Westworld: Do the cover songs hold secret meanings in each episode?

Have you ever wondered why certain cover songs are selected for Westworld episodes? So have we.

Westworld has a pretty epic soundtrack, and season 2 gave us the best one yet. There are so many cover songs that became fan favorites such as C.R.E.A.M. by the Wu-Tang Clan. But is there a reason for specifically incorporating these songs? What did the showrunners have in mind?

Given the complexity of Westworld, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn of intentional clues. Refinery29 did an in-depth analysis of the numerous cover songs from season 1 and 2 and looked into what they may mean in regards to the series, plot, and storyline.

It’s actually quite the interesting read and we are going to dive into some of it here! So get your theorizing glasses on and join us as we explore some of the season 1 and 2 music. This is going to be pretty fun, isn’t it?

“C.R.E.A.M”: Wu-Tang Clan

Shogun World was one of the most highly anticipated plot points of season 2. It’s mainly because it introduced fans to another park, and took us beyond the borders of Westworld. The episode that introduced Shogun World was episode 5, “Akane No Mai”.

We dove into a parallel world with characters that mimicked that of the ones we know so well. It was jarring yet exciting all at once. And to add to the excitement, there was an epic cover of the Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” (which stands for Cash Rules Everything Around Me). According to Refinery29, there are a couple things we can glean from this specific song.

First off, the Wu-Tang Clan has a connection with Eastern Asia similar to Shogun World. The original members of the group got the inspiration from a Hong Kong martial arts film, Shaolin and Wu Tang. The second connection to this song is within its lyrics/song title.

We know that Delos is certainly hungry for money and if you consider the song title, it all ties together. Cash makes the world go round, well, at least for Delos.

“The Entertainer”: Scott Joplin

Westworld has covered a range of music genres including rock and hip-hop. However, they also did some good ‘ol classic ragtime. Scott Joplin, a pianist, and composer in the late 1800s did a song called “The Entertainer”.

We first heard this song in season 1 when Ford was snapping his fingers and the piano began to play this song. This scene is supposed to represent the concept of power. Ford can command things at the snap of his finger (literally) and that is precisely what is being illustrated here.

The connection between “The Entertainer” and Ford’s power is a strong one as Westworld composer Ramin Djawadi stated. And it can also be applied to Dolores’ rising power and her desire for bloodshed and revenge.

“Black Hole Sun”: Soundgarden

Who can forget the iconic “Black Hole Sun” cover from Westworld season 1? We first heard it during the very first episode, “The Original” and the lyrics to pay close attention to is “Times are gone for honest men”, according to Refinery29.

Well, Westworld has no shortage of dishonest men so this song is certainly onto something. But there’s also something deeper to take away from the song and its use in the series. At its core, this park and world are not real, it has all been created. And whatever time period or location it’s designed to take place in, it’s still during modern times.

Djawadi spoke to Vulture about the music and it’s connection to Westworld, and he had some pretty insightful things to say.

"“What’s so great about using these [contemporary] pieces instead of the score is that they are known melodies, which enhances the idea that this is all scripted.”"

It’s riveting to see just how deep the thought process is for the music and the story, and how it can all tie together. The reminder is always constant that this world is designed by someone, and it’s written out by someone in charge.

“Back to Black”: Amy Winehouse

In season 1, episode 8, we heard a cover of Amy Winehouse’s song, “Back to Black”. There is a lyric in there about dying a thousand times which can be directly linked to the repeated deaths of the hosts. But there is a more optimistic angle to this song as well, according to Refinery29.

In season 1, Maeve was on a journey of consciousness and becoming more aware of her state as a host. This song played as she began to break out of the loop and then changed when she fully broke out of it. The song ties in with her becoming empowered by choice and breaking free of Delos’ control.

Are there any songs we missed? Do you have any insight into the ones we provided? Share your thoughts and comments below or on our Twitter, @BeyondWestworld.