MovieChat Forums > Silent Running (1972) Discussion > Joan Baez songs: Just terrible.

Joan Baez songs: Just terrible.

posted 18 years ago by blueingreen88
46 replies | jump to latest

Love the '60s. Love Dylan. Think hippies (sometimes) get a bad rap. HATE the Joan Baez songs in SILENT RUNNING. Granted, I'm not a fan of hers. I think she's probably the single most grating, sanctimonious, cloying, liberal, holier-than-thou singer/songwriter of the '60s EVER (followed closely by Peter, Paul & Mary). But her songs, while on their own may be considered decent by some, just DO NOT FIT in the film and probably instantly dated the film about 48 hours after it was originally released in March of 1972.

I wasn't expecting a STAR WARS-type soundtrack (I realize it was released 5 years earlier), but actual songs WITH LYRICS don't work in a sci-fi film, regardless of the content/context. In SILENT RUNNING, these songs stick out like a sore thumb and just generated snickers of disbelief from this viewer.

(Otherwise, a damn fine film with arguably Bruce Dern's best-ever performance.)

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] JPMerola 13 years ago

"...but actual songs WITH LYRICS don't work in a sci-fi film, regardless of the content/context."

Must, Must MUST disagree!!!!

Doolittle: Let's have some music in here, Boiler.
Boiler: Sure thing!

Lyrics
A million suns shine down
But I see only one
When I think I'm over you
I find I've just begun
The years move faster than the days
There's no warmth in the light
How I miss those desert skies
Your cool touch in the night

Benson, Arizona, blew warm wind through your hair
My body flies the galaxy, my heart longs to be there
Benson, Arizona, the same stars in the sky
But they seemed so much kinder when we watched them, you and I

Now the years pull us apart
I'm young and now you're old
But you're still in my heart
And the memory won't grow cold
I dream of times and spaces
I left far behind
Where we spent our last few days
Benson's on my mind

Benson, Arizona, blew warm wind through your hair
My body flies the galaxy, my heart longs to be there
Benson, Arizona, the same stars in the sky
But they seemed so much kinder when we watched them, you and I

Best Science Fiction Theme song ever!

[–] Devo-McDuff 13 years ago

Agree completely. Every time it came on I was tempted to fast forward, utterly grating.

http://helloyouitsme.com

[–] paul-273-129025 13 years ago

I agree the songs just don't fit but probably fitted well in 1972. They do age the film badly.

[–] kurt7825 9 years ago

i loved them