Understanding the Relationship Between Licensed Songs and Their Scenes

Writing songs that work well and resonate with TV and film scenes, requires a deep understanding of storytelling, emotion, and universality. Crafting lyrics with universal themes—love, loss, hope, struggle—can make your music more appealing for licensing. These themes often align with the narratives of TV shows and films, creating a seamless blend between the audio and visual elements.

Why Universal Themes Matter
Universal themes are those that are broadly relatable and evoke shared human experiences. By writing lyrics that touch on these themes, your music can find a place in a much wider array of scenes and genres than if your music contains more obscure lyrics and subject matter.

TV shows and films often deal with fundamental human experiences, and music that echoes these experiences can amplify the emotional impact of a scene. This really shouldn't be much of a stretch as a songwriter or composer, because chances are, you're already writing songs with universal themes.  After all, universal themes, are universal!

Tips for Writing Lyrics for TV and Film
Focus on the emotional core of your song. Whether it’s love, heartache, triumph, or despair, ensure your lyrics convey deep emotions. Write about experiences that are universally understood and avoid overly specific details that may limit the song’s applicability.

Think about how your song could fit into different narrative contexts. Lyrics that tell a story or evoke a particular mood can be particularly powerful. The dynamics of your song—its crescendos, breakdowns, and overall structure—should complement the visual storytelling. This can make your song a perfect fit for key moments in a scene.

Another thing to keep in mind when writing music for films, in particular, is that less is often more.  This was a point that Supervisor Susan Jacobs brought up in our recent podcast we did together.  Susan said that when writing music for films, make sure there is still room for the dialog to be heard over the song.  Susan said that often times more stripped-down versions of songs, even demos in some cases, work better for films.

If you missed my recent podcast with Susan, you can check that out here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BZb4FyZeISu6eB6nccGfq?si=b8c61b29bf134588

With these principles in mind, let’s explore ten songs that have been licensed, analyzing why they work so well in their respective scenes, how the lyrics relate to what’s happening, and offering key takeaways for musicians looking to get their music licensed. 

​Note: Due to copyright restrictions, I wasn't able to post clips of the scenes and songs I'm referencing, so you'll have to do some research on your own, if you want to reference the scenes I analyze, to see why they work so will with their respective songs.  But they should be pretty easy to find on Netflix, Amazon and so on.

"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey - "The Sopranos" Finale
In the final scene of "The Sopranos," Tony Soprano sits in a diner with his family. The tension builds as he waits for his daughter to arrive, with various patrons creating a sense of unease. The scene ends abruptly, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of suspense. "Don't Stop Believin'" serves as the perfect backdrop for this iconic scene.

The song’s hopeful lyrics and anthemic melody contrast with the tension in the scene, creating a powerful juxtaposition. The line "Don't stop believin', hold on to that feeling" underscores the uncertainty and tension, suggesting a glimmer of hope amidst the ambiguity. This contrast can be a powerful tool, familiar songs can evoke strong emotions, and deep emotional resonance can add layers to the narrative.

"Mad World" by Gary Jules - In "Donnie Darko"
"Mad World" plays during a montage at the end of the film, capturing the somber and reflective tone of the movie’s conclusion. "Mad World" perfectly complements the film’s melancholic and introspective themes. The haunting piano arrangement and subdued vocals mirror the character’s inner turmoil and the film’s overall mood.

The lyrics, "I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad, the dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had," reflect Donnie’s complex emotional state and the film's existential themes. Matching the mood and relevance of the lyrics can deepen the connection, while simplicity in arrangement can be more effective than complexity.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen - "Wayne’s World"
​In "Wayne’s World," the characters perform an impromptu headbanging session to "Bohemian Rhapsody" while driving in their car. "Bohemian Rhapsody" brings a sense of fun and spontaneity to the scene, perfectly capturing the characters’ carefree and quirky personalities. The song’s dynamic structure also adds an element of unpredictability.

The lyrics, with their dramatic shifts and storytelling, complement the humorous and over-the-top nature of the characters’ antics. Songs that align with character personalities, inject fun, and have cultural significance can create iconic moments.

"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers -"Ghost"
In "Ghost," "Unchained Melody" plays during the famous pottery scene, where the characters share an intimate and tender moment. "Unchained Melody" enhances the romantic and timeless feel of the scene. The song’s emotional depth and soulful delivery resonate with the characters’ deep connection and love.

​The lyrics, "Oh, my love, my darling, I've hungered for your touch," emphasize the longing and profound bond between the characters, heightening the scene's emotional impact. Romantic themes, timeless appeal, and soulful delivery can significantly enhance intimate scenes.

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem - "8 Mile"
In "8 Mile," Eminem’s "Lose Yourself" plays during pivotal moments, including the final rap battle, highlighting the protagonist’s determination and struggle. "Lose Yourself" captures the essence of the film’s themes of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. The song’s intensity and motivational lyrics align perfectly with the character’s journey.

​The lyrics, "You better lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you better never let it go," reflect the protagonist’s mindset and the high stakes of the scene. Motivational power, intensity, and personal connection can drive narratives forward.


"Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros plays during a montage of Walter’s travels. The song’s uplifting and whimsical nature perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and self-discovery that defines the film. The folk-pop sound and heartfelt lyrics resonate with the character’s journey, making it an ideal choice.

The lyrics, "Home, let me come home, home is wherever I'm with you," reflect Walter's inner journey of finding where he truly belongs. Uplifting themes, resonance with the character’s journey, and heartfelt lyrics can enhance the spirit of adventure.

"Holocene" by Bon Iver - "The Place Beyond the Pines"
"Holocene" by Bon Iver features in "The Place Beyond the Pines," providing a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for a reflective and poignant scene. The ethereal and introspective qualities of the song enhance the emotional depth of the moment, aligning perfectly with the film’s contemplative tone.

​The lyrics, "And at once I knew I was not magnificent," reflect the character's realization of their own vulnerability and insignificance, deepening the scene's impact. Ethereal qualities, emotional depth, and alignment with the film’s tone can create powerful scenes.

"The Funeral" by Band of Horses - "127 Hours"
In "127 Hours," "The Funeral" by Band of Horses underscores a pivotal moment of introspection and realization for the protagonist. The song’s melancholic yet powerful atmosphere complements the intense emotions of the scene, highlighting the character’s struggle and determination.

The lyrics, "At every occasion, I'll be ready for the funeral," mirror the protagonist's confrontation with mortality and the dire situation he faces. Melancholic atmospheres, complementing intense emotions, and highlighting struggle and determination can enhance pivotal moments.

"First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes - "Stuck in Love"
In "Stuck in Love," "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes plays during a tender and heartfelt moment between characters. The song’s intimate and sincere lyrics, coupled with its simple acoustic arrangement, perfectly capture the vulnerability and warmth of the scene.

The lyrics, "This is the first day of my life, I'm glad I didn't die before I met you," underscore the characters' newfound love and connection, enhancing the emotional resonance. Intimate lyrics, simple arrangements, and capturing vulnerability and warmth can significantly enhance romantic scenes.

"To Build a Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra - "This Is Us"
In the TV series "This Is Us," "To Build a Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra plays during a poignant and emotionally charged scene. The song’s orchestral arrangement and soulful vocals amplify the scene’s emotional weight, creating a powerful and lasting impact.

The lyrics, "And I built a home for you, for me," reflect the themes of family, love, and the passage of time, adding depth to the narrative. Orchestral arrangements, soulful vocals, and amplifying emotional weight can create impactful and memorable scenes.

Summing Up
The right song can transform a scene, adding depth, emotion, and memorability. By understanding why certain songs work so well in their licensed contexts, musicians can craft music that stands out and resonates with both audiences and industry professionals. Whether through contrast, mood matching, character alignment, or motivational power, there are many ways to create music that enhances visual narratives and increases the chances of successful licensing.

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