The Last of Us episode 7 features a diverse soundtrack, with each track playing a crucial role in the franchise’s overall narrative. This episode shifts its focus between Ellie’s mission to save Joel’s life after the dramatic events of episode 6 and her past with Riley.
Throughout the season, there have been hints about Riley, making her backstory and the accompanying songs are highly relevant to Ellie’s character arc.
Music has been a vital component of The Last of Us, evident from the titles of episodes 3 and 4 referring to songs by Linda Ronstadt and Hank Williams, respectively. The ending song of the first episode sets the tone for the entire series, and its significance re-emerges in a significant way at the end of episode 6.
The importance of music to the show’s characters and themes remains a constant factor in episode 7, with each musical selection intentionally chosen to reflect the core elements of the popular HBO series.
Take On Me by A-ha
Take On Me by A-ha is likely the most well-known song featured in The Last of Us episode 7. The official trailer for The Last of Us notably featured this track, due to its ties to The Last of Us Part II.
Therefore, its appearance in episode 7 serves as foreshadowing for season 2 in multiple ways. Primarily, the song is utilized in The Last of Us Part II to link Joel and Ellie, hinting at the major events that lie ahead for both characters.
In addition, Take on Me holds significance in The Last of Us Part II as Ellie plays the song to her girlfriend, Dina. As a result, its use in episode 7 serves as a subtle means of linking Ellie with her two primary love interests throughout the franchise.
As the song accompanies Ellie’s joyful moments with Riley, viewers will unconsciously associate the song with the pair, resulting in a more impactful emotional connection when Ellie plays the song for Dina in season 2. This connection is due to the song’s association with Ellie’s initial love interest.
I Got You Babe by Etta James
I Got You Babe by Etta James is another essential song featured in The Last of Us episode 7 that holds significant meaning for Ellie, Riley, and the show’s overall narrative. The track plays towards the end of Ellie and Riley’s time together as they dance in a Halloween store.
The song continues playing as the pair shares their first kiss in the episode, with the inclusion of this particular track due to its iconic use in the original The Last of Us game.
Furthermore, the song’s opening lyrics – “People say that we don’t know what love is or how to make it grow. Well, I don’t know if all that’s true, ’cause you got me and baby, I got you” – align perfectly with Ellie and Riley’s circumstances.
Both of them are experiencing romantic love for the first time, with Ellie and Riley being 14 and 16 years old, respectively. The lyrics state that they are unaware of the true nature of love, which further adds to the song’s relevance, making it work on multiple levels in The Last of Us episode 7.
Alongside its connection to Ellie and Riley’s game story, the track’s significance to the characters and their relationship adds to the episode’s emotional impact.
Just Like Heaven by The Cure
Finally, The Last of Us episode 7 features a remix of The Cure’s popular song, Just Like Heaven, which is difficult to identify due to its being played during Riley’s powering up of the carousel.
Writer Neil Druckmann made this specific choice to emphasize the song’s meaning, which is not immediately apparent in the episode. The lyrics of the song reflect the emotions between Ellie and Riley, with lines like “I promise that I’ll run away with you” referencing Riley’s decision to stay with Ellie, away from Marlene and the Fireflies.
Other lyrics, such as “spinning on that dizzy edge, kissed her face and kissed her head,” correspond to the carousel scene where the two share a kiss. Towards the end of the song, the lyrics “I opened up my eyes and found myself alone… above a raging sea that stole the only girl I loved” allude to the tragic ending of The Last of Us episode 7, where Ellie is left alone, her greatest fear, after losing Riley, the girl she loved.
About The Last Of Us
The Last of Us is an HBO TV series adaptation of the award-winning video game of the same name originally developed by Naughty Dog.
It is set in 2033, as a fungal infestation plagues humans, turning them feral and blind before finally finishing them off. The series follows Joel’s journey to escort an immune 14-year-old Ellie to the Fireflies, who hope to study her to procure a vaccine.
The cast comprises Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, both famed for their roles in Games of Thrones, along with Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Nico Parker. The show was renewed for season 2.
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