk with abusive lust and corrupt in nature, that many people meet their ends by beheading. Courtesy of the loving and gracious King J. (JERK) Oh, Karma. Come meet Joffrey in Season III, won’t you?!
Notable Players: Varys, Petyr Baelish and the Hound
Varys – Sigil: An Eye. Vayrs’s song would be “Master of Puppets” by Metallica. Um, hello?! Heard the song and that was that. Does he not pull on invisible strings and know everything about everyone, everywhere in the Seven Kingdoms?!
Petyr Baelish – Sigil: A Mockingbird. His song would be “It’s Hard out here for a Pimp” by Three 6 Mafia. Perfect for a man who is consumed with making profits from everyone, especially his brothels. The man is a scumbag, plain and simple and he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process. The more he can bend and twist women to his sick need for money, the better and more powerful he becomes.
Sandor Clegane, The Hound – Sigil: A Black Hound encircling a Little Red Bird. His song would be Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog.” Although fierce and intimidating in size, stature and military prowess, the Hound shows more compassion then people see. The Hound’s sigil is a Hound circling a tiny bird and the colour is significant, for we all know which Stark has red hair and who he has a soft spot for.
House Baratheon – Motto: “Ours is the Fury.” Sigil: A Crowned Stag
I admit, I had a lot of fun picking the songs for the Baratheon boys. The late King Robert’s song would have been “Have a Drink on Me” by AC/DC. The man loved fine wines, hearty ales and ample bosomed wenches. The man loved his drink. How else could he forget that he was married to a depraved witch like Cersei?! Alcohol was a HUGE need in this man’s life. Stannis’s song would be “Head for the Hills” by Iron Maiden. The man was cold and austere, capable of commanding legions and yet highly unpopular with his brothers. He ended up in retreat by the end of Season II. Renly’s song was a no-brainer: “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top. He was always impeccably attired and knew how to put himself together. Seeing as how Melisandre has become a constant fixture by Stannis’ side, I decided that she should have a song: “Black Magic Woman” by Santana is what came to mind. She does, after all, have some pretty freaky abilities. Creepy, actually.
House Targaryen – Motto: “Fire and Blood.” Sigil: A Three Headed Dragon
Daeneyrs Targaryen’s song would naturally be “Fire Woman” by The Cult. (“Light my Fire” by the Doors was a close second) It will be extremely interesting to see how much fire and brimstone she exacts in Season III. For the late Khal Drogo, “Army of Me” by Bjork seemed to fit the bill for the powerful Dothraki warlord. After all, he commanded over 40,000 Dothraki soldiers and he himself had never lost a fight.
House Greyjoy – Motto: “We do not sow.” Sigil: A Kraken
Theon Greyjoy turned out to be a real dirt bag. I would like to use stronger language, but am conscious of the fact that some readers might not like it. I get that he was caught between his family duty and his friendship with Robb. Hence, why “No More Mr. Nice Guy” by Alice Cooper fits his newfound dirt bag status perfectly. What else can you say about a guy so anxious to prove his worth to his cold and estranged family that he would betray his best friend? Balon Greyjoy’s song is “Old Man” by Masta Killa/ODB. The man is cruel and above all, a real cranky idiot. Yeah…there are DADDY ISSUES in House Greyjoy.
Beyond the Wall: The White Walkers
“Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who was great for these lost souls. After all, they’ve been dormant for thousands of years. Up until last Season. They weren’t just some fairy tale or urban myth in Westeros. They’ve been sleeping. And now they have woken from that long slumber. They’re coming for the Seven Kingdoms. Hell hath no fury….like White Walkers coming for you!
