Music To Write By
The following are songs I enjoy listening to when writing Snape.
This is just a song that I came upon accidentally after seeing DH II for the first time. I think it sums up Snape at the end of the series. This is for his relationship with Dumbledore and his love for Lilly and how both changed him and his path in life.
I guess I’ve learned
To question is to grow,
That you still have faith,
Is all I need to know,
I’ve learned to love,
Myself in spite of me,
And I’ve learned to
Walk the road that I believe.
This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud
Stronger than I've ever been now
Never be afraid of standing out
Do I make you proud
Everybody needs to rise up
Everybody needs to be loved
To be loved
This song really needs no explanation for its inclusion if you listen to it and recall the words from Chapter 33 "The Prince's Tale" -
"Hide them all, then," he croaked. "Keep her -- them -- safe. Please."
"And what will you give me in return, Severus?"
"In -- in return?" Snape gaped at Dumbledore, and Harry expected him to protest, but after a long moment he said, "Anything."
The song is from Snape's perspective - his promise to Dumbledore to protect Harry at all costs; his promise to do what he had to in order to defeat the Dark Lord; and his fierce desire to atone for his sins - his betrayal of Lily - and someday see Lily again.
Haunted by the past
A nightmare that seemed so unreal
I wish that I could turn back time
And spare the pain that we both feel
And now we've changed
Things will never be the same
(Things will never be the same)
We were foolish then
But our trials served to make us strong
The burdens are not yours alone
We've sought the answers for so long
But they're not free
They cost you more than they cost me
I promise you, there is nothing I won't give
To see this through
Return the soul to where it lives
I promise you, I'd go everywhere I've been
To find a way to make atonement for my sin and see
See your smiling face again
This one is going to make a lot of people roll their eyes but I don't care. This was a song that I that just kept going through my head back when I finished up Deathly Hallows the first time. The repeating of the word 'Always' just strikes a chord with me and really does resonate with the theme of the book series. Snape had a very big heart - he had to in order to do what he did. He loved Lily so much that gave his life for her, her son, and the world - and no one would know of his sacrifice until after his death. He did not want power or fame. He wanted to serve out his personal penance in peace. But he went beyond his own desires when he killed Dumbledore and willingly took on the mantel of a reviled murderer. It was about a higher calling - of finishing the work that Lily had started so long ago to defeat the Dark Lord.
He was the bravest man I ever knew.
The first part of the song is something I envision as being from Snape's perspective. The following, though, is from Lily's as she watches the final battles and she watches her dear friend - the friend she thought she had lost long ago - become the man he was meant to be, the man she always knew he was even when he didn't see it himself.
Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other,
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always
Always
I remember finishing Half Blood Prince and this song just kept going through my head thanks to the chapter "Flight of the Prince". I had put off reading the end of HBP because someone had spoiled me for the ending and I just couldn't bring myself to read it for a long time. I couldn't believe that Snape was the bad guy all along. I couldn't understand how he could betray Dumbledore so completely. I finally broke down and read those final chapters. I think it was around 3am in my dorm room at college that I finished the book and I was quietly sobbing by the end. Dumbledore was never my favorite but I loved him like most fans did and to know that he was killed by Snape's hand was terrible. I knew there had to be more to the story and I went back and re-read the scene over and over and saw the clues in how things were said. That gave me hope and anyone who has seen The Lion King II: Simba's Pride knows why this song fits perfectly.
Deception (An outrage!)
(He can't change his stripes)
Disgrace (For shame!)
(You know these Outsider types)
He asked for trouble the moment he came
(See you later, agitator!)
Deception (An outrage!)
(Just leave us alone!)
Disgrace (For shame!)
(Traitor, go back with your own!)
He asked for trouble the moment he came
(See you later, agitator!)
Born in grief
Raised in hate
Helpless to defy his fate
Let him run
Let him live
But do not forget what we cannot forgive
And he is not one of us
He has never been one of us
He is not part of us
Not our kind
Someone once lied to us
Now we're not so blind
For we knew he would do what he's done
And we know that he'll never be one of us
He is not one of us
Deception
Disgrace
I love this song. It's so emotional without being over-emotional (if that makes sense). I decided to include this track because it just seemed perfect for "The Prince's Tale" and how Snape realizes, too late, that he still deeply loves Lily. He was ready to throw it all away and give up on everything when, despite his best efforts to stop the events he put in motion, Lily is murdered. Certainly, Snape was a childish, selfish git but he had a better man within him who wanted to be more.
The first part of the song describes how he had given up. The only friend he ever had was killed and it was all his fault - he had lost the light he never knew he needed. He had lost himself - the little boy from Spinner's End that befriended a young witch - and he could never be that boy again.
The final parts of the song are the life ring he was thrown by Dumbledore and the memories of his childhood that it summoned up. He finally remembered who he was - Lily Evans's best friend and as such he owed her more than to just slink off into darkness, hiding from his mistakes.
This is the song of transition in my mind - of Snape learning how to live with himself and move forward with new purpose.
Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart
I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here
Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light I fear that I will stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on
Then from on high - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls, "Remember who you are"
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow
So be strong tonight - remember who you are
Yeah you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle
To be free once more - yeah, that's worth fighting for
Yeah, yeah, yeah - indulge me. Eventually, I'm going to write a fanfic about what happened after Snape died - where did he end up going. You gotta believe that Lily was there, waiting for him, along with Dumbledore. He learned after Lily's death that he had been walking the wrong path in life and he spent the rest of his life trying to find the right one. I think he found it and that's why this song is included.
I hear the wind call my name
The sound that leads me home again
It sparks up the fire - a flame that still burns
To you I will always return
I know the road is long but where you are is home
Wherever you stay - I'll find the way
I'll run like the river, I'll follow the sun
I'll fly like an eagle to where I belong
I can't stand the distance - I can't dream alone
I can't wait to see you - Yes I'm on my way home
Now I know it's true
My every road leads to you
And in the hour of darkness
Your light gets me through
You run like the river - you shine like the sun
You fly like an eagle
You are the one
I've seen every sunset
And with all that I've learned
Oh, it's to you I will always, always return
This is a great song that I came upon while looking through my collection of soundtrack music. This is for the ties that bound Snape and Dumbledore together and developed into respect and even friendship. These two men shared both a secret and a common mission for so many years that there is no way that I can believe that Snape was just a puppet. He looked to Dumbledore for protection from prison and later for guidance. Dumbledore gave Snape a moral compass once more and something to aspire to. He gave the pathetic boy from Spinner's End a second chance to do the right thing because, I think, he saw himself in Snape. Dumbledore had made similar mistakes in his youth regarding blood status and Muggles and paid dearly for it - he could feel compassion for Snape because he himself had walked the same path in search of redemption.
This is a song for the time after Dumbledore is dead and Snape is looking at the road ahead and how the only way it will end for him is death. Snape wasn't a fool - he knew that his fate was similar to that of Dumbledore. It had to be or the Dark Lord would win. He knew that his time was quickly running out and he sought solace from the spirit of his friend and mentor. He hoped that his 'brother' would not forget him. In turn, Dumbledore knew of Snape's fears and would be with him till the end, walking beside him as he had done in life.
I had a dream - of the wide open prairie
I had a dream - of the pale morning sky
I had a dream - that we flew on golden wings
And we were the same - just the same - you and I
Follow your heart - little child of the west wind
Follow the voice - that's calling you home
Follow your dreams - but always, remember me
I am your brother - under the sun
We are like birds of a feather
We are two hearts joined together
We will be forever as one
My brother under the sun
Wherever you hear - the wind in the canyon
Wherever you see - the buffalo run
Wherever you go - I'll be there beside you
Cos you are my brother - my brother under the sun
I shamelessly stole this from Spikey's Crocker playlist but it works too well for Snape to not be included. I like this version of the song a lot. This one should be obvious but - this is for the breakdown of Snape and Lily's friendship and Snape watching any possibility at love slipping through his fingers.
What I got to do to make you love me?
What I got to do to make you care?
What do I do when lightning strikes me?
And I wake to find that you're not there?
What I got to do to make you want me?
What I got to do to be heard?
What do I say when it's all over?
Sorry seems to be the hardest word.
It's sad, so sad
It's a sad, sad situation.
And it's getting more and more absurd.
It's sad, so sad
Why can't we talk it over?
Oh it seems to me
That sorry seems to be the hardest word.
This one is in here for the same reason that 'Sound The Bugle' is. Ideally, I would love to see someone do a music video to this song for Snape's journey. Sure, he would never become as balanced as the likes of Dumbledore but his bravery alone - the bravery no one but Dumbledore knew he had in him - should have placed him in Gryffindor.
I think Snape found forgiveness in the end but it was something he had to give his all for - nothing less would do.
Everywhere I turn, I hurt someone
But there's nothing I can say to change
the things I've done
Of all the things I hid from you
I cannot hide the shame
And I pray someone, something will come
to take away the pain
There's no way out of this dark place
No hope, no future
I know I can't be free
But I can't see another way
I can't face another day
Tell me where, did I go wrong
Everyone I loved, they're all gone
I'd do everything differently
but I can't turn back the time
There's no shelter from the storm
inside of me
Something a little different! This is from Lily's perspective. She realized that she could not stay by Snape's side and it breaks her heart. She had wanted him to be her best friend always but he chose a path that she could not follow. He viewed magic as a way to have power over others. She viewed magic as a way to help others. He made his choice and it was a choice he regretted for the rest of his life.
Darling are you feeling
The same thing that I'm seeing
The troubles of the day
Took my breath away
Took my breath away
Now you're no longer talking
And I'm no longer hearing
There's nothing left to say
Said it anyway
Said it anyway
And I want you not
I need you not
I'm dying
Cos this is the saddest song I've got
The saddest song I've got
Darling are you healing
From all the scars appearing
Don't it hurt a lot
Don't know how it stops
Don't know how it stops
Now there's no sense in seeing
The colours of the morning
Can't hold the clouds at bay
Chase them all away
Chase them all away
And I'm frozen still
Unspoken still
Heartbroken
Remembering something I forgot
Something I forgot
I happened upon this song when I found the other Annie Lennox song. This is, as many have said, a great death song - if such a thing exists. Lily couldn't save Severus in life but in her death he found redemption. Lily was a gentle, kind woman. While she loved James Potter you cannot tell me she wouldn't have welcomed Severus, arms and heart open. Her friend had finally returned.
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You've come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
Long ago I should have seen
All the things I could have been
Careless and unthinking, I moved onward
No pain could be deeper
No life could be cheaper
No point anymore, if I can't love her
No spirit could win me
No hope left within me
Hope I could have loved her and that she'd set me free
But it's not to be
If I can't love her
Let the world be done with me.
This song sums up Snape's journey in Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hollows. Dumbledore is gone but the show must go on and the final act is to be played out by Snape.
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies,
Fairy tales of yesterday, will grow but never die,
I can fly, my friends!
The Show must go on! Yeah!
The Show must go on!
I'll face it with a grin!
I'm never giving in!
On with the show!
I'll top the bill!
I'll overkill!
I have to find the will to carry on!
On with the show!
On with the show!
The Show must go on.
Click to viewThis is just a song that I came upon accidentally after seeing DH II for the first time. I think it sums up Snape at the end of the series. This is for his relationship with Dumbledore and his love for Lilly and how both changed him and his path in life.
I guess I’ve learned
To question is to grow,
That you still have faith,
Is all I need to know,
I’ve learned to love,
Myself in spite of me,
And I’ve learned to
Walk the road that I believe.
This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud
Stronger than I've ever been now
Never be afraid of standing out
Do I make you proud
Everybody needs to rise up
Everybody needs to be loved
To be loved
This song really needs no explanation for its inclusion if you listen to it and recall the words from Chapter 33 "The Prince's Tale" -
"Hide them all, then," he croaked. "Keep her -- them -- safe. Please."
"And what will you give me in return, Severus?"
"In -- in return?" Snape gaped at Dumbledore, and Harry expected him to protest, but after a long moment he said, "Anything."
The song is from Snape's perspective - his promise to Dumbledore to protect Harry at all costs; his promise to do what he had to in order to defeat the Dark Lord; and his fierce desire to atone for his sins - his betrayal of Lily - and someday see Lily again.
Haunted by the past
A nightmare that seemed so unreal
I wish that I could turn back time
And spare the pain that we both feel
And now we've changed
Things will never be the same
(Things will never be the same)
We were foolish then
But our trials served to make us strong
The burdens are not yours alone
We've sought the answers for so long
But they're not free
They cost you more than they cost me
I promise you, there is nothing I won't give
To see this through
Return the soul to where it lives
I promise you, I'd go everywhere I've been
To find a way to make atonement for my sin and see
See your smiling face again
This one is going to make a lot of people roll their eyes but I don't care. This was a song that I that just kept going through my head back when I finished up Deathly Hallows the first time. The repeating of the word 'Always' just strikes a chord with me and really does resonate with the theme of the book series. Snape had a very big heart - he had to in order to do what he did. He loved Lily so much that gave his life for her, her son, and the world - and no one would know of his sacrifice until after his death. He did not want power or fame. He wanted to serve out his personal penance in peace. But he went beyond his own desires when he killed Dumbledore and willingly took on the mantel of a reviled murderer. It was about a higher calling - of finishing the work that Lily had started so long ago to defeat the Dark Lord.
He was the bravest man I ever knew.
The first part of the song is something I envision as being from Snape's perspective. The following, though, is from Lily's as she watches the final battles and she watches her dear friend - the friend she thought she had lost long ago - become the man he was meant to be, the man she always knew he was even when he didn't see it himself.
Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other,
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always
Always
I remember finishing Half Blood Prince and this song just kept going through my head thanks to the chapter "Flight of the Prince". I had put off reading the end of HBP because someone had spoiled me for the ending and I just couldn't bring myself to read it for a long time. I couldn't believe that Snape was the bad guy all along. I couldn't understand how he could betray Dumbledore so completely. I finally broke down and read those final chapters. I think it was around 3am in my dorm room at college that I finished the book and I was quietly sobbing by the end. Dumbledore was never my favorite but I loved him like most fans did and to know that he was killed by Snape's hand was terrible. I knew there had to be more to the story and I went back and re-read the scene over and over and saw the clues in how things were said. That gave me hope and anyone who has seen The Lion King II: Simba's Pride knows why this song fits perfectly.
Deception (An outrage!)
(He can't change his stripes)
Disgrace (For shame!)
(You know these Outsider types)
He asked for trouble the moment he came
(See you later, agitator!)
Deception (An outrage!)
(Just leave us alone!)
Disgrace (For shame!)
(Traitor, go back with your own!)
He asked for trouble the moment he came
(See you later, agitator!)
Born in grief
Raised in hate
Helpless to defy his fate
Let him run
Let him live
But do not forget what we cannot forgive
And he is not one of us
He has never been one of us
He is not part of us
Not our kind
Someone once lied to us
Now we're not so blind
For we knew he would do what he's done
And we know that he'll never be one of us
He is not one of us
Deception
Disgrace
I love this song. It's so emotional without being over-emotional (if that makes sense). I decided to include this track because it just seemed perfect for "The Prince's Tale" and how Snape realizes, too late, that he still deeply loves Lily. He was ready to throw it all away and give up on everything when, despite his best efforts to stop the events he put in motion, Lily is murdered. Certainly, Snape was a childish, selfish git but he had a better man within him who wanted to be more.
The first part of the song describes how he had given up. The only friend he ever had was killed and it was all his fault - he had lost the light he never knew he needed. He had lost himself - the little boy from Spinner's End that befriended a young witch - and he could never be that boy again.
The final parts of the song are the life ring he was thrown by Dumbledore and the memories of his childhood that it summoned up. He finally remembered who he was - Lily Evans's best friend and as such he owed her more than to just slink off into darkness, hiding from his mistakes.
This is the song of transition in my mind - of Snape learning how to live with himself and move forward with new purpose.
Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart
I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here
Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light I fear that I will stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on
Then from on high - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls, "Remember who you are"
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow
So be strong tonight - remember who you are
Yeah you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle
To be free once more - yeah, that's worth fighting for
Yeah, yeah, yeah - indulge me. Eventually, I'm going to write a fanfic about what happened after Snape died - where did he end up going. You gotta believe that Lily was there, waiting for him, along with Dumbledore. He learned after Lily's death that he had been walking the wrong path in life and he spent the rest of his life trying to find the right one. I think he found it and that's why this song is included.
I hear the wind call my name
The sound that leads me home again
It sparks up the fire - a flame that still burns
To you I will always return
I know the road is long but where you are is home
Wherever you stay - I'll find the way
I'll run like the river, I'll follow the sun
I'll fly like an eagle to where I belong
I can't stand the distance - I can't dream alone
I can't wait to see you - Yes I'm on my way home
Now I know it's true
My every road leads to you
And in the hour of darkness
Your light gets me through
You run like the river - you shine like the sun
You fly like an eagle
You are the one
I've seen every sunset
And with all that I've learned
Oh, it's to you I will always, always return
This is a great song that I came upon while looking through my collection of soundtrack music. This is for the ties that bound Snape and Dumbledore together and developed into respect and even friendship. These two men shared both a secret and a common mission for so many years that there is no way that I can believe that Snape was just a puppet. He looked to Dumbledore for protection from prison and later for guidance. Dumbledore gave Snape a moral compass once more and something to aspire to. He gave the pathetic boy from Spinner's End a second chance to do the right thing because, I think, he saw himself in Snape. Dumbledore had made similar mistakes in his youth regarding blood status and Muggles and paid dearly for it - he could feel compassion for Snape because he himself had walked the same path in search of redemption.
This is a song for the time after Dumbledore is dead and Snape is looking at the road ahead and how the only way it will end for him is death. Snape wasn't a fool - he knew that his fate was similar to that of Dumbledore. It had to be or the Dark Lord would win. He knew that his time was quickly running out and he sought solace from the spirit of his friend and mentor. He hoped that his 'brother' would not forget him. In turn, Dumbledore knew of Snape's fears and would be with him till the end, walking beside him as he had done in life.
I had a dream - of the wide open prairie
I had a dream - of the pale morning sky
I had a dream - that we flew on golden wings
And we were the same - just the same - you and I
Follow your heart - little child of the west wind
Follow the voice - that's calling you home
Follow your dreams - but always, remember me
I am your brother - under the sun
We are like birds of a feather
We are two hearts joined together
We will be forever as one
My brother under the sun
Wherever you hear - the wind in the canyon
Wherever you see - the buffalo run
Wherever you go - I'll be there beside you
Cos you are my brother - my brother under the sun
I shamelessly stole this from Spikey's Crocker playlist but it works too well for Snape to not be included. I like this version of the song a lot. This one should be obvious but - this is for the breakdown of Snape and Lily's friendship and Snape watching any possibility at love slipping through his fingers.
What I got to do to make you love me?
What I got to do to make you care?
What do I do when lightning strikes me?
And I wake to find that you're not there?
What I got to do to make you want me?
What I got to do to be heard?
What do I say when it's all over?
Sorry seems to be the hardest word.
It's sad, so sad
It's a sad, sad situation.
And it's getting more and more absurd.
It's sad, so sad
Why can't we talk it over?
Oh it seems to me
That sorry seems to be the hardest word.
This one is in here for the same reason that 'Sound The Bugle' is. Ideally, I would love to see someone do a music video to this song for Snape's journey. Sure, he would never become as balanced as the likes of Dumbledore but his bravery alone - the bravery no one but Dumbledore knew he had in him - should have placed him in Gryffindor.
I think Snape found forgiveness in the end but it was something he had to give his all for - nothing less would do.
Everywhere I turn, I hurt someone
But there's nothing I can say to change
the things I've done
Of all the things I hid from you
I cannot hide the shame
And I pray someone, something will come
to take away the pain
There's no way out of this dark place
No hope, no future
I know I can't be free
But I can't see another way
I can't face another day
Tell me where, did I go wrong
Everyone I loved, they're all gone
I'd do everything differently
but I can't turn back the time
There's no shelter from the storm
inside of me
Something a little different! This is from Lily's perspective. She realized that she could not stay by Snape's side and it breaks her heart. She had wanted him to be her best friend always but he chose a path that she could not follow. He viewed magic as a way to have power over others. She viewed magic as a way to help others. He made his choice and it was a choice he regretted for the rest of his life.
Darling are you feeling
The same thing that I'm seeing
The troubles of the day
Took my breath away
Took my breath away
Now you're no longer talking
And I'm no longer hearing
There's nothing left to say
Said it anyway
Said it anyway
And I want you not
I need you not
I'm dying
Cos this is the saddest song I've got
The saddest song I've got
Darling are you healing
From all the scars appearing
Don't it hurt a lot
Don't know how it stops
Don't know how it stops
Now there's no sense in seeing
The colours of the morning
Can't hold the clouds at bay
Chase them all away
Chase them all away
And I'm frozen still
Unspoken still
Heartbroken
Remembering something I forgot
Something I forgot
I happened upon this song when I found the other Annie Lennox song. This is, as many have said, a great death song - if such a thing exists. Lily couldn't save Severus in life but in her death he found redemption. Lily was a gentle, kind woman. While she loved James Potter you cannot tell me she wouldn't have welcomed Severus, arms and heart open. Her friend had finally returned.
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You've come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
Long ago I should have seen
All the things I could have been
Careless and unthinking, I moved onward
No pain could be deeper
No life could be cheaper
No point anymore, if I can't love her
No spirit could win me
No hope left within me
Hope I could have loved her and that she'd set me free
But it's not to be
If I can't love her
Let the world be done with me.
This song sums up Snape's journey in Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hollows. Dumbledore is gone but the show must go on and the final act is to be played out by Snape.
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies,
Fairy tales of yesterday, will grow but never die,
I can fly, my friends!
The Show must go on! Yeah!
The Show must go on!
I'll face it with a grin!
I'm never giving in!
On with the show!
I'll top the bill!
I'll overkill!
I have to find the will to carry on!
On with the show!
On with the show!
The Show must go on.