If you thought that was Ed Sheeran you saw in the opening episode of the seventh season of the phenomenal Game of Thrones (GoT), then I say, you are right. One of today’s biggest pop stars was invited to do a cameo in the high-rating series as a surprise for star Maisie Williams who plays Arya Stark.
The scene comes after the shocking revenge murder by poison of all the male Lannisters by Arya. Sheeran is part of a small group of Lannisters eating and warming themselves around a campfire. Sheeran sings softly, “For hands of gold are always cold but a woman’s hands are warm.” The words were written by Game of Thrones author, George R. R. Martin himself and Sheeran seems right at home in GoT universe.
I do not know if Hands of Gold would be turned into a song and later materialize in one of Sheeran’s albums or in a GoT soundtrack. That should be easy to do, if not by Sheeran himself then by the show’s music scorer Ramin Djawadi, who is now one of the hottest names in films, Iron Man, Clash of The Titans, Pacific Rim and in television, Westworld and Game of Thrones. In fact, his music has already resulted in several albums, soundtracks and versions of the various themes.
Game Of Thrones from 2011. The first soundtrack album of the series is a majestic, compelling collection of selections from Djawadi’s original score. This is where the now iconic Main Title theme was introduced. Here, too, are the motifs that Ramin created for the important characters that would continue to be used in future seasons. Among the cuts are A Raven From King’s Landing, A Golden Crown, A Bird Without Feathers, Fire And Blood.
Season 2. The story continues and as the series grew in popularity, so does the scope and transfixing beauty of Djawadi’s score. Again he composes themes that will be identified with the new characters. Mother Of Dragons, Warrior Of Light, Wildfire, The Throne Is Mine and The Rains Of Castamere by American rock band The National.
Season 3. Pop comes to GoT with The Bear And The Maiden Fair by the American rock band Hold Steady and It’s Always Summer Under The Sea (Shereen’s Song) performed by Matilda actress, Kerry Ingram who actually plays Shereen in the series. Also included are White Walkers, Heir To Winterfell, Mhyssa, Wall Of Ice, Kingslayer.
Season 4. The album opens with The Rains Of Castamere by the Icelandic band Sigur Ross and of course, the arrangement hews close to the timeless, fantasy place inhabited by GoT. Let’s Kill Some Crows, Breaker Of Chains, First Of His Name, Three Eyed Raven, and the poignant, moving The Children.
Season 5 features Bradley Hanan Carter of Black English in Throne For The Game. Here also are Blood Of The Dragons, House Of Black And White, Son Of The Harpy, Jaws Of The Viper, I Dreamt I Was Old, Atonement and other testimonies to Djawadi’s heightened creativity. This guy’s work just gets more and more daring and innovative with every Season.
Season 6. As the story reaches its climactic portions, the music rises up to its demands with what must be Djawadi’s best work these past seven years. Fans of the series doubtless know what moments these pieces became part of. Blood Of My Blood, Light Of The Seven, The Red Woman, Maester, Needle, Coronation, The Winds Of Winter.
Season 7 is not yet out. I am sure that, as always, the music will be great. What I am really curious about though is if a full-length version of Sheeran’s song, Hands Of Gold will be included.
While waiting for that, you might stay on a GoT time frame by listening to its music. And I do not mean only to the soundtracks but also to the many other versions that have sprouted. Would you believe there are even EDM remixes of the theme. Anyway, while in this mood, my best choice is The Game of Thrones Symphony by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the grandest celebration of GoT music ever heard.
The multiaward-winning Game of Thrones is one of the most successful TV series of all time. It is based on the A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels by Martin. Widely followed all over the world, it is known for its interesting characters, great acting, superb production values and memorable music.