“Summertime Sadness”

The last song from Lana’s Born to Die album on this soundtrack, also perhaps her most infamous, “Summertime Sadness” is one of, in my humble opinion, the greatest songs of all time. The song itself is a reflection upon a time of which Lana danced, cruised, and felt alive with someone she truly loved; someone who she lost and will love and remember forever. It’s also a song that encourages moving on in a respectful and powerful way. This song has been selected for both the section involving multiple song pieces, and the beginning of the Requiem. During the sequence for Willy’s death, the following lines would play, “Nothin’ scares me anymore” and “ I got that summertime, summertime sadness”. These lines would be used to symbolize Willy’s final decision to commit suicide, and would pair nicely with the other lines playing as he walks out the door. One final line would be played as Willy gets into his car, “Even if you’re gone, I’m gonna drive, drive, drive”. Of course, this is in reference to him driving, which Willy’s introduction and exit are based on, as well as his desire to chase after what he wanted, even into death. In the Requiem, the chorus would play as a representation of all of the characters’ mourning. “Kiss me hard before you go. Summertime sadness. I just wanted you to know; That, baby, you’re the best.” This song also provides a conclusion to Willy’s character as a whole, and paired with its iconic instrumentals, helps the play transition to its end.