Theme from "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Elmer Bernstein)

[maxparrish03]

I was a child when I saw this film, and not only did I feel like I was transported to another time and place, but the theme is the most haunting and emotionally evocative music I have ever heard. Even now, 45 years later it brings the same wistful feelings, and I want to cry. This and the Magnificent Seven demonstrate how gifted Elmer Bernstein was -

[zombiesquirrels8D]

I watched this in class and I was amazed by this beautiful song :3

[triplettam]

Thanks bobbengan. I agree wholeheartedly. Elmer Bernstein was one of the 2 best film composers of his time, the other being John Barry. I still remember the opening credits and the end sequence of this film. Magic with music.

[Faroasodahunter9]

havent seen the movie, cant find it anywhere.. but the book is great :)

[triplettam]

@Faroasodahunter9 It's played on TCM a lot. Netflix and pretty much any good video store will have it. You need to see it. An American classic.

[jackrabbitslim26]

This score sums up every feeling portrayed in the story. It's innocent, but haunting and whimsical. Much like the book, you can get lost on this song.

[Brough1111]

Although you died years ago when I heard this song we are again in a foot race across the

alfalfa fields of our childhood home, the small ripple of thought echoes beyond time and space.

I know you are there out there.

[Filmermooviez]

one of the greatest books, films and scores of all time

[triplettam]

@Filmermooviez X2

[bookworm2445]

This is my favorite score of all time. Of anything.

[samnanguitar727]

0:00-5:50 best part

[chloephernelia]

ahhhh nostalgia 

[squeakystool]

Six people lack empathy.

[kathrynannelizabeth]

Wow, I've never had a song give me as many goosebumps as this one. It so perfectly gives you nostalgic memories of childhood. I don't know how they came up with it, but it fits just right.

[windstorm1000]

I think it the BEST film score ever. Mr. Bernstein perfectly and delicately captures in tonal qualities the naivete and mystery of the child's world. The poignant melodies tug at one's heart--they have for me for many years....

[KaiKashiShion]

This was my marching band's show this year. Everything was different this year in terms of school system, and most of them naturally weren't the best. I was honored to play such a beautiful piece because it was so fitting to do so when we did. As a first-time marcher, I'll never forget it.

[KHMarie12]

I started tearing up listening to this. There is just something about it. It gives me a sense of nostalgia, of growing up...

[linksgirlfriend50]

I wish my Father was more like Atticus.....But then again, I guess my Father wished I was more like Scout or Jem XD

[gregsolo72]

@linksgirlfriend50 That is really moving to me. You are not alone.

[Cohemotgus]

Hey Boo.

[bajaman123X]

I'm 51 years old, I remember seeing this film with my parents at a drive in, and I vividly remember that I was so enthralled that I stayed up for the entire film. And yes, the score is so fantastic...so haunting. You simply have to only close your eyes and be instantly transported back to the days of your youth, remembering warm summer nights and games of Tag or Hide and Go Seek.

[Wushu17]

@bajaman123X Amen, you took the words out of my mouth.

[walkabou5]

5 people dislike this? I pity them.

[TheLionsAreComing]

this is so beautiful! it moves not just your heart but your soul..

[harpersfaerie]

so haunting, I am going to play it on my harp

[IlersichProductions]

@harpersfaerie you are lucky to own one and skilled to play one.

[lavernemariebutler]

I am crying right now!!!!!

[lavernemariebutler]

I am 56 years old and have watched this movie on and off since my childhood. I still cry when I hear the music, not to mention to watch the movie!

[ultraroadmap]

@lavernemariebutler I'm right with ya....I just started reading the book for the first time...if only the movie could have been 6 hours long to fit in the intricate details of their lives....I'd still be fixated on the screen for the 6th hour!

[Duckucup]

I ice skate to this music! A much shorter version though.

[adamization1]

This song is so good. It evokes a plethora of emotions. Bernstein is a genius, I cant imagine anybody creating a piece of this caliber

.

[kelsocat2]

To Kill A Mockingbird and Out of Africa, have the two most haunting and evocative movie themes I know.

[trpearse]

and this score didn't win the Oscar because?

[conyerfamily]

Thank you for posting this. I absolutely agree -- one of my favorite scores. So much feeling -- it encapsulates the story so well.

[Czotie]

it amazes me that this has so few views... 

[kenyancheena]

@Czotie

You really shouldn't be that amazed. I'd say the majority of people viewing clips on youtube are aged 20 or less, and these days youngsters don't really care at all about older music. It's like if it wasn't released five minutes ago, they don't care about it. Not sure why that is. I'm 36 but one of my favourite songs "Blue in Green" by Miles Davis was recorded in the '50s, 20 years before I was born.

[iinspectra]

@kenyancheena I don't really think it's about old music as such - it's just that orchestral music scores don't appeal to that demographic very much, unfortunately. A lot of under-20 year olds will happily listen to the Beatles, or other popular older music. But this kind of music never really was mainstream enough to warrant a lot of views. Not that that matters that much - music doesn't need to be popular for you to enjoy it.

Anyway, that said, I'm 15 and love this entire score, haha.

[Czotie]

@kenyancheena I hear yah man, im 22 and i love Miles.

[lelenina2]

This song is so...Nostalgic.

I wonder why the quality of this is so much better than when it is played in the movie. If they had this kind of audio recording capability back in whenever this film was made, 1962 or so, then why not make the entire movie sound this good?

[lginpdx]

One of the most evocative themes ever! The narration in the film was also a stroke of brilliance, giving the movie a folk tale feeling.

[planejet42]

This song make me feel sad

[lovintouchinsqweazin]

Beautiful : )

[Revaris]

It's ironic, I don't normally read at all, and to this day I still don't much - but I'm grateful I was made to read this in English Literature at school, the movie is just stunning and honestly this book/film alone is an education in itself. Simply beautiful.

[Dion1957]

Thank You Elmer Berstein for making this great film greater...and The Magnificant Seven... and The Great Escape.

Now animated films win awards with ridiculous scores.

[TheInvaderRob]

This makes me cry. I'm in the play To kill a Mockingbird, and this song is beautiful. Not much else to say, because this piece captures childish simplicity in five minutes.

[FunnyGuy656]

a movie that you saw once late at night that showed you what a father could be like

[kenyancheena]

@FunnyGuy656

The inclusion of this in that scene almost makes me bawl.

[yoshitoshi98]

@smichelle65 - Me too! I always cried at this.

[bluemarblemark]

This film, along with its narration strikes the chords of basic human existence. The music is masterfully executed to pluck at the heartstrings of our youth, a place of wonder and continuous learning, sometimes at the expense of our innocence.

The cumulative piece is for many reasons, a masterpiece.

[ForeverOldiesO1]

this song gives me the chills, and at 1:04 i start to tear up...at 1:37 BAM i cry.

[enigmaticcarrot]

It's perfect for this film.

[SWSguitar]

Elmer Berstein is a top film composer but on this occasion, the sountrack intrudes on the action and the score is on occasion overbearing.

It is not really entirely his fault but the director as the movie is full of righeous patronising cliches and horribly dated.

[enigmaticcarrot]

@SWSguitar You're entitled to your opinion but i couldn't disagree more. This score is perfect for this film.

[limeglasses]

how and where can i download this? i, absolutely, need it. it's unbearably beautiful.

[lginpdx]

@limeglasses "Unbearably beautiful" Absolutely! You are a poet.

[CaseyFordAlexander]

So pure.

[MrAnthonyfilm]

I would like this played at my funeral.

[rabbitsmom]

Looking over all the comments, THIS is why Elmer Bernstein was such a genuis. He could evoke such feelings for some many people. And yes, I still have the same feelings ofter all these years and having seen the movie (the geratest ever) at least a million times!

[kiltlvr]

Every time the orchestra enters on that first glorious swell I am reduced to tears.....

[xavkommuajkoj]

why this song is related to To Kill a Mockingbird

[gravysmavy]

The soundtrack of my dreams.

[futrellyourself]

I tear up every time the strings join in at 1:37

[jackbestill]

...so hauntingly beautiful. poignantly etched by the great Elmer Bernstein in 1962. the themes of fatherhood, childhood and innocence lost in the face of injustice are universal. and perhaps this kind of music makes us yearn for a time before Eden...

this was written during the Vietnam war era. i wonder how many mockingbirds and children were killed or maimed by the bombs and the chemical agents dropped on rural villages there to try and kill an enemy then of a different skin and song...

[apehyes818]

best part of the song is :41

[undercoverninjasxD]

My marching band is doing this for the ballad in our marching show this year,(: Should be fantastic.

[Yukisan8D]

Hands down, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of THE best Novels/movies ever made. There certainly is nothing that touches your heart like this does. Probably because just about everyone can relate to it.. And nonetheless, Gregory Peck makes a great father, throughout the whole movie, Scout can feel safe just by hearing Atticus's voice. Just, so great.. ♥

[glaughon17]

One of the best books I have ever read. The storyline is wonderful. At some point in my life I saw the movie on t.v., but it has been years ago. Both the book and the movie had quite an impact on me. I was quite young, actually, when I readd "To Kill A Mockingbird." I love hearing this because it is strongly attached to the book and movie in my mind and I can recall a great many scenes and character just listening to the theme. Thank you for a wonderful post.

[Tangerynn]

OMG I´ve bee looking for this so much time..! I love how this score sounds like childhood and mistery. Elmer Bernstein, a genious.

[MinamuTV]

The book is the greatest of all time, nothing even comes close to coming close. The movie is also one of the greatest movies of all time, with a beautiful score.

[2Niyari]

I saw this movie in class and almost cried, FUCK YOU MAYELLA, FUCK YOU

[justdipi235]

@2Niyari It's not really Mayella's fault, It's the racial stigma and stupidity of generations of segrigation that killed good Tom.

[DannytheArab]

@2Niyari For such classic literature, that comments a tad unnecessary..

[joru100]

lol, i know this sounds stupid, but elmer also wrote the score for ghostbusters and there are actually a few great pieces in that score. check out "dana's theme". same trademark use of the woodwinds, same motifs.

[ikelleners]

2:00 is just.......................

[violetichigo1999]

Now I want to go find my town's Boo Radley.

[PinkSausageFingers]

"you never fully understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it"

[My2Prayers]

@PinkSausageFingers

Well said Pink Sausage fingers...thank you

[RootbeerAndBeans]

my favorite film score ever !

[MyKawaiiPeach]

I think this song really relates to a lot of people, and for a number of reasons. In most cases it's the nostalgic feeling of childhood - which is mainly what the song should convey to everyone. To me, however, it moves me in a different way. It reminds me of the family relationship which I covet. The relationship which gives way to nothing - threats, hatred, or any conflicts bound to come your way. That's only one theme in To Kill A Mockingbird, but I feel like this song conveys it so well.

[SnarrySiremus101]

2:08-2:25..amazingness

[N8DOOGIE]

How I Love This Soundtrack!

[Dillrod90]

Atticus Fitch: One of the coolest men of all American literature.

[minamu8]

@Dillrod90 "Finch" not "Fitch".

[Dillrod90]

@minamu8 Saw the movie, haven't read the book, and I didn't bother to stay for the credits. To me, they sound like they're saying Fitch. But I probably still need to read the book anyway

[carlster123]

2:05 gives me chills.

[techneonix]

ahhh, 00:40 to 1:00 always gets me.

[QMPhilosophe]

Harper Lee's only novel - but what a gift to future generations!

[bellea92]

A beautiful song for a beautiful movie and precious book

[sage142111]

This was the second worst book i ever read next to Things fall Apart, what ever happened to reading good books in school like the Hobbit.

[minamu8]

@sage142111 If you don't like this book, I would go see a mental institution about that. & I'm not kidding or trying to be funny or whatever. You seriously need to get some help ASAP. "To Kill A Mockingbird" is a classic of American literature.

[lalalauren409]

we had to read this book in my honors english 11 class and I was very bored until i realized the true beauty of the story! and I looooved the movie. This music is just so beautiful to listen to(:

[CiG801]

Makes me tear up everytime I hear it.

[beauregardnmagnolia]

Been watching this movie forever. For many of my generation, it's stored in ♥ & mind.

So many funny lines...

(Scout, upset) "We havin' a terrible time Miss Maudie! Jem won't come down 'til Atticus agrees to play football for the Methodists!"

(Jem, exasperated) "He's too old to do anything!"

And memorable...

(narrator) "And he would be there when Jem waked up in the mornin'. "

Love this film, and the music is perfect. Thanks so very much for sharing. ♥

[BiffGimble]

A must see movie and a must read novel by Harper Lee. Learn more here at wikipedia.

[TropicalLove1]

i haven't seen this movie , but can someone tell me what's it about and if its good and worth watching -_- Thanks

[THEANnetWork]

@TropicalLove1 its about a lawyer defending a innocent black who was accused of rape by two douchebags and his its told from his daughters point of view

[TropicalLove1]

@THEANnetWork oh, thanks im going to watch it, it sound interesting!

[smichelle65]

I tell you, every time the orchestra kicks in @1:37, the waterworks start. Every time.

[ForeverOldiesO1]

@smichelle65 ME TOO!

[0x0221]

@smichelle65 We are lucky to be so moved by music such as this. I have the same reaction at the very same point. Bernstein was a genius at composing beautiful melodies, and at building the intensity of the emotions he is tapping into at just the right moment. I'm sure everyone who loves this piece has their own unique emotional response, but in me it evokes the bittersweet...the sense of loss, but also of beautiful, haunting memories of what was lost.

[windstorm1000]

@0x0221 Yes.

[ultraroadmap]

Just imagine Elmer Bernstein sitting and writing this song.....the melody, the chords, the voices of all the instruments blending together....absolutely awesome.

[EnJoIZeLiFe]

I understand Atticus, It would be just like killing a mockingbird

[bronxboy47]

This was unquestionably Elmer's masterpiece. 

[wellcatnip]

“Will you take me home?”

He almost whispered it, in the voice of a child afraid of the dark.

[LoisBryanPhotography]

heartbreaking .. haunting .. so so magnificent. thanks for posting!!!!!!!

[atimtambaby]

"It's alright, you can pet him Mr. Arthur..."

[rebljeff]

Banzaishushi-This is the first track on the album. It's available on iTunes. I would HIGHLY recommend it.

[TheManOfSteel89]

including the godfather and the green mile, this is one of the only book to movie translations that live up to the originals.

[THEANnetWork]

@TheManOfSteel89 even though this movie had significant differences to the book

[TheManOfSteel89]

@THEANnetWork yeah thats true, doesnt make it any less impressive to the book though does it?

[buddy51]

One of the most achingly beautiful scores in movie history. It must have been written by angels.

[MrBobjorge]

I don't know what to say other then this music reminds me so much of my childhood days. There were no video games or internet. Just go outside and play, and it was so fun, Thank you Mr Bernstein.

[Sangrie1]

Beautiful Theme.

[BanzaiSushi]

Can someone tell me what track this is on the album?

[LunaOverEden]

my grandma past away this weekend and this was one of her favorites. My sister danced to this when we were both was in ballet in our younger years. Memory Lane!

[44032]

The combination of childhood nostaligia with deep human feeling about a serious issue is very powerful

[Zanite]

A good film and a good book, that is cheerful and amusing, but will make you hate racism and cruel judgement with all your heart.

[mattleemattlee123]

Elmer Bernstein is one of the greatest composers of American music, esp. for film. I doubt there is a more perfect piece of music when it comes to evoking a mood of childhood, long ago summers...and the film is the greatest adaptation of a book ever done. The feelings, the pacing, the characters...perfection. The ending scene walking thru the woods is one of the most atmospheric, beautiful pieces of cinematography ever done. Good beyond hope. Next to Kane, the greatest film ever made.

[AMadNinja]

I've only read the book, but if this movie is so great, I'll check it out.

[rochestas]

"Stand up, Scout.  You're father's passing." One of my favorite lines in the movie!

[SuperNormsky]

I was 15 when this movie was released, listened to rock and roll only, hated everything else. I remember being in the theatre during the opening credits and this theme was playing. I literally stopped breathing, and still think it's one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard, almost 50 years later. It does evoke childhood and innocence like nothing else, grabs you by the heart and takes you right back. Elmer Bernstein was a genius.

[ComradeNico]

I miss childhood, when you didn't have to care about everything around you, where every experience was new, almost as if a fantasy. This song reminds me of what it was like to be a child, what it was like to be naive. I envy being a child when I listen to this song.

[momoshe1]

I'm not sure how this got into my John Williams playlist, but I'm sure glad it did.

[ultraroadmap]

Anyone who has ever attempted to play an instrument of ANY kind should be able to relate to the greatness of this song....if not, then I really feel badly for you.

[RealMusicKing]

Now this is what you call "music". Hats off to Elmer Berstein. Hats off to the

Late Mr. Gregory Peck, who performed the best work of his life in this film.

[QMPhilosophe]

@RealMusicKing I agree. Elmer Bernstein's music helps make this film the moving film it is, and , to this day, I have never seen anyone "become" a character more than Peck did in his role as Atticus. Damn, he was a fine actor.

[JasonTongRulz]

I'm learning how to play this on Flute, I love this song so much <3

[ladrie389727]

such beauty thank you mr bernstein

[waivedwench]

4 people have no soul!!!

[1clouddancer]

i have never got to see this movie from beginning to end, and thats a shame. but when i do it reminds me of a time when this country stood for something. its silly that a movie and the music that was composed for this would bring that to thought. i really don't know which way we are headed. sad

[MegaNintendoBoy]

the piano bit gives me the chills :)

GREAT MOVIE and even greater book ...

[GreyWolfLeaderTW]

Darn this song.

It makes a world-weary guy like me tear up every time I hear it. Especially at 1:36 and 4:08.

Wow, what a really powerful, beautiful, lovely song.

[quitecontraryy]

I don't know what it is about this song, but I feels so familiar... like a distant memory. It's eerie and sadly beautiful. I've felt this way ever since the first time I've hear the song. Either I'm going crazy or Bernstein successfully captured the true, universal essence of childhood in one song, and THAT's why it seems to be familiar.

[davidblasian7]

@quitecontraryy you are so right it dose sound so familiar i love the words you chose

[DrQmal]

@quitecontraryy from what I know every great songs feel like you've already heard them

[TTerror97]

@quitecontraryy I was scared when I first heard this song... I felt I'd heard it before but I knew that couldn't be true. I'm an avid rock music fan but this will remain one of my favorite songs of all time, it's just magical somehow.

[uKooKu]

Love your taste in soundtrack music. There just aren't many film scores as enchanting as this one.  Thanks for posting!

[Glinkaism1]

Bernstein said when working on theme for the music for "Mockingbird" he sat down at the piano and let his fingers just glide over the keys as if he were a child experimenting with tune on the keyboard. This was from an interview with him and others in the cast of the movie on either the anniversary of the novel or the movie coming out. And the little boy friend of Scout was patterned after Truman Capote, who was a childhood friend of Harper Lee in her hometown.

[RMLLcrazy]

WHY IS THIS IN A GALNERYUS MIX?

[HarmonicaWarrior]

love the book, movie and theme music for ever!

[nightzeroAX]

1:37 - onwards Best Part Ever.

[mcflyloveme]

This makes me want to travel and appreciate nature, rather than computers and tv and general modern life :(

[LuluRoxYourFuzzySox]

As Desirae Brown (from the 5 Browns) said two nights ago, this is the most honest and innocent music she has ever played on the piano with her sister, Deondra. It was amazing the way they played it at the concert!

[redbeagle100]

Thanks Mr. Bernstein for such beautiful music and thanks bobbengan for posting.

[AmericasExodus]

The first minute reminds me of the deepness of space like mass effect or something similar.

[zelig46]

Questo è il film della vita!!!!

il mio brano preferito e "Roll the Tire"

[ultraroadmap]

I get a lump in my throat whenever I listen to this score....

I refuse to watch this movie on TV anymore...the commercials kill me....I will buy this on DVD and view it from beginning to end without interruption from now on!!

[miscapb]

loooovveeeee!! macon was a tireedd ollld town....at least back in 1932 when i 1st knew it

[Baruchyoseph8]

One of the best scores ever written - for a masterpiece of a movie - Gregory Peck's performance was likely his best - and that is saying a lot.

[LCBWTB]

Wow... just wow. I remember the first time I saw this movie and heard this music. Of course, with no internet WAY BACK THEN it was impossible to find... This gives me chills and makes me cry. Thanks.

[cdutta1990]

Golly Jesus, whatever happened to all those cool American Orchestra now a days?

[holospartoi258]

Apart from the Bible, To Kill a Mockingbird is probably the best book ever written... Once you know the true beauty of the book and its marvellous depiction about life and its aspects... you'll see things a lot differently. Beautiful soundtrack in a beautiful movie based on a beautiful book... need I say more?

[davidhoozel]

"It's a sin to kill a mockingbird cause they just sing their hearts out for us everyday"

[rtuyin]

loved how they used this song in vanilla sky and the darkness game :) but in this movie is just fantastic :D very great movie indeed.

[Supercharge87]

I need to read this book and/or see this movie again. 

[super1crazy2freak3]

@Supercharge87 Read the book... and then watch the movie :P both are awesome!

[Supercharge87]

@super1crazy2freak3 Oh, I've done both.  Yes, it is awesome.

[super1crazy2freak3]

@Supercharge87 :) i just finished reading it for my english class :) and we just finished watching the movie

i love this book so much! ♥

[Baycat57]

Oh, I had forgotten this... the magic and sorrow of it...

[miscapb]

STOP WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING......AND LISTEN

[silverstartrucker]

A classic film with a great score by Mr Bernstein. they don't make films like this anymore, alas.

[shanghaibenny2]

Bernstein knew how paradise is created through music.

[bass109]

jesus is our king and lord of world

[m3tm4n]

@bass109 lol

[ketchup521]

@bass109 what the fuck?

[tennispro561]

@bass109 ----WTF are you talking about?

[emilyxmd]

@bass109 crackhead.

Ich war absolut fasziniert von diesem Film als ich ihn als kleines Mädchen zum ersten mal sah und bin es noch heute.

Schaue ihn mir immer wieder mit der selben Ehrfurcht und Spannung an wie damals...und der Soundtrack macht mir Gänsehaut!

Danke dafür!