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The “all-time most beautiful” 1983 song David Lynch “desperately wanted” to use in a movie
David Lynch wanted to use This Mortal Coil’s “Song to the Siren” in Blue Velvet, but legal and financial obstacles prevented him from licensing it. The disappointment led Lynch to collaborate with Angelo Badalamenti on “Mysteries of Love”, sung by Julee Cruise, which recreated some of the original song’s atmosphere and became a notable part of Lynch’s musical style.
Years later, Lynch finally secured permission to use “Song to the Siren” in Lost Highway, released 11 years after Blue Velvet. He described it as one of the most beautiful songs of all time, although 4AD co-founder Ivo Watts-Russell allowed it in the film but did not want it included on the soundtrack album because of its personal emotional significance.
In short
- Lynch originally wanted the song for Blue Velvet.
- Licensing problems led to “Mysteries of Love”.
- He eventually used it in Lost Highway.
Explained simply
"Song to the Siren" is a 1983 song by the band This Mortal Coil that filmmaker David Lynch has long admired as one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever made. When directing Blue Velvet in 1986, Lynch wanted to include the song in the film but was unable to due to legal and financial obstacles that prevented him from licensing it. The inability to use it was a significant disappointment.
Unable to use the original song, Lynch worked with composer Angelo Badalamenti to create a new piece that would capture a similar emotional atmosphere. The collaboration resulted in "Mysteries of Love", sung by Julee Cruise, which became influential in establishing Lynch's distinctive musical approach to filmmaking. This creative solution ultimately shaped how he approached music in his films going forward.
Lynch finally obtained permission to use "Song to the Siren" in his 1997 film Lost Highway, more than a decade after first wanting it for Blue Velvet. Ivo Watts-Russell, co-founder of the record label 4AD, allowed the song to appear in the film but did not want it included on the soundtrack album because of its deep personal meaning to him.