Character Theme Songs

Sometimes I get through a scene or a chapter because I find the perfect song. Or I get an idea for something off of a song too.

But anyway, if I'm stuck, sometimes I'll make a playlist or put a song on repeat that helps fit my character. Or, just in general, a song will remind me of somebody!

The Queen and I by Gym Class Heroes. This is all about Verda. "She makes the cutest faces when she screams obscenities."

Ruby by Kaiser Chiefs. All about Jatne because he is going to be obsessed with a girl.

What about you guys?

Knight of Honor is basically a retelling of the lyrics to Nickelback's "Gotta Be Somebody"

When I originally heard the song, I immediately thought of all the Republic Commando books, and to me, it just felt like it's the unofficial theme song for the novels.

In the last couple months, though, I was able to really see how the lyrics parallel my story, and whenever I hear the song now, I see a mental music video with my characters.

ORDER 66 SPOILERS.

I got into the Republic Commando books when Cold Play's Viva la Vida Album came out. So I associate those with each other a lot. When I read Order 66 I listened to it non-stop. Oh my gosh it makes me want to cry sometimes. It's so silly.

The song "Strawberry Swing" is for Dar and Etain where Etain is all "la dee da! I'm gonna be with my husband and my baby!" Meanwhile I know where this is going because Catika said "I HATE THIS BOOK" when she gave it to my sister to give to me. And as a general rule of thumb I think everyone is going to die. I blame 'Lost.' So in my head I'm like "NO! NOOOO! JUST STAY WHERE YOU ARE YOU DUMB DUMB GIRL!"

And then "Death And All of His Friends" (so good, you need to listen to it) for the rest of the book pretty much. It's a good song for the entire book and series though. That and "Stop and Stare" by One Republic. It was also a song that I was introduced to around the same time as the book though. Then again... I heard "Great DJ" by the Ting Tings too and I don't think of Commandos when I hear that song...

I keep those three songs on my Meat Cans playlist because I associate them with Republic Commando and the GAR in general. There are some other songs on the playlist that makes sense as to why I connect them with certain characters. And then there's the weird songs like "Rock the House" by Gorillaz that made me think of my Jedi character, Clayne. I don't know why... but I just picture him break dancing. A cute one for the story is "Make Your Own Kind of Music" by Mama Cass Elliot.

I think the song that has the overall feeling of my Meat Cans story is probably "All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers. And then for Tandem... maybe "The Air Near my Fingers" by the White Stripes. That story isn't developed as much.

Hm, you guys got interesting grooves going on there, but I personally haven't attached any specific song or lyrics to my characters.

There are some scenes to which I like to listen certain types of music because they fit the mood. But I was always put off by fanfic writers who quote song lyrics into their chapters. It just irks me.

Bard'ika would get tons of "theme songs," mainly from a band like 3 Doors Down since he's all about self-affirmation and growing into a better person everyday. All very moody themes, with a touch of fun rock'n'roll. "It's the only one you got" comes to mind, simply because it's my favorite song from these guys. (But then again, everyone can relate to this song so it's pointless to use it for characterization)

Daennika wrote:

(But then again, everyone can relate to this song so it's pointless to use it for characterization)

That something I like about songs. They're subjective to each person and if you can relate to the song it means more to you. But I see your point. If I had a dollar for every time I saw a fan made music video using a Linkin Park song I could buy all the kitties in the city and give them homes. It does get annoying and doesn't seem unique anymore.

I have a few songs that I use for multiple stories. It happens a lot when I get excited about a new song. I try to avoid that, but sometimes I just can't help it.

Ms.MaraJade wrote:

In the last couple months, though, I was able to really see how the lyrics parallel my story, and whenever I hear the song now, I see a mental music video with my characters.

I do that too!

I generally use music as inspiration rather than as specific character theme songs. An entire story or maybe a scene can get a certain song attached to it, though. Still, its rare for me to put a song on repeat while writing because I like to be reminded that stories and characters have multiple layers.

Vio'Fais wrote:

I generally use music as inspiration rather than as specific character theme songs. An entire story or maybe a scene can get a certain song attached to it, though. Still, its rare for me to put a song on repeat while writing because I like to be reminded that stories and characters have multiple layers.

I get that too! Especially when I discover a new kind of music or a particular sound that "strikes the right chord" if you know what I mean, it works like chemistry in the brain. Very difficult to recreate the effect whenever we need to complete a chapter though!

Ahaha it seems we are all of relatively the same ilk here.
I go through most of my life listening to music actually they keep out the voices, so I suppose it's no surprise that music heavily influences my writing.

For example, I always pictured Ordo and Besany's theme as something close to Foo Fighters' Everlong.

Other times a particular album, or even a band and all of their songs, can be inspiring for a specific character or situation. I also feel that everything reads better with music, especially with the original song playing in the background. So what reads one way without, might sound (and feel) completely different when we have a subconscious beat to follow.

But yeah, I find it next to impossible to get any writing done without music. It feels almost like a handicap, to be without music.

My main character's theme song is totally "Won't Back Down" by Fuel. Fits Mesh to a T (visor?). lol