I have compiled all of the songs that I assosiate with characters from the Obernewtyn Chronicles, some of which are listed in earlier posts. The list was rather longer than I realised, but they are arranged in approximately chronological order.
By Way of Sorrow –Lucy Kaplansky
To me, this song is the anthem for Obernewtyn and all Misfits. It is saying that whoever they are and wherever they come from, there is a home for them where they are safe and valued. It is particularly appropriate for Elspeth.
See the Sun – Dido
This song focuses on Matthew between Obernewtyn and Farseekers. He is mourning Cameo whose death was largely overshadowed by other events surrounding the freeing of Obernewtyn. It is saying that he should accept her death and move on, because Dragon is waiting for him.
Bring Me to Life – Evanescence
This song is perfect for Dragon, describing her relationship with both Elspeth and Matthew. In particular, the lines “now that I know what I’m without/you can’t just leave me†make me think of the rage and betrayal of her dream dragon. I imagine Matthew as singing the lines “all this time I can't believe I couldn't see/kept in the dark but you were there in front of me†when he has just discovered he loves her.
All For Believing - Missy Higgins
This song is a good way of describing Elspeth’s and Rushton’s relationship, particularly in the earlier parts of the series. It shows how they want to love each other but don’t quite trust them with their secrets.
I Can See Clearly Now - Jonny Nash (?)
This is one of the only songs that actually reminded me of Obernewtyn, rather than liking the song and finding a scene to fit. I first heard it about the time I was reading Farseekers for the first time and I linked it to Elspeth just after the Agyllians healed her feet. This is particularly due to the line "I think I can make it now the pain has gone". It would also fit Gahltha's change in attitude at the same time, or Elspeth's at the end of Ashling.
The Show Must Go On – Queen
This song reminds me of Ruston at the end of Farseekers where he believes that Elspeth is dead, yet must continue to hold Obernewtyn together and fool the soldierguards. The wording of the chorus is particularly apt concidering the act they are putting on for the sodierguards, but also refers to Rushton having to appear strong for the rest of Obernewtyn. Elspeth has similar feelings early in TSK when Rushton can’t love her.
Who Makes You Feel – Dido
This feels like the perfect song for Kella when Domick starts rejecting her. In particular, the second verse “I don't mind if you come home late/I don't ever ask you where you've been/I just assume there's a problem you'll tell me.†She still loves him, but can feel that he is drifting away, loosing the battle with Mika.
My Immortal – Evanescence
This song strongly reminds me of Rushton’s attitude towards Elspeth after he has been rescued from the cloister up until he returns to Norseland, particularly in the light of what we learn later. He still loves her, but it is too painful to see her and remember their love. The second verse is especially fitting, particularly as I subconsciously replace “resonating light†with “resonating mindâ€, and refers to the way Ariel twisted his love for her. I imaging Elspeth singing the section “I’ve tried so hard to tell myself you’re gone...†(fitting the same time period), and them both singing the final chorus.
Haunted - Taylor Swift
Reminding me of the same incident, this song shows how Elspeth feels after Rushton is rescued, and the fact that she can’t quite accept his loss of feelings for her. Lines that are particularly appropriate include “You and I walk a fragile line†referring to their previously rocky relationship, “Something’s made your eyes go cold†and “Something’s gone terribly wrong†showing that after Ariels tortures Rushton can’t love or even look at her, and “He tries to take away my pain†is about Dameon trying to comfort her. The tune itself has the right combination of loss, sorrow and desperation.
You Found Me – The Fray
Although much of the lyrics don’t fit the setting, the mood of this song makes me think of Domick being captured by Ariel, then rescued by Elspeth only to die. He is feeling betrayed by Obernewtyn, despite the fact that he pushed them away, and is guilty about what he did as Mika. The second verse, in particular the lines “the only one who’s ever known/who I am, who I’m not and who I want to be†reminds me of Kella and the way she originally helped him to keep Domick and Mika separate.
Faded – Cascada
This is a very different sort of song and makes me think of Jackoby’s twin sister, Seresh, being forced to become a Temple Guardian. She does not want to become a Guardian and chafes at the restrictions to the point where runs away rather than becoming another anonymous veiled figure.
White Flag – Dido
I see this song as being about Dardelan and Bruna. When Bruna believes Dardelan doesn’t love her and goes back to Sador, Dardelan follows as soon as he can. He understands if he’s lost his chance and she would rather bond with a Sadorian man, but he needs to know if she could still love him.
Alive – Natalie Basingthwaight
In a slightly different mood to many of the other songs, this song makes me think of Kella during The Sending. She is starting to get over Domick and is falling in love again with someone handsome and/or charming (ie. Swallow). She is feeling guilty about falling in love again so soon after Domick has died and is afraid of getting hurt again, but also wants to move on.
It’s Too Late – Evermore
Depending on how it works out in the Sending, this song makes me think of Elspeth starting on the final leg of her quest to destroy the weapomnmachines. It would be particularly true if Rushton had (supposedly?) died and/or if Obernewtyn was destroyed. She is leaving everything behind to complete her quest and truely become the Seeker. During the chorus, the drumbeat makes mee feel as though she and Galatha are galloping off into the night.
My Last Breath – Evanescence
Set at the very end of The Sending, I feel that this song is sung by Elspeth just after she has destroyed the weaponmanchines. As part of destroying them she is either dying (ie. tainted) or about to die (ie. weaponmachines counting down to selfdestruct). She has sent her mind to the dreamtrails and has called Rushton there in order to say goodbye to him, at peace now she has succeeded in her quest. The line “I’ll miss the winter†is particularly appropriate, as all of the Obernewtyn Misfits spending any length of time away from the mountains mention missing the snows, and the peace and security they bring.