Music of Game of Thrones

Ramin Djawadi is the composer of the Game of Thrones score.

The music for the fantasy TV series Game of Thrones by the U.S. cable channel HBO is composed by Ramin Djawadi and published by Varèse Sarabande. The soundtrack is instrumental and features one major theme, the Main Title, which accompanies the series' title sequence.

The music is noted for its popular main theme, which has been covered many times, and for its use of decidedly non-medieval renditions of songs from the series's source novels by noted indie bands. These adaptations, according to Wired, create attention for the series in media that wouldn't normally cover it, but are also notable for their musical merits independent of the series.

Season 1

Untitled

Game of Thrones, the soundtrack album for the series' first season, was published in June 2011.

Production and release

The soundtrack to Game of Thrones was originally to be composed by Stephen Warbeck. On February 2, 2011, only ten weeks prior to the show's premiere, it was reported that Warbeck had left the project and Ramin Djawadi had been commissioned to write the music instead.

To give the series its own distinctive musical identity, according to Djawadi, the producers asked him not to use musical elements such as flutes or solo vocals that had already been successfully used by other major fantasy productions. He mentioned that a challenge in scoring the series was its reliance on dialogue and its sprawling cast: on several occasions already-scored music had to be omitted so as not to get in the way of dialogue.

Djawadi said that he was inspired to write the main title music by an early version of the series's computer-animated title sequence. The title music is reprised as a global theme in the rest of the soundtrack, initially infrequently and as part of the theme of individual characters, then in full towards the end of season 1 during particularly important scenes.

The album was made available for download on iTunes on June 14, 2011, together with a "digital booklet". It was released on CD on June 28, 2011, 41 days after the show's premiere.

Reception

Richard Buxton of Tracksounds wrote an ambivalent review, calling the album a "valiant effort" and Djawadi's "most consistently satisfying work to date", but criticized the main theme as falling short of the expectations raised by the opening credits' animated sequence, and the score as a whole as "never quite reaching what it could have been".

Track listing

No.	Title	Key Scenes/Notes	Length
1.	"Main Title"	Used in the opening sequence	1:46
2.	"North of the Wall"	"Winter is Coming": when the three men of the Night's Watch encounter the White Walkers north of the Wall. "The Pointy End": during the burning of the White Walkers. "Oathkeeper": one of Craster's wives tells Karl about the sacrifices Craster made to the White Walkers of his sons, and later as the White Walker takes Crasters' last boy to an altar where he is turned into a White Walker.	3:48
3.	"Goodbye Brother"	House Stark's theme. "The Kingsroad": Jon Snow says goodbye to an unconscious Bran and Ned farewells Catelyn and Bran. "Mother's Mercy": Jon Snow sinks to his knees after having been stabbed by several members of the Night's Watch including Ser Allister Thorne, Olly approaches and deals the final blow, and Jon falls to the ground, bleeding out and seemingly dead.	3:07
4.	"The Kingsroad"	"The Kingsroad": Ned farewells Jon Snow as he rides to join the Night's Watch. "Lord Snow": as Ned, Arya, Sansa and the royal court arrive to King's Landing. "Baelor": Robb and his men return with a captive Jaime Lannister. "Two Swords": a modified version appears after Arya and the Hound emerge victorious from the inn.	2:06
5.	"The King's Arrival"	House Baratheon's theme. "Winter is Coming": Robert Baratheon and the royal court arrive to Winterfell. A shorter version is used on the main menu of Season 1's DVD/Blu-ray release.	3:34
6.	"Love in the Eyes"	Daenerys Targaryen's theme. "The Kingsroad": as Doreah teaches Daenerys how to please Khal Drogo and as they have sexual intercourse. The title comes from Doreah's line "Love comes in the eyes".	4:00
7.	"A Raven from King's Landing"	"Winter is Coming": Catelyn tells Ned about Jon Arryn's death. "Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things", "A Golden Crown" and "Fire and Blood": during Bran's dream of the three-eyed raven. "The Climb": Jojen Reed has a green dream. The title comes from Catelyn's line "There was a raven from King's Landing". Contains the melody later used as Petyr Baelish's theme (Chaos is a Ladder).	1:16
8.	"The Wall"	The Night's Watch theme. "Lord Snow": as Jon goes to the top of the Wall. "You Win or You Die": when the future men of the Night's Watch are given their assignments and Jon is sent to the stewards. "Fire and Blood": Grenn, Pyp and Sam recite the oath of the Night's Watch to bring Jon back to Castle Black.	1:59
9.	"Things I Do for Love"	"Winter is Coming": Bran sees Jaime and Cersei Lannister having sexual intercourse, so Jaime throws him from a window. The title comes from Jaime's line before he pushes Bran from the tower.	1:52
10.	"A Golden Crown"	Viserys Targaryen's theme. "Winter is Coming: the first scene of Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen at Illyrio Mopatis' house. "Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things": as Viserys and Doreah talk about dragons. "A Man Without Honor": Arya and Tywin talk about Aegon Targaryen, his sisters and their invasion.	1:38
11.	"Winter Is Coming"	"The Kingsroad": Ned kills Lady and Bran awakens. Contains the melody of the House Stark theme (Goodbye Brother). The title comes from the words of House Stark.	2:42
12.	"A Bird Without Feathers"	"The Kingsroad": Cersei tells Catelyn about her first son, who died at childbirth. The title comes from Cersei's line regarding her son. Begins with a variation on the Stark theme, and transitions into melody later used as Petyr Baelish's theme (Chaos is a Ladder).	2:02
13.	"Await the King's Justice"	"Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things": Catelyn arrests Tyrion Lannister for conspiring to murder Bran. The title comes from Catelyn's line "I call upon you to seize him and help me return him to Winterfell, to await the King's Justice". "Mockingbird": Plays during the end credits, directly after Petyr Baelish pushes Lysa Arryn out the Moon Door. Contains the melody later used as Petyr Baelish's theme (Chaos is a Ladder).	2:00
14.	"You'll Be Queen One Day"	"A Golden Crown": Joffrey asks for Sansa's forgiveness, gives her a necklace and they kiss. Contains the melody of the Baratheon theme.	1:36
15.	"The Assassin's Dagger"	"The Kingsroad": Catelyn fights against the assassin sent for Bran.	1:19
16.	"To Vaes Dothrak"	"The Kingsroad": as Khal Drogo's khalasar rides towards Vaes Dothrak. "Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things": as Drogo's khalasar enter Vaes Dothrak.	1:29
17.	"Jon's Honor"	"Fire and Blood": Jon attempts to escape the Night's Watch. Contains part of the melody of the Main Theme.	2:35
18.	"Black of Hair"	"A Golden Crown": Ned deduces that Joffrey Baratheon is not Robert's son. Contains the melody later used as Petyr Baelish's theme (Chaos is a Ladder).	1:40
19.	"You Win or You Die"	Joffrey Baratheon's theme. "You Win or You Die": Joffrey proclaims himself king. "The Pointy End": Joffrey tells Sansa that Ned must confess to treason or there will be no mercy for him. "Fire and Blood": after Ned Stark has been decapitated under orders of King Joffrey. Also as Joffrey shows Sansa the heads of Ned and the Stark bannermen. "Garden of Bones": Joffrey has Sansa beaten by Ser Meryn, and also as he has tortured the prostitutes sent by Tyrion. "Dark Wings, Dark Words": Sansa reveals to Margaery and Olenna Tyrell that Joffrey is a monster. "And Now His Watch Is Ended": Margaery and Joffrey address the multitude at King's Landing. "Second Sons": Joffrey threatens Sansa to rape her after Tyrion passes out. Contains the melody of the House Baratheon theme (The King's Arrival). The title comes from Cersei Lannister's famous line "When you play the game of thrones you win or you die, there is no middle ground".	1:57
20.	"Small Pack of Wolves"	"The Wolf and the Lion": during Jaime Lannister and Ned Stark's fight. The title comes from Jaime Lannister's line "What a small pack of wolves". Contains the melody later used as Petyr Baelish's theme (Chaos is a Ladder).	1:57
21.	"Game of Thrones"	A variation on the Main Theme. Used in the credits in many episodes. The title comes from Cersei Lannister's famous line "When you play the game of thrones you win or you die, there is no middle ground."	1:18
22.	"Kill Them All"	"Fire and Blood": Maester Luwin receives news of Ned's death, Catelyn mourns over Ned, and she comforts Robb. "Valar Morghulis": Bran, Rickon, Osha and Hodor discover Winterfell burnt and destroyed. Contains the melody of the House Stark theme and part of the Main Theme.	2:35
23.	"The Pointy End"	"Lord Snow": during Arya's first lesson with her "dancing master" Syrio Forel. The title comes from Arya's line "Stick them with the pointy end". Contains the melody of Things I Do for Love.	3:16
24.	"Victory Does Not Make Us Conquerors"	"Baelor": Robb tells his troops that the war is far from over. Contains the melody of the House Stark theme (Goodbye Brother) The title comes from Robb's line "One victory does not make us conquerors".	1:35
25.	"When the Sun Rises in the West"	"Fire and Blood": Daenerys smothers the catatonic Drogo. The title comes from Mirri Maz Duur's line "When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, when the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves". Contains the melody of the Daenerys Targaryen theme (Love in the Eyes).	2:40
26.	"King of the North"	"Fire and Blood": Robb Stark is proclaimed King in the North by the high lords of the North. Contains the melody of the House Stark theme (Goodbye Brother). This track is incorrectly titled King of the North, when the actual title given to Robb Stark is King in the North.	1:28
27.	"The Night's Watch"	"Fire and Blood": Lord Commander Mormont tells Jon Snow that he intends to march North of the Wall, and the subsequent marching. Contains part of the melody of the Main Theme.	1:44
28.	"Fire and Blood"	"Fire and Blood": the funeral pyre of Khal Drogo, Mirri Maz Duur is burnt in it and Daenerys walks into the flames. Contains the melody of the Daenerys Targaryen theme (Love in the Eyes). The title comes from the words of House Targaryen.	4:30
29.	"Finale"	"Fire and Blood": Daenerys appears alive and unharmed by the flames with the three dragons which have hatched from the dragon's eggs in Drogo's pyre. Contains the melody of the Daenerys Targaryen theme (Love in the Eyes) and the Main Theme.	2:31

Season 2

Untitled

The soundtrack album for the second season, titled Game of Thrones: Season 2, was published on June 19, 2012. The instrumental music by Ramin Djawadi was performed by the Czech Film Orchestra and Choir and recorded at the Rudolfinum concert hall in Prague.

The of Castamere

The album contains a rendition of the song "The Rains of Castamere" by the indie rock band The National, sung by their vocalist Matt Berninger. On the published tracklist, the title is spelled "The Rains of Castomere" rather than "Castamere" as in the novels. The spelling is corrected on the printed listing on the liner notes that come with the disc. In the series, the song was played over the end credits of the ninth episode, "Blackwater". An instrumental version can be heard during Tyrion's speech right after King Joffrey abandons the battlefield in the same episode. Tyrion Lannister can be heard whistling the melody in some earlier episodes. In season 3, an instrumental version of "The Rains of Castamere" plays over the end credits in episode 7, "The Bear and the Maiden Fair". In episode 9 of season 3, an instrumental version of "The Rains of Castamere" is played by the musicians at the Tully-Frey wedding. In Episode 2 of Season 4, the band Sigur Rós makes a cameo appearance as musicians playing this song at the wedding of Joffrey and Margaery. Joffrey stops them midway by throwing coins at them. Their version plays over the closing credits of this same episode.

The song's lyrics are taken from the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, in which "The Rains of Castamere" is sung or mentioned several times. It remembers Tywin Lannister's victory over his rebellious vassals Reyne ("the Reynes of Castamere") and Tarbeck, about 40 years before the events of the novels. The stanza of the song that is reproduced in the novels and adapted for the series tells of the vassals' defiance – "And who are you, the proud lord said / That I must bow so low?" – and the subsequent obliteration of their houses: "But now the rains weep o'er his hall / With no one there to hear."

Other Versions

YouTube content creator Liam Dryden released an extended folk version of The Rains Of Castamere in September 2013, which features additional lyrics written by himself. In addition to the pre-plot history of the defeats of Houses Reyne and Tarbeck, Dryden's extra verses are based on events occurring within the series up until the point of the song's release; specifically including references to the Lannisters' conflicts against Stannis Baratheon and Robb Stark.

On June 10, 2014, Jackie Evancho released a cover of "The Rains of Castamere", which is included in her 2014 album Awakening. Evancho's video for the song can be viewed on YouTube.

Reception

Tracksounds's review was again mixed, describing the score as little more than adequate. Noting a lack of thematic development or dramatic momentum, the reviewer nonetheless appreciated the score's more subdued moments which he considered less forced than the rest of the track.

Track listing

No.	Title	Key Scenes/Notes	Length
1.	"Main Title"	Used in the opening sequence	1:46
2.	"The Throne Is Mine"	"The North Remembers": during the massacre of Robert Baratheon's bastard children. Contains the melody of the House Baratheon (The King's Arrival) and Petyr Baelish's theme (Chaos is a Ladder).	3:15
3.	"What Is Dead May Never Die"	House Greyjoy's theme. "The Night Lands": As Theon and Yara ride to Pyke. "What is Dead May Never Die": Theon burns a letter warning Robb and consecrates his faith to the Drowned God. "The Ghost of Harrenhal": as Theon first sees the Sea Bitch. "Valar Morghulis": Theon prepares to make one last stand and encourages his men to do so before he is knocked out by them. "Mhysa": Yara tells Balon that she will rescue Theon from the Dreadfort. "The Laws of Gods and Men": Yara and her men sail to rescue Theon. The title comes from the refrain of the religion of the Drowned God "What is dead may never die, but rises again harder and stronger".	2:06
4.	"Warrior of Light"	Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre's theme. "The North Remembers": during Melisandre's burning of the Seven Gods' idols. "The Night Lands": when Melisandre promises Stannis a son and they have sexual intercourse. "Garden of Bones": Stannis and Renly meeting. Davos takes Melisandre to shore. "The Ghost of Harrenhal": Renly is murdered by the shadow created by Melisandre. Stannis and Davos plan the attack on King's Landing. "Blackwater": Stannis' fleet arrives to Blackwater Bay. After the wildfire has been ignited Stannis still attacks with the surviving men. "Valar Dohaeris": Davos tries to murder Melisandre. "Walk of Punishment": Melisandre sails away from Dragonstone. "And Now His Watch Is Ended": a modified version appears as Varys tells Tyrion about his cutting, his life and reveals he has found the sorcerer who cut him. "Kissed by Fire": Thoros of Myr prays to the Lord of Light as they prepare for the Hound's trial by combat. "The Climb": Melisandre appears to the Brotherhood Without Banners. Thoros of Myr tells Melisandre about the first time Berric Dondarrion was resurrected. "Second Sons": Melisandre and Gendry arrive to Dragonstone. "Mhysa": Melisandre and Stannis reafirm that Gendry must die, to which Davos protests. Davos and Stannis discuss Melisandre's powers and the Lord of Light. "The Lion and the Rose": during the burning of Axel Florent, among others. "Breaker of Chains": Stannis threatens Davos.	3:03
5.	"Valar Morghulis"	Jaqen H'ghar's theme. "The Ghost of Harrenhal": Arya meets Jaqen and he tells her he shall give her three deaths. After Jaqen has killed the Tickler. "The Old Gods and the New": Arya tells Jaqen to kill Amory Loch before he gets to Tywin Lannister. "The Prince of Winterfell": Arya looks for Jaqen for him to kill Tywin Lannister. "Valar Morghulis": Jaqen finds Arya and, after she is unable to follow him to Braavos, gives her an iron coin which upon saying the words Valar Morghulis to any Braavosi will provide her with help. "Mhysa": Arya looks at Jaqen's iron coin and says the words "Valar Morghulis". "Two Swords": Arya kills Polliver with Needle. "The House of Black and White": Arya is saved in Braavos by an old man who later reveals himself with the face of Jaqen H'ghar. He later lets Arya enter the House of Black and White. The title comes from the phrase in High Valyrian which translates to "All men must die".	2:59
6.	"Winterfell"	"The Prince of Winterfell": as Bran and Rickon are revealed to be alive in the crypts beneath Winterfell. "Valar Morghulis": Maester Luwin tells Bran, Rickon, Hodor and Osha to go to the Wall, and asks Osha to protect the children and give him a quick death. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair": Talisa tells Robb that she is pregnant. "Hardhome": the first seconds are heard when Theon (known at this point as Reek) admits to Sansa that he never found Bran and Rickon and that he actually killed and burned two farm boys. The cue is a slightly modified version of the House Stark theme (Goodbye Brother).	2:42
7.	"Qarth"	"Garden of Bones": Daenerys and her khalasar arrive to the city of Qarth.	2:11
8.	"Wildfire"	"Blackwater": the battle commences as Stanis' fleet approaches and Bronn lights the wildfire. Contains the introduction of Joffrey Baratheon's theme (You Win or You Die) and the melody of the House Baratheon theme (The King's Arrival).	3:39
9.	"I Am Hers, She Is Mine"	"Garden of Bones": a modified version is heard when Robb and Talisa meet and talk for the first time. "The Prince of Winterfell": first fully heard when Talisa and Robb kiss for the first time and make love. "Valar Morghulis": Shae and Tyrion profess their love and Robb and Talisa are married in private. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair": Robb and Talisa make love. "The Rains of Castamere": during Edmure Tully and Roslin Frey's wedding (the Red Wedding). The title comes from the vow used in marriages under the faith of the seven (Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am his/hers and she/he is mine from this day until the end of my days)	2:17
10.	"Pyat Pree"	Pyat Pree's, the warlock of Qarth, theme. "The Old Gods and the New": Daenerys finds many of her Dothraki dead and her dragons gone, and the dragons are seen being carried into the House of the Undying. "A Man Without Honor": Pyat Pree reveals himself as the captor of Daenerys' dragons, his alliance with Xaro Xohan Daxos and murders the rest of the thirteen. "Valar Morghulis": Daenerys enters the House of the Undying.	2:12
11.	"Don't Die with a Clean Sword"	"Blackwater": Stannis arrives ashore and is confronted by the Hound and his men. The title comes from the Hound's line "If any man dies with a clean sword I'll rape his bloody corpse". Contains the melody of Stannis Baratheon's theme (Warrior of Light) and the Main Theme.	3:22
12.	"We Are the Watchers on the Wall"	"The Night Lands": as the men of the Night's Watch are at Craster's Keep. "The Ghost of Harrenhal": Qhorin Halfhand and Lord Commander Mormont talk about the impending wildling attack. "Valar Morghulis": Ygritte shows Jon the wildling camp. The title comes from the Night's Watch oath ("...I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the shield that guards the realms of men..."). A modified version of the Night's Watch theme (The Wall).	2:37
13.	"Pay the Iron Price"	"The Old Gods and the New": as Theon executes Rodrik Cassel. "A Man Without Honor": Theon awakens to find Osha gone, along with Bran, Rickon and Hodor. Theon and his hunting party look for Bran and Rickon. Theon decides to burn the orphans and pass them as Bran and Rickon. The corpses of the orphans are shown to the people of Winterfell, who believe them to be Bran and Rickon. "Kissed by Fire": Robb executes Rickard Karstark, in a scene similar to Theon's execution of Rodrick Cassel. A modified version of the House Greyjoy theme (What is Dead May Never Die)	2:32
14.	"One More Drink Before the War"	"Blackwater": after Joffrey flees to safety Tyrion assumes command of the army and encourages his troops to fight for their city. The title comes from Bronn's selfsame line. Contains the melody of the House Lannister theme (previously unheard fully).	2:05
15.	"House of the Undying"	"Valar Morghulis": inside the House of the Undying Daenerys finds herself in the Red Keep's thrones room, the Wall and Khal Drogo's tent, in which she finds him with their son Rhaego, but heavily departs to save her dragons.	5:02
16.	"Stand and Fight"	"Blackwater": Tyrion himself fights outside the walls of King's Landing. The title comes from Stannis yelling desperately "Stand and fight! Stand and fight cowards!" after his men flee. Contains the melody of the House Lannister theme, Stannis Baratheon's theme (Warrior of Light) and the Main Theme.	2:04
17.	"The Old Gods and the New"	"Lord Snow": Ned and Catelyn's farewell at King's Landing. "The Ghost of Harrenhal": Brienne swears allegiance to Catelyn. "Valar Dohaeris": Robb and his host arrive at Harrenhal to find the northmen slaughtered. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair": Jaime swears to Brienne to hold his vow to Catelyn Stark. Qyburn tells Jaime that Brienne will not be freed and probably will be killed. "Oathkeeper": Jaime and Brienne's farewell at King's Landing. "Sons of the Harpy": Jaime looks on at the island of Tarth.	2:38
18.	"Mother of Dragons"	"Valar Morghulis": Daenerys gives the order to her dragons to burn Pyat Pree and release herself and them from their chains on the word of Dracarys (dragon fire in High Valyrian). Daenerys apprehends Xaro and Doreah and, after finding his vault empty, locks them inside and leaves them to die, later stealing all of Xaro's gold and jewels. The title comes from one of Daenerys' various titles. Contains the melody of Daenerys Targaryen's theme (Love in the Eyes) and the Main Theme. A shorter version is used on the main menu of Season 2's DVD/Blu-ray release.	2:34
19.	"I Will Keep You Safe"	"Blackwater": Cersei believes the battle to be lost and is about to poison Tommen when the armies of House Lannister and Tyrell arrive to turn the tide of the battle, and Loras Tyrell and Tywin Lannister arrive themselves into the throne room. The title comes from Cersei's line as she is about to poison Tommen. "Valar Dohaeris": Tyrion contemplates at his scars. "Kissed by Fire": Tywin Lannister tells Tyrion and Cersei off after they protest for being forced to marry Sansa Stark and Loras Tyrell respectively. Contains the melody of the Main Theme.	2:17
20.	"The Rains of Castamere"	(Written by Ramin Djawadi and George R. R. Martin, performed by The National) House Lannister's theme. "Blackwater": used in the credits sequence.	2:23
21.	"Three Blasts"	"Valar Morghulis": the arrival of the army of White Walkers. "Oathkeeper": Plays during the end credits after the Night's King turns one of Craster's sons into a White Walker. Contains the melody of the Main Theme.	2:40

Season 3

Untitled

The Season 3 soundtrack album was released digitally on June 4, 2013, and on CD on July 2, 2013.

The Bear and the Maiden Fair

The U.S. indie rock band The Hold Steady recorded "The Bear and the Maiden Fair", a folk song from Martin's novels, for season three. The recording is played over the end credits of episode three, and the song is sung in the same episode by Brienne's and Jaime's captors, which include musician Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol in a cameo appearance. Set to music by series composer Ramin Djawadi and arranged by Tad Kubler, the recording was released on a seven-inch record on April 20, 2013.

In the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" is a traditional song popular among people of all social classes throughout Westeros. It recounts the story of a bear, "All black and brown / And covered with hair", who traveled to a summer fair, and smelled "on the summer air ... The maid with honey / In her hair!" Although she vowed that she'll "never dance / With a hairy bear", he "lifted her high / Into the air", and "licked the honey / From her hair", until she "sighed and squealed / And kicked the air", eventually agreeing to go off with her "bear so fair".

Track listing

No.	Title	Key Scenes/Notes	Length
1.	"Main Title"	Used in the opening sequence	1:44
2.	"A Lannister Always Pays His Debts"	House Lannister's theme. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair": plays as Jaime and Brienne leave Harrenhal and at the end credits. "Second Sons": a modified version appears as Cersei tells Margaery the story of House Reyne of Castamere's failed rebellion. "The Rains of Castamere": a modified version appears at the infamous Red Wedding. The title comes from the popular saying "A Lannister always pays his debts". A shorter version is used on the main menu of Season 3's DVD/Blu-ray release.	2:50
3.	"Dracarys"	"And Now His Watch Is Ended": Daenerys buys the Unsullied, orders them to kill the masters and liberates Astapor. "Breaker of Chains": Daenerys attacks Mereen with barrels filled with slave collars to incite a revolution against the slave masters. "Kill the Boy": after mourning Barristan Selmy's death, Daenerys takes the leaders of the great families of Meereen, including Hizdahr zo Loraq, to her dragons Viserion and Rhaegal and has them burn and eat one of the leaders. The title comes from her command to her dragons to breathe fire, which means "dragonfire" in Valyrian. Contains the melody of Daenerys' theme ('Love in the Eyes').	2:53
4.	"I Paid The Iron Price"	"And Now His Watch Is Ended": Theon reveals to a disguised Ramsay that he never killed the Stark children, and laments his choice of House Greyjoy over House Stark. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair": Theon is tended to by the two women. The title comes from the line "I paid the iron price for Winterfell". Contains the melody of the House Greyjoy theme (What is Dead May Never Die)	3:15
5.	"Chaos Is A Ladder"	Petyr Baelish's theme. "The Climb": Littlefinger's conversation with Varys, Ros is seen to have been killed by Joffrey and Sansa watches as Lord Baelish's ship sails without her. The title comes from Lord Baelish's line "Chaos isn't a pit, chaos is a ladder". Its melody appeared previously in the tracks Await the King's Justice, Small Pack of Wolves and The Throne is Mine. Also used in season 5 episode 4 "Sons of the Harpy" when Cersei sends Mace Tyrell, accompanied by Meryn Trant, to visit the Iron Bank of Braavos.	2:58
6.	"Dark Wings,"	A choral version of the Main Theme.	2:47
7.	"You Know Nothing"	Jon and Ygritte's theme. "Kissed by Fire": Jon and Ygritte make love in the cave. "The Climb": Jon and Ygritte make it atop the Wall and embrace. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair": Ygritte and Jon kiss. "Mhysa": Jon tells Ygritte she always knew what he is, that they love each other, and Jon escapes while Ygritte shoots him three times. The title comes from Ygritte's famous and often repeated line.	3:19
8.	"Wall Of Ice"	The new Night's Watch theme. "The Climb": Jon, Ygritte and the wildlings climb up the Wall. The Wall breaks and Orell tries to cut Jon and Ygritte loose. "The Rains of Castamere": Jon is unable to kill the old man and turns on the wildlings.	3:19
9.	"Kingslayer"	"Kissed By Fire": Jaime tells Brienne about the sack of King's Landing and how he killed Aerys to save the city. "Mhysa": Jaime meets Cersei as he arrives to King's Landing. The title comes from the name bestowed upon Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer.	2:11
10.	"I Have To Go North"	"Kissed by Fire": Robb tells Talisa he has to attack Casterly Rock, and to do so must ask for help to Walder Frey. "The Rains of Castamere": Robb explains his plan to Catelyn, and they arrive to the Twins. "Mhysa": Bran, Hodor, Meera and Jojen march north of the Wall. The title comes from Bran's line "Please Sam, I have to go north". Contains the melody of the House Stark theme (Goodbye Brother) and the Main Theme.	1:23
11.	"White Walkers"	"Valar Dohaeris": a longer version of the intro is heard when Jon tells Mance Rayder about Craster giving his sons to the White Walkers. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair": the same version is heard when Osha, after refusing to allow Bran Stark and the Reed brothers to go north of the Wall, relates the story of her husband's death and resurrection as a wight. "Second Sons": the full version plays as a White Walker comes for Gilly's baby and Sam kills it with the dragonglass dagger. It is also heard throughout the credits.	3:20
12.	"It's Always Summer Under the Sea"	(Performed by Kerry Ingram) "Kissed by Fire": Shireen sings to herself. Also played at the end credits.	1:17
13.	"Reek"	"Walk of Punishment": Theon attempts to escape from his captors. Contains hints of the melody of House Greyjoy's theme (What is Dead May Never Die).	2:41
14.	"The Bear and the Maiden Fair"	(Performed by The Hold Steady) "Walk of Punishment": used in the credits sequence.	2:56
15.	"The Night Is Dark"	"Valar Dohaeris": Davos Seaworth is found and rescued by Salladhor Saan. "Kissed by Fire": Selyse tells Stannis that she has already been told by Melisandre by his cheating on her. Stannis tells Shireen that Davos is a traitor. Contains the melody of the Stannis Baratheon theme (Warrior of Light).The title comes from the famous phrase used by the practitioners of the faith of R'hllor "The night is dark and full of terrors".	2:56
16.	"The Lannisters Send Their Regards"	"The Rains of Castamere": during the massacre at the Red Wedding. "Mhysa": during the Red Wedding, as the Stark men are being massacred and Robb Stark's corpse is beheaded and Grey Wind's head put in its place. The title comes from Roose Bolton's infamous line, spoken when killing Robb Stark. Contains the melody of the House Stark theme (Goodbye Brother).	5:44
17.	"Heir To Winterfell"	"Dark Wings, Dark Words": Robb and Catelyn receive news of Hoster Tully's death, the burning of Winterfell and the disappearance of Bran and Rickon. "The Rains of Castamere": Rickon and Osha part for the last hearth. "First of His Name": Bran chooses to continue to look for the three-eyed raven instead of revealing himself to Jon. The title comes from Bran telling Rickon that if something should happen to Robb and himself, he is the heir to Winterfell.	2:14
18.	"Mhysa"	"Mhysa": as the Yunkish slaves worship Daenerys chanting "Mhysa", which means "mother" in Ghiscari. Contains the melody of Daenerys Targaryen's theme (Love in the Eyes) and the Main Theme.	3:54
19.	"For The Realm"	A Spanish guitar version of the Main Theme.	1:31

Season 4

Untitled

The Season 4 soundtrack album was released digitally on June 10, 2014, and on CD on July 1, 2014.

The Rains of Castamere

Season 4 of Game of Thrones saw the Icelandic band Sigur Rós perform their rendition of "The Rains of Castamere" in a cameo appearance at King Joffrey's wedding in the second episode, "The Lion and the Rose".

Track listing

No.	Title	Key Scenes/Notes	Length
1.	"Main Title"	Used in the opening sequence.	1:43
2.	"The Rains of Castamere"	(Performed by Sigur Rós) "The Lion and the Rose": Played at Joffrey's wedding and during the end credits.	2:42
3.	"Breaker of Chains"	"The Children": Daenerys places her dragons in their new home. "The House of Black and White": Drogon lands at the top of Daenerys' pyramid and she watches him fly away after she tries to caress him. "Mother's Mercy": Daenerys stands with Drogon in the mountains north of Mereen.	4:05
4.	"Watchers on the Wall"	"The Watchers on the Wall": Jon goes beyond the Wall to find Mance Rayder. The cue is an adventurous variation of the Night's Watch theme.	2:11
5.	"I’m Sorry for Today"	"The Mountain and the Viper": Heard when Grey Worm apologises to Missandei for watching on her during the river bathing. "Kill the Boy": When Missandei is sitting next to a convalescent Grey Worm and Daenerys mourns Barristan Selmy in the Audience Chamber.	2:09
6.	"Thenns"	"Breaker of Chains": Variations of the theme (with an extra melodic line in the low strings) are heard when the Thenns attack a peaceful village, which Olly is from. "The Mountain and the Viper": the same variations are heard when Mole's Town is attacked. "The Watchers on the Wall": heard fully during the attack and battle at Castle Black.	1:43
7.	"Meereen"	"Walk of Punishment": the introduction of the piece can be heard when Daenerys offers to hand one of her dragons so as to buy all of the Unsullied. "Two Swords": the introduction again is heard during Daario's and Grey Worm's wager. "Breaker of Chains": Daenerys and her troops arrive at Meereen, before the duel of Daario and the champion of Meereen outside the city walls. "Oathkeeper": the last seconds are heard when Daenerys stands victorious on the Pyramid of Meeren after taking the city.	2:53
8.	"First of His Name"	"The Lion and the Rose": the first part is heard when Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell are married. The second dissonant part is heard when Joffrey suffocates to death and Cersei accuses Tyrion of murdering her son. "High Sparrow": the first part is heard when Tommen marries Margaery. Contains the Baratheon theme.	3:52
9.	"The Biggest Fire the North Has Ever Seen"	"The Watchers on the Wall": Jon and the rangers watch from atop the wall the huge fire beneath them, just before the commence of the battle of Castle Black	1:56
10.	"Three Eyed Raven"	"The Children" Bran, Hodor and Meera find the Weirwood tree.	3:58
11.	"Two Swords"	"Two Swords": played in cold open scene (prior to the main title sequence) showing Tywin reforging the Stark family greatsword "Ice" into two smaller swords and burning Ned's wolfskin scabbard-covering in the forge fire. Contains Stark theme (Goodbye Brother) and Lannister theme (The Rains of Castamere).	1:49
12.	"Oathkeeper"	"Dark Wings, Dark Words": A variation is heard when Brienne duels Jaime on the bridge. "And Now His Watch is Ended": parts play when the Hound stands accused in front of the Brotherhood without Banners in the cave. "The Children", the Hound and Brienne duel. "Mother's Mercy" A variation plays when Brienne sentences Stannis to death and prepares to execute him.	4:31
13.	"You Are No Son of Mine"	"The Children": Tyrion confronts Tywin with the crossbow while making his escape. Afterwards, Tyrion and Varys make it to the departing ship and Arya rides to the port to board the ship to Braavos.	4:29
14.	"The North Remembers"	"The Kingsroad": Catelyn Stark says goodbye to a still-dormant Bran before leaving for King's Landing. "Garden of Bones": Petyr returns Ned's body to Catelyn. "Dark Wings, Dark Words": Catelyn tells Talisa how she once wished for Jon Snow's death when he was a child and how she later regreted and builded a prayer wheel for him to pray for his recovery. "Two Swords": Sansa laments Catelyn and Robb's murder. "Mockingbird": Sansa builds a snow replica of Winterfell in The Eyrie. "The House of Black and White": Stannis offers to legitimize Jon and name him a true Stark. "High Sparrow": Arya disposes of all of her possessions, but cannot bring herself to discard Needle and instead hides it. The cue is a sorrowful rendition of the Stark theme.	2:33
15.	"Let’s Kill Some Crows"	"The Watchers on the Wall": During the battle at Castle Black. It is also heard during the end credits.	3:36
16.	"Craster’s Keep"	"Walk of Punishment": the beginning of the piece is also heard when the remains of the party of Night Watch beyond the Wall reach Craster's Keep. "First of His Name": Jon burns down Craster's keep.	2:06
17.	"The Real North"	"The Children": Jon goes North of the Wall to make a funeral pyre for Ygritte. Contains the melody from "You Know Nothing".	2:03
18.	"Forgive Me"	"The Mountain and the Viper": Daenerys dismisses Ser Jorah and sends him into exile. "Hardhome": With the suggestion of Tyrion, Daenerys dismisses Ser Jorah yet again.	2:31
19.	"He Is Lost"	"The Children": Heard when Bran, Meera and Jojen get attacked on the frozen lake and Jojen is killed.	3:37
20.	"I Only See What Matters"	"The Children": Cersei reconciles with Jaime and both make love.	1:25
21.	"Take Charge of Your Life"	"The Mountain and the Viper": Sansa is interrogated by the Lords of the Vale and clears Petyr from all charges. The first part of the cue is also heard when Petyr tells Robin to discover the world outside the Eyrie. "The Gift": Petyr Baelish and Olenna Tyrell secretly plot in the first's brothel.	2:05
22.	"The Children"	"The Children": heard when Arya leaves Westeros and sails to Braavos. The track is predominantly a modified choral version of the main theme, though it also contains elements of the Stark theme ('Goodbye Brother'), and Jaqen H'ghar's theme ('Valar Morghulis'). A shorter version is used on the main menu of Season 4's DVD/Blu-ray release.	2:41

Season 5

Untitled

The Season 5 soundtrack album was released digitally on June 9, 2015, and on CD on July 17, 2015.

Track listing

No.	Title	Key Scenes/Notes	Length
1.	"Main Title"	Used in the opening sequence.	1:45
2.	"Blood of the Dragon"	"The House of Black and White", "The Dance of Dragons": Used in the end credits. A variation of "Breaker of Chains" combined with the "Finale" music from Season 1.	1:33
3.	"House of Black and White"	Used in various scenes with Arya in the House of Black and White. The first part of the track is a variation of the beginning of "Winter is Coming" from Season 1.	5:08
4.	"Jaws of the Viper"	"The House of Black and White": Jamie and Cersei receive Myrcella's pendant in the jaws of a viper. "The Dance of Dragons": Ellaria swears allegiance to Doran. "Mother's Mercy": After telling Jaime she is glad that he is her father, Myrcella starts bleeding; at the same time, Ellaria bleeds as well and drinks the antidote as she and the Sand Snakes stand on the pier watching the ship sail away.	2:31
5.	"Hardhome, Pt. 1"	"Hardhome": the White Walkers ambush Hardhome. Contains melodies from "Three Blasts" and "Let's Kill Some Crows", and variations of the Main Theme.	5:06
6.	"Hardhome, Pt. 2"	"Hardhome": Used in the battle at Hardhome. Contains subtle variations of "Warrior of Light", "Three Blasts" and "North of the Wall".	4:31
7.	"Mother's Mercy"	"Mother's Mercy": Cersei is stripped and shaved, and takes her Walk of Shame. The cue contains variation of the Lannister theme.	2:14
8.	"Kill the Boy"	"High Sparrow": Jon Snow executes Janos Slynt. It is a faster variation of "Pay the Iron Price" and the Night Watch theme. The title shares its name with the name of episode five, and it comes from Maester Aemon's line to Jon Snow: 'Kill the boy, and let the man be born".	2:07
9.	"Dance of Dragons"	"The Dance of Dragons": Drogon arrives at the fighting pit, rescues Daenerys and her followers from the Sons of the Harpy, and flies off. The track contains combined variations of "Dracarys" and "Breaker of Chains" from Seasons 3 & 4 soundtracks.	3:08
10.	"Kneel for No Man"	"The Wars to Come": Stannis Baratheon has Mance Rayder executed in a pire, but Jon Snow, out of mercy, puts an arrow on him before he is burned to death. Contains a slow rendition of "Warrior of Light"; "Hardhome": During Jon Snow's speech to the Wildling elders at Hardhome.	4:45
11.	"High Sparrow"	"High Sparrow": a variant is heard when the High Septon is taken by the Sparrows and forced to walk naked through the streets of King's Landing while calling him a sinner; "Sons of the Harpy": first fully heard when the Sparrows, after being legitimized as the Faith Militant, attack both the black market in King's Landing and one of Petyr Baelish's brothels, and also aprehend Loras Tyrell because of his homosexuality. The beginning of the song is also heard when Tommen Baratheon unsuccessfully tries to talk with the High Sparrow and the population of the city insults him; "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken": a dramatic variant is heard when Loras and Margaery are arrested by the Faith Militant; "The Gift": the same variant, with added choirs, is heard when the High Sparrow indirectly admits to Cersei knowing of her affair with Lancel Lannister, a Sparrow himself, and has her arrested.	3:23
12.	"Before the Old Gods"	"Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken": Sansa is wed to Ramsay Bolton. The track is built upon a slow and disturbingly twisted variation of the wedding theme from the track "I Am Hers, She Is Mine" from season 2.	2:37
13.	"Atonement"	"The Wars to Come": Cersei and Jaime talk over Tywin's corpse in the Sept of Baelor. It is a dirgelike lament variation of the "Rains of Castamere" theme.	2:54
14.	"I Dreamt I Was Old"	"The Gift": Maester Aemon Targaryen dies and Sam eulogizes him before lighting his funeral pyre. Contains a sorrowful variation of the Night's Watch theme, and also its first seconds feature a composition similar to that of the House Greyjoy theme ('What Is Dead May Never Die). The title come from Maester Aemon last sentence before his death: 'Egg, I dreamt that I was old'.	2:16
15.	"The Wars to Come"	"Mother's Mercy": Sansa begins her escape attempt and Stannis prepares to charge Winterfell and faces down the Bolton army. The cue is divided in two sections: the first one is a sorrowful rendition of the House Stark theme; the second one predominantly feature variations of Stannis theme ('Warrior of Light').	4:48
16.	"Forgive Me"	"The Dance of Dragons": Shireen is taken to a pire and Melisandre burns her to death as a sacrifice. "Mother's Mercy": Melisandre returns to Castle Black. It contains more variations of "Warrior of Light". The title comes from Stannis line before he orders Shireen's death.	3:17
17.	"Son of the Harpy"	"Sons of the Harpy": the Sons of the Harpy battle the Unsullied and Daenerys' bodyguards. "The Dance of Dragons": the Sons of the Harpy attack Daenerys and Meereen citizens in Daznak's Pit. The track contains the "Sons of the Harpy" theme and hints & variations of Daenery's/Mhysa theme.	5:17
18.	"Throne for the Game"	Unused in the series. A male vocal rendition of the Main Title theme.	1:20

Catch the Throne

Volume I

To help promote the series to a broader audience including multicultural urban youth, HBO commissioned an album of rap songs dedicated to Game of Thrones. Entitled Catch the Throne, it was published for free on SoundCloud on March 7, 2014.

No.	Title	Music	Length
1.	"Mother of Dragons"	Big Boi	2:09
2.	"Iron Throne"	Magazeen	2:26
3.	"Win or Die"	Bodega Bamz	2:21
4.	"Magical Reality"	Kilo Kish	2:32
5.	"Born to Rule"	Daddy Yankee	2:34
6.	"Arya's Prayer"	Dominik Omega	3:20
7.	"The Parallel"	Dee Goodz	3:12
8.	"Fire"	Snow tha Product	1:54
9.	"The Ladder"	Common	2:41
10.	"King Slayer"	Wale	2:24

Volume II

A second volume of songs was released in March 2015, prior to the beginning of fifth season. This volume again consisted of songs from hip-hop artists, but this time also included contributions from several heavy metal bands. It was released as a free download on iTunes and SoundCloud.

No.	Title	Music	Length
1.	"The Oath"	Method Man	2:33
2.	"Run for Cover"	MNDR	2:56
3.	"Never Back Down"	Ty Dolla $ign	3:52
4.	"Loyalty"	Killswitch Engage	4:07
5.	"Surrender Now"	Kap G	2:52
6.	"Fight Through It"	Melanie Fiona	3:07
7.	"Lannister's Anthem"	Snoop Dogg	2:31
8.	"Marcando Territorio"	Yandel	3:44
9.	"Soror Irrumator"	Anthrax	5:30
10.	"Let Me Go"	Estelle	2:24
11.	"Lord of the Light"	Talib Kweli	2:55
12.	"White Walker"	Mastodon	4:30
13.	"Legends"	Raquel Sofia	3:23
14.	"All Mine"	Stalley	3:58
15.	"Among the Crows"	Mushroomhead	4:48

Cover versions and parodies

The main theme of Game of Thrones has inspired many tributes and cover versions. Some of the cover and parody versions mentioned by news media include:

• a violin version by Jason Yang,
• a metal version by Roger Lima,
• an electric harp duet version by the "Harp Twins", Camille and Kennerly Kitt,
• a bleeping "8-bit" remix in the style of early video game music,
• a rendition in the noise of floppy disk drives,
• a violin and voice duet by Lindsey Stirling and Peter Hollens,
• a cello version by Break of Reality,
• a ska interpretation by Pannonia Allstars Ska Orchestra,
• a chamber music version by Aston,
• a choral parody used in two episodes of South Park, with lyrics solely about wieners,
• an elaborate parody of the opening at the beginning of a 2012 episode of The Simpsons, "Exit Through the Kwik-E-Mart",
• a parody performed by "Weird Al" Yankovic at the 2014 Emmy awards.

See also

• For other music based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, see Works based on A Song of Ice and Fire.