"This is Halloween" from The Nightmare Before Christmas is a quintessential Halloween anthem that captures the spirit of the holiday with its infectious energy and quirky characters. The song’s creation stemmed from several key ideas:
1. Embracing the Bizarre: The song was written by Danny Elfman, who also composed the film's score. Elfman envisioned a Halloween town that was both whimsical and unsettling, embracing the eerie and the strange. The lyrics reflect this by introducing a cast of fantastical characters, from ghosts and vampires to the "Man Under the Stairs" and the "Creature Under the Bed."
2. Celebrating Halloween's Dark Side: The song's lyrics delve into the fun and spooky aspects of Halloween, highlighting the excitement of trick-or-treating, the thrill of getting a good scare, and the camaraderie of the Halloween community. It emphasizes the joy of being a little bit wicked and embracing the darker side of the holiday.
3. The Anticipation of the Unknown: The song builds a sense of anticipation, setting the stage for the arrival of the "Pumpkin King," Jack Skellington. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize the idea of surprise and the unknown, suggesting that something extraordinary is about to happen in this town.
4. Chorus as a Call to Action: The catchy chorus, "This is Halloween, everybody make a scene," acts as a call to action for the citizens of Halloween, urging them to embrace the festivity and let loose. The repetition of "Halloween" creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as if everyone is preparing for a momentous event.
5. Musical Structure: The song’s structure is built around a simple but effective melody, with a driving beat that emphasizes the fun and excitement of Halloween. The song incorporates elements of both traditional Halloween music and the more sinister sounds of the film's score, creating a unique and memorable sonic experience.
In short, "This Is Halloween" is a testament to the power of embracing the strange and celebrating the spirit of Halloween. It's a playful exploration of the holiday's darker side, presented with an infectious energy that makes it a classic for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages.
No other songs.