Welcome back dear SOUP readers to another Musical Enlightenment! This time it's about the theme, Apocalyptic Accidents, which leaves a lot of wiggle room and space. There are so many movies with pretty soundtracks out there that can be used. My first thought was to do Hanging Tree, from The Hunger Games, but with that already being such a well-known song, I wanted to pick something else. I ended up settling with a song from the same movie series, played during the first movie. The lullaby "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars.
Some background before we get into the real meaning... Lionsgate (THGs's Production Company) made record label Bernett write songs for THG: Songs from District 12 and Beyond. A couple of famous artists fell under this label and were rounded up to help with this task. The night of writing the song, The Civil Wars were playing a show in LA, meaning they did not have a lot of time to finish up this song. Within 2 hours, the song had been finished.
In short, Taylor Swift has described the theme of the song to be about the empathy and compassion that Katniss has for Rue, Peeta, and Prim throughout the movie. At the start of the song is Katniss reassuring Prim, her little sister, after she woke up from a nightmare in which she was chosen to be a part of the games. When this becomes reality, Katniss very quickly jumps in and volunteers instead. The chorus, found below, is written as a comforting piece because it's very unlikely they'll both be 'safe and sound'. The world they live in is a mess, and Katniss is about to be part of a game where 23 people have to die in order for 1 to live. Within the second verse, the reality is more present: everything is on fire, so stay inside to protect yourself. It's sung to hold on to the music, but the deeper meaning is to hold on to her as well.
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
I will see you all again next time when we'll go over yet another song's meaning. This is your favourite Fox tuning back out!