Wow I don't think there is a song (that I know) that would encompass the WHOLE novel, so my songs are going to be specially for the theme Coming of age.
My first song would be: You gotta be by Des'ree. This song is about being the best you can be, and being your own person. Here are some of the lyrics:
Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard
You gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know love will save the day
In the song Des'ree is telling us to get through life you have to be wise, stand up for yourself, and not be discouraged if you fall. The principles she sings about are all important lessons and/or things to keep in mind. The song is all about what you should try for in life but at the same time you are you and you will find people who love and support you for being yourself. I feel these are the principles that Atticus is trying to impart to his children so that they may grow up to be well-rounded adults.
The second song I would choose is Hero by Superchick. This song really hits home that you may not even be aware of your actions, that your just mimicking others, but if you did dare to have a mind of your own you might just save a life. Here are some of the lyrics:
No one sits with him, he doesn't fit in
But we feel like we do when we make fun of him
Cause you want to belong, do you go along?
Cause his pain is the price paid for you to belong
It's not like you hate him or want him to die
But maybe he goes home and thinks suicide
Or he comes back to school with a gun at his side
And a kindness from you might have saved his life
Heroes are made when you make a choice
You could be a hero - heroes do what's right
You could be a hero - you might save a life
You could be a hero- you could join the fight
For what's right, for what's right, for what's right
Maycomb is a very opinionated and stubborn town set in it's old ways and for almost any child growing up there a different path seems impossible. When you might be ridiculed its hard to break away. When the you want to take is uncertain your afraid of the future. The what ifs weigh you down and cripple you seemingly forcing you to "fit in" or "go along" but this song explains the empowerment you receive when you break free of your mental chains and do what you always felt you should.
*I love both of these songs and strongly recommend anyone to go on youtube and check them out!*
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Christeena Linton
3/2/2013 01:46:47 am
You Gotta Be is one of my all time favorite songs. Gotta love the oldies. Good choice of songs.
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Kaely Whittington
2/28/2013 06:41:49 am
Two songs that I would pick for the To Kill A Mockingbird soundtrack would be “Old Friend” by Sea Wolf and ”The Ice Is Getting Thinner” by Deathcab for Cutie.
“Old Friend” really fits the theme of losing innocence.
"But now we’re getting older
And we’re growing up
So now less action in the water
And we know enough"
The first two lines of this verse talk about growing up. To me "less action in the water" is talking about not having childish games anymore like splashing around in water. The last line "and we know enough" reminds me of how Scout is being exposed to new things and learning about adult issues such as rape and the KKK.
Old friend come to me
Everything I was, I used to be
I went north and I went east
I think the friend in this song is a symbol of innocence. "Everything I was, I used to be" makes me think of how when you lose the innocence of childhood, you're not the same person any more. The last line of this also relates to this.
The second song I would chose is "The Ice is Getting Thinner"
We're not the same, dear, as we used to be.
The seasons have changed and so have we.
There was little we could say, and even less we could do
To stop the ice from getting thinner under me and you.
The first two lines are about not being the same after you lose your innocence. The last two lines are saying that there isn’t anything you can do to stop yourself from growing up and losing your innocence because it’s an inevitable part of life.
And when spring arrived
We were taken by surprise when the floes under our feet bled into the sea
And nothing was left for you and me.
In the first line, I think spring represents adult life where you understand the evils of the world. The phrase “we were taken by surprise” reminds me of when I first realized that there were bad people in the world because I was extremely shocked as everyone is. The last line is talking about how once you lose innocence, there is nothing left of it.
I think both of these songs are perfect for this book and relate to the theme of growing up extremely well.
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Tara Ward
3/1/2013 10:55:02 pm
I listened to both of these songs and while both definately represented the Loss of Innocence plot very well i especially liked Old Friend by Sea Wolf. Along with the word I felt that the music and his voice expressed the theme also. The guitar music (which i thought was amazing) itself had a kind of mournful yearning sound. It sounds like the type of music that would accompany regretful thoughts of the past. The first time I listened to this song the guitar part was the first thing i heard and it drew me in so much that it was all i heard so then i listened to it a second time and found the singer's voice also had special cadence that went along with the overall meaning. The voice itself induces an empty kind of longing feeling. This song reminded me of some of the things I have lost over my short 15 years that I wold really like back. Overall this is a very unique song (in a good way) that tells a story and takes you on a journey, you don't get that from most songs nowadays.
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Mady Eutsler
3/11/2013 05:58:22 am
I absolutely love these two choices. I love Death Cab for Cutie and I love the lyrics of the Sea Wolf song and I feel as though both of the songs fit the novel really well.
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Abigail Thomas
3/12/2013 11:15:23 am
Good choice of songs! The lyrics of Seas Wolf are perfect for the novel. I could definitely see it in the movie for the novel.
Tiffany-Jade Smallwood
3/17/2013 12:27:41 am
I really love these songs, I agree, they relate to the theme well. Thanks.
If I had to choose two songs that went allong with the novel one would be "chages" by tupac. If you listen to the words of the song, It is all about how change needs to take place between blacks and whites. He sais that both sides need to take initative and fight for coexistance and harmony. Also, "Imagine" by John Lennon. The words of this song are truely brilliant and they display a culture of peace and happieness. I think that the message in these songs are the same thing which Atticus and the Finches are fighting for.
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Tara Ward
3/1/2013 11:15:43 pm
These are two very different songs, and i for one have never heard of Tupac. After listening to both i kind of laughed because though they both support the theme of change the songs have two different ways of looking at the same thing (like most cases). In Imagine by John Lennon, the overall message is rather benign (especially compared to Tupac's song). I feel that John Lennon is simply trying to put into the listeners' head the idea of how nice things would be if they changed for the better. If more people have this image in their head its more likely they would like the image and start to want it and therefore act accordingly at least sometimes. Now, in Changes by Tupac the overall song is definitely more angry than Imagine. The beat mixed with piano occasionally was what really made me listen to the whole song, because even though this type of rap isn't my style the beat was catchy. I think in the song Changes, Tupac is kind of like here is all of the stuff that's wrong with the situation right now (he does not sugar coat anything). And i feel like he's kind of daring people to say it's not that bad. I definitely feel he knows where he stands and what he's going to do, but is tired of everyone ignoring whats all around them. This song is forcing everyone else to think about where they stand.
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Taje' Cotton
3/5/2013 04:20:14 am
I listen to the song, and I see where Tupac is coming from. He is just saying that all these African Americans worked hard to what we had to get to , and still we are discrimated against. So he saying/ rapping how most blacks felt at the certain era in their life, and still do . Unfrontatly we still are going through discrimation.
Angela C
3/16/2013 07:22:07 am
i agree with taje'
Maria Gianelle
3/16/2013 07:47:38 am
I love "Imagine" by John Lennon and think it would be perfect for a To Kill A Mockingbird movie. It makes you put yourself in other people's shoes and realize we all have different experiences.
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Andrew Hoeck (Bob)
3/17/2013 09:28:12 am
I also chose songs that have a theme of change but mine scale from individual to a group to society as a whole, I thought it would be a good way to go since in the novel it doesn't usually show life from the ones who are suffering, only those that think they are better and then those like scout who are trying to help, but seeing the life through a sympathizer's eyes and the one suffering is a big change
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Vanessa Bennish
3/4/2013 03:35:20 am
If I were to make a soundtrack, the two songs I would chose would be "Love Me" by JJ Heller and "Bad Kids" by Lady Gaga. These two songs go along with the theme that you shouldn't judge someone until you've walked in their shoes. Love Me is a song about three people who are judged over past events, when in reality they are beautiful people who have suffered through a lot. Their actions are not representative of who they truely are, but people fail to see past them. Bad Kids is about a similar situation as well. Lady Gaga tells the story of many kids who have made bad choices in life, but underneath it all they have a pure heart and just want to be acknowledged. She sends out a message that you can't base your opinion of someone off of their actions, because you don't know their story.
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Bobby Noonan
3/5/2013 12:54:01 am
if i had to choose two songs they would be "im different" by 2 chainz and "squeeze the trigger" by ice-t. i choose the im different one because its all about being different and going against the norm. i also would pick the " squeeze the trigger' because it is all about the stuggle of racism and the w]different ways his brothers were treeated becuase of their skin. i feel these songs grasp the theme of differences and racism in the book
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Amanda Workman
3/12/2013 12:24:40 am
I love the choice I'm Different. It's a cool song and it actually relates.
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megan trader
3/12/2013 05:41:42 am
haha oh my god, you are soo funny. yeah i agree with the im different by 2 chainz.
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Angela C
3/16/2013 07:22:52 am
I like that song bobby
Kelly Deehan
3/10/2013 10:12:42 am
When I first thought of a song for To Kill A Mockingbird I thought of the song that plays during the final credits of The Help. The song "The Living Proof" by Mary J. Blige speaks about what happens when you stand up for change and what you believe in. This reminds me of Atticus standing up for Tom Robinson even when the town disagrees with him. Another song I thought of was "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift. This one makes me think of Scout and how this trial forces her to grow and mature quickly even though that isn't what Atticus really wants to happen to her. The song speaks to a girl eager to grow up and be independent but then she realizes it's not all she pictured. She should have enjoyed her time as a kid instead of racing to be an adult.
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Max Cuppett
3/11/2013 11:44:00 am
The two best songs to represent To Kill a Mockingbird would be "White Man's World" by Tupac and "Why Can't We Be Friends" by WAR. "White Man's World" is literally about how America is a white man's world because there are more opportunities for white men than there are for black men. "Why Can't We Be Friends" is simply asking why can't black and white get along? They both have jobs, live in the same country, have the same rights, have families, and want what is best for their families. They are the same in every aspect except their skin color. Both of these songs show the attitude of Atticus because they both understand that everyone is the same on the inside but African Americans are still being oppressed.
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Amanda Workman
3/12/2013 12:23:10 am
If I were doing a soundtrack for To Kill a Mockingbird I would use the theme bravery. The theme is shown throughout the novel by Atticus, Jem, Ms. Dubose, Scout, and others. The first song I would use is "Overcome by Creed" because it relates to Ms. Dubose and how she had the courage to overcome her addiction. The second song I would use is "This Is Who I Am by Colton Dixon" because it relates to Atticus. He never let hurtful words from people in Maycomb bring him down. He still defended Tom Robinson because he knew it was the right thing to do.
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megan trader
3/12/2013 05:40:58 am
the two songs i would pick is started from the bottom by drake and freedom by nicki minaj. even if you started from the bottom you can always work your way up and be something great. and i choose freedom because dont let the haters get to you, just be yourself and you will accomplish great things.
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Winter Cahall
3/13/2013 08:45:34 am
Two songs that I would choose to represent To Kill a Mockingbird would be "Black or White" by Michael Jackson and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. It doesnt matter what color you are, we should all be treated equal. People shouldnt be be disrespectful someone just because they are not same as you. We are all human, therefore we are all the same. In the novel most of all the whites thinkTom Robinson is guilty because he is black. They also started to treat Atticus poorly just because he was defending someone that was black. These two songs can relate to this situation because Atticus didnt care what color you were, he would defend you the best he could. Also shows how whites had no respect for blacks.
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Keniya Walker
3/16/2013 11:49:24 am
Yes, I really love the Michel choice. This song has a strong connection with this story. Thinking about the trail and how it actually mattered if he was black or white is sad.
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Allison Franklin
3/13/2013 10:30:55 am
If I were to make a soundtrack for "To Kill a Mockingbird" I would be sure to include "Hurricane" by Bob Dylan, and "Where is the Love" by the Black Eyed Peas. I think both of these songs do a wonderful job relating to the many themes of the book. They especially relate to the theme of main themes of racial discrimination and the injustices that occur because of it, and how to overcome this discrimination. The song "Hurricane" has the same plot of the book and that is why it relates so well. "Where is the Love" has a line that says, . “But if you only have love for your own race, then you only leave space to discriminate, and to discriminate only generates hate”, and to me that is such a powerful line that relates so well to the novel. If people could overlook the color of peoples skin there would not be so much hate. In the novel, if the people of Maycomb could have overlooked the color of Mr. Robinson's skin he would not have been treated so unfairly. To me these songs represent the theme of "To Kill a Mockingbird" wonderfully.
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Katelyn Briddell
3/15/2013 03:32:15 am
The two songs I would choose is "More Beautiful you" by Jonny Diaz. The song describes how God has made you the way you are for a reason. No one in there right mind should judge you one that. Also How you were made to fail on purpose and there's nothing you can really do about it. The most important meaning of the song is That no matter what people say to you or how bad things get never change yourself to please someone else.
The second song I choose is "Amen" by Kid Rock The reason I choose this song is in fact because it tells you how people need to take a step back and look at what other people are going through. Also that you should thank God and say Amen to the things that you have and how much you have accomplished.
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Maria Gianelle
3/16/2013 07:44:43 am
"The Dog Days Are Over"- Florence + the Machine because it tells a story of growing up and realizing that your innocence is slipping away. A time comes when we have to act older than we are, like Jem and Scout maturing for the trial. We have to step up at these times and understand that we now have much more responsibility.
Atticus asked Scout to fight with her head instead of her hands, and she has had to act with such restraint that a normal 8 year old wouldn't have to.
"Good People" - Jack Johnson because it asks the question where have all the good people gone? Jem and Scout have been asking themselves this question since the jury decided Tom was guilty. They used to see Maycomb as the best town with the nicest people. Well, now their view of Maycomb has gone crashing down and they see little hope in the town. They don't understand why people can't just accept everyone for who they are. Scout said there is just "one kind of folks. Folks." You'd think if an 8 year old and a 12 year old understood, so would a couple adults. Miss Maudie has to explain to Jem and Scout that there are good people in Maycomb, they just aren't as obvious as Atticus. Many people supported Atticus' attempt to save Tom, and he is an example for the townspeople who are trying to do what's right.
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Brady Shreeves
3/16/2013 11:27:54 am
The two songs I would choose for the soundtrack would be the pursuit of happiness by kid cudi and the opposite of adults by chiddy bang. In my opinion, the pursuit of happiness is a perfect fit for this soundtrack. The song makes you think of yourself as a child and how you could make stupid decisions and not think back about it and regret it. One reason I say this is In one line of the song it says "If I fall if I die know I lived it to the fullest". Then the opposite of adults is all about reminiscing on the days of innocence, such as how scout is right now.
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