Exit Music (For A Film) by Umbrella Academy: A Hauntingly Beautiful Soundtrack
"Exit Music (For A Film Umbrella Academy)" ~ bbaz
The Power of Exit Music in Umbrella Academy
If you’re a fan of the Netflix original series, The Umbrella Academy, you may have already recognized that it features one of the most memorable and powerful soundtracks on television. From The Doors to Gerard Way’s own My Chemical Romance, there are plenty of amazing songs that set the tone for this unpredictable world of superheroes. However, one stands out above all the rest – “Exit Music (For A Film)” by Radiohead.
What is Exit Music?
Before diving into its impact on the show, let's discuss what the song actually is. “Exit Music (For A Film)” was originally written by Thom Yorke for the movie adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The haunting melody perfectly captures the emotions of two young lovers facing a tragic end and has become an iconic song over the years. It wasn't until The Umbrella Academy that we got to hear it in a different context.
The Opening Scene
The first episode of The Umbrella Academy begins with a powerful scene accompanied by “Exit Music”. Reginald Hargreeves (played by Colm Feore) walks around the streets of the rainy city with a briefcase full of monocles under his arm. The viewer later discovers that he’s about to collect seven children, born on the same day to different mothers, who will save the planet. The song adds an extra layer of emotion and mystery to the already captivating scene, making us feel like we’re embarking on an epic journey.
Emotionally Charged
The song appears again during a pivotal moment when one of the main characters, Vanya Hargreeves (played by Ellen Page), is at her lowest point. After discovering that her siblings kept secrets from her, she struggles with the realization that she is different from them, leading to a chain of events that changes everything. The song brings out a cathartic feeling in the viewer, making us feel empathetic towards Vanya and her pain.
Ambiguity
During the season’s finale, “Exit Music” shows up yet again, this time adding even more ambiguity to an already complex ending. The song comes on as the Hargreeves family is reunited in a new altered timeline, and we’re left wondering what the future holds. It's hard to say whether things are resolved or not, adding tension and suspense to the final scene.
The Importance of the Song to the Series
So, why did showrunner Steve Blackman choose such a mesmerizing tune to feature throughout the series? Well, it's no secret that adding music can have a huge impact on how a story is perceived. In this case, Blackman used the song to add an extra layer of emotion, capture the feeling of the show, and make it feel like an epic odyssey.
The Versatility of the Song
The beauty of “Exit Music” lies in its versatility. As mentioned, the song was originally written for something completely different, yet it manages to fit perfectly within the narrative of The Umbrella Academy. It has become an emblematic anthem of the show, representing the ups and downs of each character and their unique personalities.
The Future
Given the success of The Umbrella Academy and the emotional impact of “Exit Music,” there’s no doubt that more seasons will come, and we’ll surely hear the iconic sound of Radiohead once again. As the show continues, the song will likely become even more associated with the characters and storylines, making it an unforgettable part of TV history.
The Final Verdict
Thanks to “Exit Music (For A Film),” The Umbrella Academy has a powerful weapon under its belt. By using a pre-existing song that already evokes strong emotions and adding it to the show's most powerful moments, the creators have managed to make the series even more captivating and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a show with fantastic characters and an exceptional soundtrack, then The Umbrella Academy is definitely worth checking out.
Comparing Exit Music (For A Film) in the Umbrella Academy: The Original vs. The Cover
The Original – Radiohead’s Version
Exit Music (For A Film) is a song by the British rock band Radiohead, included in their 1997 album OK Computer. The song is a haunting ballad that speaks of the end of a relationship and the fear that comes with it. Thom Yorke’s melancholic voice and the atmospheric instrumentation create a sense of vulnerability and despair. The lyrics, “We hope that you choke, that you choke”, add a layer of bitter sarcasm to the somber mood of the song.
Lyrical Content
The lyrics in Radiohead’s version of Exit Music delve deep into the darkness and sadness of a relationship coming to an end. They express the feeling of being powerless and helpless, like there’s nothing you can do to stop the inevitable. Through metaphors and imagery, Yorke paints a picture of a world collapsing. The line “This is my final fit, my final bellyache” shows the frustration and exhaustion that comes with trying to salvage something that’s falling apart.
Musical Arrangement
The musical arrangement in Radiohead’s version is as haunting as the lyrics. The use of minor chords and unconventional rhythms conveys a sense of unease and discomfort. The acoustic guitar and piano melody represent simplicity and innocence, a contrast to the dramatic and complex orchestration in the chorus.
The Cover – Ruelle’s Version
Ruelle is an American singer-songwriter known for her emotional and cinematic approach to music. Her cover of Exit Music (For A Film) was used in the Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy, adding even more depth and drama to the already poignant lyrics.
Lyrical Content
Ruelle’s cover of Exit Music doesn’t stray too far from Radiohead’s original. The lyrics still capture the universal theme of loss and heartbreak, with lines like “You can laugh a spineless laugh, we hope your rules and wisdom choke you now”. What sets it apart is the delivery and the slight change in emphasis. Ruelle’s voice is soft and haunting, and she places more emphasis on certain words to give them more weight, like “This is our final…”
Musical Arrangement
Ruelle’s arrangement is much more subdued than Radiohead’s. The song starts with a piano and synth that sound like raindrops falling, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. As the song progresses, the cymbals and string instruments come in, adding tension and drama. There’s a feeling of catharsis when the song reaches its climax, with Ruelle’s voice soaring above the instrumentation.
Comparison
| Aspect | Radiohead’s Version | Ruelle’s Version |
|---|---|---|
| Lyrical content | Deep, metaphorical, and somber | Subdued, emotional, and intimate |
| Musical arrangement | Dramatic, atmospheric, and complex | Soft, haunting, and cinematic |
| Emotional impact | Despair, fear, and bitterness | Vulnerability, intimacy, and catharsis |
Opinion
Both versions of Exit Music (For A Film) are powerful in their own right. Radiohead’s version captures the essence of heartbreak and the desperation that comes with trying to hold onto something that’s slipping away. The musical arrangement is haunting and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and discomfort that lingers long after the song ends.
Ruelle’s version, on the other hand, is more subdued and introspective. Her voice is ethereal and haunting, adding a layer of emotional depth to already poignant lyrics. The music is cinematic, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that makes you feel like you’re listening to something you shouldn’t be privy to.
In the end, it all boils down to personal preference. Those who prefer their music raw, edgy, and complex might prefer Radiohead’s version. But for those who are more drawn to emotional and cinematic pieces, Ruelle’s version might be the better fit. Regardless, both versions of Exit Music (For A Film) are testaments to the power of music to evoke emotions and connect people through shared experiences.
Tips and Tutorial: How to Play Exit Music (For A Film) from Umbrella Academy on Piano
Introduction
Exit Music (For A Film) is a beautiful song featured in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy. It was originally composed by Radiohead and later covered by the American band, Fitz and The Tantrums. If you're a fan of this song and would like to learn how to play it on piano, then this tutorial is perfect for you!Know the Key
The first thing you need to do when trying to play any song by ear is to identify the key it's in. Exit Music (For A Film) is in the key of A Major. This means that all the chords and notes you play must fit this key.Familiarize with the Chords
Learning the chords is the next step. For example, in the intro, the chords are A – D – F# – E. Make sure you familiarize yourself with these chords by taking the time to study and practice. Try playing them slowly and then build up your speed as you get comfortable with the chords.Understand the Structure of the Song
To play the song properly, you should understand its structure, which is basically intro – verse – chorus – interlude – verse – chorus – interlude – outro. Knowing the parts will help you identify the melody and match it with the right chords.Learn the Melody
To create the soulful feel that makes the song so unique, you'll need to learn the melody. Start by playing each note slowly and accurately, gradually increasing the tempo as you get more familiar with the song.Practice Makes Perfect
Practice is essential to mastering any song, and Exit Music (For A Film) is no exception. Make a habit of playing the song every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. It'll help you build muscle memory and learn the chords and melody by heart.Pair Hands Together
To make your playing more polished, try pairing both your hands together. This means that you should be playing the chords and notes at the same time with both your left and right hands.Add Dynamics and Emotion
What makes this song so beautiful is its emotion and dynamics. You can apply different musical interpretations to give it your own personal touch. Try varying the volume, tempo or vibrato to create an emotional connection between you and the music.Improvise and Play Around
Don't be afraid to experiment and play around with the song. Try adding your own twist to it by improvising. You can create your own unique version of the song by using different chord inversions or even changing the tempo or rhythm.Ears and Memory are Your Friends
When learning to play any song by ear, it's important to develop your listening and memory skills. Train your ears to hear the notes and chords by listening to the song repetitively. Utilize your memory to keep track of the melody and chords as you play.Conclusion
Playing Exit Music (For A Film) on piano may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of effort, patience, and practice, you can master this wonderful song. Remember to familiarize yourself with the chords, learn the melody, understand the structure, and practice every day. And most importantly, have fun with it!Why Exit Music (For A Film) is the Perfect Song for The Umbrella Academy Season 2 Finale
If you are a fan of The Umbrella Academy, then you know that the show is known for its killer soundtracks. From Tiffany's I Think We're Alone Now to The Doors' The End, the show has an uncanny ability to set the mood with its music choices. However, when it comes to the final scene of Season 2, nothing quite compares to the hauntingly beautiful Exit Music (For A Film) by Radiohead.
For those who have not seen the show yet, this is your spoiler warning – as I will be discussing the events of the Season 2 finale. We pick up with the Hargreeves siblings in the middle of a time jump, attempting to make their way back to their original timeline after causing a nuclear apocalypse. However, they soon discover that their father, Reginald Hargreeves, has also jumped through time and is working with a group called The Commission to ensure that the apocalypse happens no matter what.
It all comes down to a stand-off between the siblings and Reginald, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. As they fight, we see Vanya use her powers to create a force field around the group, just as the bomb detonates. In slow motion, we see the siblings brace for impact, believing that they have failed and the world is about to end. That is when Exit Music (For A Film) begins to play.
The song's melancholy melody sets the perfect tone for the heartbreaking scene that follows. We see each sibling flash to their loved ones – Allison to her daughter, Luther to his girlfriend, Diego to his deceased girlfriend, and Klaus to his dead brother. Then, one by one, they begin to disintegrate. It is a gut-wrenching moment that is made all the more emotional by the lyrics of Exit Music.
Wake from your sleep / The drying of your tears / Today we escape / We escape.
The lyrics feel like a perfect encapsulation of the siblings' journey throughout the season. They have all woken from their past traumas and are finally coming together as a family. However, just as they escape the apocalypse, they are torn apart once again.
We hope that you choke / That you choke.
These lines hit hard, as it feels like a direct message to Reginald. Throughout the season, we have seen how much pain he has caused his children and how little he cares for their well-being. In this moment, the siblings are hoping that he chokes on the destruction he has caused.
Now we are one / In everlasting peace.
The final lines of the song feel like a promise to the audience. While the siblings may be separated once again, they will always be connected as a team and as a family. The use of everlasting peace feels like a nod to the fact that they will continue to face challenges in the future, but they will always come out on top as long as they have each other.
In conclusion, Exit Music (For A Film) is the perfect song choice for The Umbrella Academy Season 2 finale. Its haunting melody and emotional lyrics perfectly capture the heartbreak of the scene and the overarching themes of the show. As fans eagerly await Season 3, they can hold onto the hope that, no matter what comes their way, the Hargreeves siblings will always find their way back to each other.
Thanks for reading! What did you think of the Season 2 finale and the use of Exit Music (For A Film)? Let us know in the comments below!
People Also Ask about Exit Music (For A Film Umbrella Academy)
What is Exit Music (For A Film) by Radiohead?
Exit Music (For A Film) is a song by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released in 1997 and was included in the album OK Computer. The song is known for its haunting piano melody and Thom Yorke's emotional vocals.
Why was Exit Music (For A Film) chosen for The Umbrella Academy?
Exit Music (For A Film) was used in the season one finale of The Umbrella Academy because showrunner Steve Blackman felt that the song captured the emotional tone of the final scene. The melancholic lyrics and haunting melody perfectly reflected the bittersweet nature of the moment.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of Exit Music (For A Film)?
The lyrics of Exit Music (For A Film) are widely interpreted as a tale of forbidden love, with themes of desperation and tragedy. Thom Yorke has said that the song was inspired by William Shakespeare's tragic play Romeo and Juliet.
Who covered Exit Music (For A Film)?
Many artists have covered Exit Music (For A Film) over the years, including Brad Mehldau, Scala & Kolacny Brothers, and Quentin Mosimann. However, the most famous cover is probably the one by pop singer Lana Del Rey.
Is Exit Music (For A Film) available on Spotify?
Yes, Exit Music (For A Film) by Radiohead is available on Spotify, as well as on other music streaming platforms like Apple Music and Tidal.
What other songs were used in The Umbrella Academy?
Some of the other songs used in The Umbrella Academy include:
- I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany
- Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest
- Hazy Shade of Winter by Gerard Way and Ray Toro
- Don't Stop Me Now by Queen