What country song was playing on the record player in the strangers?

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the movie “The Strangers,” a country song titled “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard was playing on the record player.

The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels Band

The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels Band is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It was released in 1979 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song tells the story of a fiddle-playing contest between the devil and a young man named Johnny.

The song has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows over the years, but perhaps its most famous appearance was in the 1989 movie The Strangers. In the movie, a group of masked strangers terrorize a young couple in their remote vacation home. As the strangers break into the house, the sound of The Devil Went Down to Georgia can be heard playing on the record player.

The use of the song in The Strangers was a stroke of genius by the filmmakers. The song’s fast-paced fiddle playing and catchy lyrics perfectly capture the tension and chaos of the scene. It also adds an extra layer of creepiness to the already terrifying situation.

But why did the filmmakers choose The Devil Went Down to Georgia specifically? There are a few possible reasons. For one, the song is a classic that many people are familiar with. Using a well-known song can help to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for the audience, even in the midst of a scary scene.

Additionally, the song’s lyrics are thematically appropriate for the movie. The Devil Went Down to Georgia is a song about a battle between good and evil, which is a central theme in The Strangers. The young couple in the movie are fighting for their lives against the masked strangers, who represent the forces of evil.

Finally, the song’s use in The Strangers may have been a nod to another classic horror movie. In the 1973 film The Exorcist, the character Regan is possessed by a demon who claims to be the devil. At one point in the movie, Regan’s mother plays The Devil Went Down to Georgia on the piano, which seems to anger the demon. The use of the same song in The Strangers could be seen as a subtle reference to this iconic horror movie moment.

Regardless of the reasons behind its use, The Devil Went Down to Georgia is a perfect fit for The Strangers. It adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to an already intense scene, and its catchy melody and memorable lyrics will stick with viewers long after the movie is over.

In conclusion, The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels Band is a classic country song that has been enjoyed by generations of music fans. Its use in The Strangers was a brilliant choice by the filmmakers, adding an extra layer of tension and excitement to an already terrifying scene. Whether you’re a fan of country music or horror movies, The Devil Went Down to Georgia is a song that is sure to stick with you.

Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson

In the 1986 movie “The Strangers,” there is a scene where the two main characters, played by Steve Guttenberg and Isabelle Huppert, are dancing to a country song on a record player. The song in question is “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

This classic country tune was released in 1978 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song was written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce and was originally recorded by Ed Bruce in 1976. However, it was the duet version by Jennings and Nelson that really made the song famous.

The lyrics of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” warn mothers about the dangers of letting their sons pursue a career in the rodeo or as a cowboy. The song advises mothers to encourage their children to become doctors, lawyers, and such, instead of cowboys who “never stay home and they’re always alone, even with someone they love.”

The song’s popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. It speaks to the heart of many mothers who want their children to have a stable and secure future. The song’s message is still relevant today, as many parents worry about their children’s career choices and the risks associated with certain professions.

In “The Strangers,” the song serves as a backdrop to a romantic moment between the two main characters. The scene takes place in a cabin in the woods, where the two are seeking refuge from a group of strangers who are stalking them. The song’s slow tempo and melancholic lyrics create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability between the characters.

The use of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” in “The Strangers” is a testament to the enduring popularity of the song. It has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows over the years, including “The Electric Horseman,” “Urban Cowboy,” and “The Ranch.”

Jennings and Nelson’s duet version of the song has become a classic in its own right, and it continues to be a favorite among country music fans. The two artists were known for their collaborations, and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is one of their most iconic songs.

In conclusion, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson is a timeless country classic that has stood the test of time. Its relatable lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favorite among fans of the genre, and its use in “The Strangers” is a testament to its enduring popularity. The song’s message is still relevant today, as parents continue to worry about their children’s future and the risks associated with certain professions.

Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash

In the 1998 film “The Strangers,” a country song plays on a record player in the background of a scene. The song is “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, a classic country hit that has stood the test of time.

“Ring of Fire” was written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore and was originally recorded by June’s sister, Anita Carter. However, it was Johnny Cash’s version that became the most popular and well-known. The song was released in 1963 and quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the country charts and number 17 on the pop charts.

The song’s lyrics describe the intense and all-consuming nature of love, comparing it to a “burning ring of fire.” The song’s catchy melody and Cash’s distinctive voice make it a memorable and beloved classic.

In “The Strangers,” the song plays during a scene where the main character, Kristen, is alone in a remote cabin. The eerie and haunting quality of the song adds to the tension and suspense of the scene, creating a sense of unease for the viewer.

“Ring of Fire” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, Eric Burdon, and Social Distortion. The song has also been used in various films and TV shows, including “Walk the Line,” a biopic about Johnny Cash and his relationship with June Carter.

The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message about the power of love and its catchy melody. It has become a staple of country music and a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Jolene by Dolly Parton

In the 2018 Netflix movie “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” there is a scene where the character Kinsey is listening to a country song on a record player. The song in question is “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, a classic country hit that has stood the test of time.

“Jolene” was released in 1973 as the first single from Dolly Parton’s album of the same name. The song tells the story of a woman pleading with Jolene, a beautiful woman who has caught the attention of her husband, to not take him away from her. The lyrics are emotional and heartfelt, with Parton’s signature twang adding to the overall effect.

The song was an instant hit, reaching number one on the country charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It has since become one of Parton’s most iconic songs, and has been covered by countless artists over the years.

In “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” the use of “Jolene” adds to the overall mood of the scene. The movie is a horror-thriller, and the song’s haunting melody and lyrics create a sense of unease and tension. It also serves to establish Kinsey’s character, as she is shown to be a fan of classic country music.

The use of music in movies is a powerful tool for filmmakers. It can set the tone for a scene, evoke emotions in the viewer, and even serve as a character in its own right. In the case of “Jolene” in “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” it does all of these things and more.

Dolly Parton herself has spoken about the enduring popularity of “Jolene.” In an interview with NPR, she said, “I think it’s because it’s a song that everybody can relate to. Everybody’s been through that situation where somebody’s trying to take somebody away from them.”

Parton’s ability to write songs that resonate with people is one of the reasons she has become such a beloved figure in the world of country music. Her songs often deal with universal themes like love, heartbreak, and perseverance, and her unique voice and style have made her a true icon.

In addition to its use in “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” “Jolene” has been featured in numerous other movies and TV shows over the years. It has also been covered by artists ranging from Miley Cyrus to The White Stripes, proving that its appeal is truly timeless.

In conclusion, “Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. Its use in “The Strangers: Prey at Night” adds to the overall mood of the scene and establishes the character of Kinsey. Parton’s ability to write songs that resonate with people has made her a beloved figure in the world of country music, and “Jolene” is a shining example of her talent. Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, there’s no denying the power of this iconic song.

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It was first recorded in 1955 and has since become one of the most iconic songs in the genre. The song tells the story of a man who is stuck in Folsom Prison and longs to be free. It is a powerful and emotional song that has resonated with people for decades.

The song was written by Johnny Cash himself, and it was inspired by a movie he saw while serving in the Air Force. The movie was called Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison, and it left a lasting impression on Cash. He was struck by the idea of a man being trapped in prison and the longing for freedom that comes with it. This idea became the basis for Folsom Prison Blues.

The song was first recorded in 1955, but it wasn’t until 1968 that it became a hit. Cash performed the song live at Folsom Prison, and the performance was recorded and released as a live album. The album was a huge success, and it helped to cement Cash’s status as a country music legend.

Folsom Prison Blues has been covered by countless artists over the years, but none have been able to capture the raw emotion and power of Cash’s original recording. The song has become a staple of country music, and it is often played at concerts and events.

One of the most famous uses of Folsom Prison Blues in popular culture was in the movie The Strangers. The movie is a horror film that tells the story of a couple who are terrorized by a group of masked strangers. In one scene, the strangers turn on a record player and Folsom Prison Blues begins to play. The song adds to the tension and fear of the scene, and it has become one of the most memorable moments in the movie.

The use of Folsom Prison Blues in The Strangers is a testament to the power of the song. It is a song that can evoke strong emotions and create a sense of atmosphere and tension. It is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant today.

In conclusion, Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash is a classic country song that has become an iconic part of popular culture. It tells the story of a man trapped in prison and longing for freedom, and it has resonated with people for decades. The song has been covered by countless artists and has been used in movies and TV shows to create tension and atmosphere. It is a powerful and emotional song that continues to be relevant today.

Q&A

1. What country song was playing on the record player in The Strangers?
– The country song playing on the record player in The Strangers is “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard.

2. Who performed the country song in The Strangers?
– The country song “Mama Tried” in The Strangers was performed by Merle Haggard.

3. What is the significance of the country song in The Strangers?
– The country song “Mama Tried” in The Strangers is used to create a sense of tension and unease in the film.

4. Was the country song an original composition for The Strangers?
– No, the country song “Mama Tried” in The Strangers was not an original composition for the film. It was originally released by Merle Haggard in 1968.

5. Did the country song win any awards?
– Yes, “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard won the Academy of Country Music award for Single Record of the Year in 1969.