Whether it signals a warning to audiences in a horror film or sets the scene for romance in a love story, a memorable song can be the viewer’s best friend. How many of these unforgettable movie songs do you already know by heart? Some of them have become such classics you might not have even known they were from movies!
Over the Rainbow
The Wizard of Ozwas such an important film that it is still changing lives 80 years after it first graced the silver screen in 1939. Its music is a big part of its charm. “Over the Rainbow” is a sweet ballad that was written for the film. Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) sings the song while she is daydreaming in Kansas before she makes her journey to Oz.
Judy Garland sang “Over the Rainbow” so beautifully that it became her signature song. “Over the Rainbow” was composed byHarold Arlen, andYip Harburgwrote the lyrics. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song during the 12th Academy Award ceremony. The song has since been covered by such artists asOlivia Newton-JohnandEva Cassidy.
Lady GagaandBradley Cooperhad such a strong connection on screen in the 2018 filmA Star Is Bornthat viewers started speculating that they must have a real-life romance. “Shallow” is the beautiful duet that the two performed together in the film. It can actually be heard three different times in the film and is its signature song.
“Shallow” is a romantic duet that’s considered a folk pop and country power ballad. Lady Gaga wrote “Shallow” withAnthony Rossomando,Mark Ronson, andAndrew Wyatt. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and numerous other accolades, including four Grammy award nominations.
Performed byJohn LegendandCommon, “Glory” is the gorgeous theme song fromSelma, the 2014 film that depicted a crucial moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The film follows the 1965 marches to Selma, Alabama. In addition to performing “Glory” with John Legend, Common is one of the stars of Selma.
“Glory” received widespread critical acclaim and was a hit song. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 2015 ceremony, and it won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. John Legend and Common performed the song at both the Grammy Awards and the Academy Awards ceremonies.
Mrs. Robinson
The soundtrack to the controversial 1967 movieThe Graduatebecame a symbolic soundtrack for the youth of a generation. “Mrs. Robinson” was one of the most recognizable songs from the film. The memorable tune was written byPaul Simon, and it was performed bySimon & Garfunkel.
“Mrs. Robinson” hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, and it was the first rock song to win the Record of the Year award at the Grammys. Mrs. Robinson is the name of the infamous character inThe Graduatewho seduces young Benjamin. Her song was critically acclaimed along with the film.
Suicide is Painless
The instrumental version of “Suicide is Painless” is beloved among television fans as the theme song to the iconic 1970’s television showMASH. However, the song first appeared in the feature filmMASHthat the TV show was later based on. The song’s title and lyrics are ironic, and many people are surprised at how young the lyricist was when it was written.
The lyrics to “Suicide is Painless” was written by 15-year-oldMike Altmanat the request of his father,accordingto the song’s composerJohnny Mandel. Suicide is, of course, very painful for all involved, so the title comes from the fact that the song is written in the film as a joke, and directorRobert Altmanintended for it to be stupid. Nevertheless, it has had a lasting impact on listeners.
Stayin’ Alive
John Travoltastrutting his stuff down the streets of New York City as “Stayin’ Alive” sounds from the screen is indelibly etched into the brains of those who sawSaturday Night Feveron the big screen in the 1970’s.The Bee Geesdisco hit became one of their signature songs, and it is one of the most easily recognized song in cinematic history.
“Stayin’ Alive” became the number one song in the U.S. in February 1978. It was performed by the three brothers who made up The Bee Gees:Barry Gibb,Robin Gibb, andMaurice Gibb. Although the lyrics are a bit heavy, the tune itself has an upbeat feel. The Bee Gees made a music video to help promote the tune in the early days of music videos.
“9 to 5” became such a popular song forDolly Partonthat many people don’t even realize that she originally wrote it for the film of the same name. The song is an anthem to inspire those who are working hard in thankless desk jobs while longing for something more in life. The catchy tune was featured on the soundtrack to the 1980 film and on Dolly’s album9 to 5 and Odd Jobs.
Dolly Parton,Jane Fonda, andLily Tomlinstarred in the female buddy film. The song “9 to 5” rose to the very top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been used in the Broadway play that was based on the film. Dolly Parton still performs “9 to 5” in her concerts, and a sequel to the9 to 5film is nowin development. It will no doubt feature the lovable song.
Moon River
From the very first few notes “Moon River” is a song that evokes a mood and a memory. Written byJohnny Mercerand composed byHenry Mancini, “Moon River” was originally performed byAudrey Hepburnin the movieBreakfast at Tiffany’s. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and then it won two Grammy Awards in 1962 for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
“Moon River” was written specifically for Audrey Hepburn’s eccentric character Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. An instrumental version is the first one that’s heard in the movie, then the audience later sees Holly singing it while playing guitar later. Covers of “Moon River” have appeared in many films and television shows since it first enchanted listeners.
Beauty and the Beast
The soundtrack to Disney’s 1991 animated classicBeauty and the Beastis undeniably gorgeous, and many people don’t realize that there is a tragic story behind the deep, heartfelt tunes. LyricistHoward Ashman, who also served as an executive producer on Beauty and the Beast, was dying of AIDS as he wrote the lyrics to the song in the film. He ultimately died at age 40 before the movie was released.
Alan Menkencomposes the title song “Beauty and the Beast”, and Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics. It won the Oscar at the 64th Academy Awards. Menken acknowledged Ashman when accepting the award. “Beauty and the Beast” was performed byCeline Dion,andPeabo Bryson. It was also performed in the film byAngela Lansburyas her character Mrs. Potts.
Gangsta’s Paradise
“Gangsta’s Paradise” is a rap song from the 1995 filmDangerous Minds. Performed by rapperCoolioand featuring the singing ofL.V.,“Gangsta’s Paradise” starts with a line from aBibleverse. It tells the story of a young man whose life is so tough that he doesn’t know if he’ll live to see his next birthday yet “too much television watching” has him chasing dreams.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” samples some of the 1976 song “Pastime Paradise” byStevie Wonder. Coolio is known for including profanity in much of his music, but he left it out of “Gangsta’s Paradise” because Wonder wouldn’t allow it. Because it sampled a previously released song, “Gangsta’s Paradise” was not eligible for an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
