Brief Summary
This video is a detailed analysis of the Death Note musical, exploring its music, lyrics, and themes. The video examines the anime soundtrack's influence, breaks down each song, and discusses the characters and narrative elements.
- The musical incorporates elements from the original anime soundtrack, such as instrumentation and motifs.
- Each song is analyzed for its lyrical content, musical score, and contribution to character development and plot progression.
- The analysis covers musical techniques, motifs, and lyrical references, providing a comprehensive understanding of the musical's artistry.
Introduction
The video introduces the Death Note musical, praising its unexpected quality and ranking it among the presenter's favorite musical albums. It outlines the basic premise of Death Note: a gifted student finds a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it, leading to chaos. The presenter aims to analyze the musical's lyrics and score, setting aside plot and staging. The musical had a New York workshop in 2014, followed by Japanese and Korean productions after the English language production never happened. The lyrics were written by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy.
Anime Soundtrack
The analysis begins by acknowledging the importance of the original anime soundtrack by Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Tanui. The musical references many ideas from the anime soundtrack. The instrumentation in the anime, primarily rock-based with guitars, basses, pianos, and drum kits, is similar to that used in the musical. The anime features "Light's Theme" and "L's Theme," both starting with a solo instrument playing broken chords, guitar for Light and piano for L. This concept is extended in the musical, associating these instruments with the characters. The anime soundtrack uses motifs, some of which are transferred to the musical, including the "Kira Motif," inspired by Gregorian chants and using the Dorian mode, and the "Two-Tone Motif," which involves melodies or harmonies interchanging between one note and the note a tone above it.
Overture
The Overture sets the scene with the sound of a clock ticking, referencing Kira's countdown. Diminished seventh chords from brass and strings create a foreboding sense. The chorus chants "Kira," using the two-tone motif from the anime soundtrack. Descending chromatic patterns in the strings are reminiscent of the anime soundtrack. The Overture creates a feeling of unease and tension, prompting questions about justice.
Where Is The Justice
"Where Is The Justice" introduces Light Yagami and serves as his "I am/I want" song, a musical theater convention where the protagonist expresses their identity and desires. The song takes place in a classroom, where Light debates the criminal justice system with his teacher and rallies his classmates. The song makes the audience empathize with Light, portraying him as a moral figure. The lyrics criticize the justice system, highlighting issues such as lack of accountability and leniency towards the wealthy. The song characterizes Light's naive belief in a black-and-white view of good and bad. The lyrics contain Easter eggs and nods to future events. The score amplifies Light's charisma, starting with a thin texture and building to a full chorus with guitars, drums, basses, and strings. A phrase modulation from E flat minor to F minor symbolizes Light's black-and-white thinking.
They're Only Human
"They're Only Human" is sung by Ryuk and Rem in the Shinigami realm, watching the human world. The introduction features a music box, symbolizing Ryuk's detachment as he drops the Death Note and watches the chaos unfold. The lyrics characterize Ryuk as demeaning towards humans, viewing them as entertainment, while Rem is more thoughtful and intrigued by human love. The score is in 6/8 time and the instrumentation is grandiose, giving Ryuk a sense of power. The song is in harmonic minor, with passages in melodic minor. The use of the harmonic minor scale, with its augmented second, emphasizes that Ryuk and Rem are not of this world. Aposiopesis starts each chorus, setting the mood for the characters.
Hurricane
"Hurricane" takes place after Light uses the Death Note for the first time. The song begins with a melancholy tone, symbolizing Light's initial hesitance. As the song progresses, Light embraces the Death Note as an opportunity to achieve his goals, and the texture becomes more triumphant. The lyrics call back to "Where Is The Justice," with Light now declaring himself as the answer. In the first chorus, Light sings "Wind," removing himself from the action, but in the second chorus, he sings "I am the hurricane," taking ownership. The hurricane imagery symbolizes Kira as an unpredictable and powerful force. Light declares himself the god of a "Brave New World," referencing Huxley's dystopian novel. The song marks a shift in Light's character, from asking questions to asserting his godhood. The piano riff is played monophonically at first, then in two octaves, symbolizing Light and Kira. The word "hurricane" spreads across nearly an octave, symbolizing its reach.
Kira
In "Kira," Ryuk presents himself to Light, and Light shares his plans. The song has Disney villain vibes, similar to "Friend Like Me" from Aladdin. Ryuk teases Light, sarcastically singing about Kira and suggesting it's not a big deal. Ryuk provokes Light to keep using the Death Note for entertainment. Ryuk refers to Light as playing a game, a recurring phrase in the show. Ryuk sings, "You think you're making changes, but the only thing you can change is your name," highlighting the futility of Light's actions. Ryuk gets distracted by an apple, emphasizing how trivial he finds Kira's antics. The instrumentation is orchestral, contrasting with the songs sung by human characters. The piece sounds grandiose, like a piece of opera. The song uses seven chords and sus four chords, similar to "Poor Unfortunate Souls." Dissonant notes are treated differently, with sus four chords acting as suspensions. Ryuk's songs have a circus music feel, suggesting he behaves like a ringmaster.
I'll Be There
"I'll Be There" introduces Misa Amane as a pop idol who sends messages to Kira through her songs. Misa has not yet received her Death Note, but Kira has avenged her parents' death. The song is an '80s-inspired pop track, intentionally disjunct from the other songs. The accompaniment uses the "sensitive female" chord progression, associated with female pop stars. The song has a gospel feel, with background singers. The song adds to the religious symmetry of Death Note, as Misa worships Kira.
We All Need a Hero
"We All Need a Hero" is sung by Sayu Yagami, expressing her admiration for her brother Light, unaware that he is Kira. The song is bittersweet, as Sayu asks Light what she would say to Kira if she met him, and Sayu says she would tell him to stop and that he should follow in her brother's example. The song is a typical musical theater ballad and contains the first of many light puns in the musical.
The Game Begins
"The Game Begins" introduces L. L has a piano motif, similar to the one in the anime. L's piano riff is close to being a copy of Light's riff, just backwards, symbolizing their similarities and differences. There's a parallel between L and Ryuk, as both approach the Kira situation as a game. The musical doesn't present L as 100% a good guy. The song is an internal monologue from L, reflecting on Kira's first mistake and outlining his investigative methods. The lyrics refer to data and maths, symbolizing L, while Light is symbolized by nature. The chorus has the same chord progression as Light's opening song, "Where Is The Justice."
There Are Lines
"There Are Lines" is an insight into Soichiro Yagami's morals, contrasting with Light's. Soichiro uses sayings and proverbs about justice, making it clear that the end doesn't justify the means. Soichiro is also criticizing L's methods. Light agrees with his father to manipulate him into bringing Light into the task force. Light echoes Soichiro's lines, attempting to show his father he agrees with him. The instruments in this song are playing straight, with little decoration, representative of Soichiro. Soichiro's verses are in D major, whereas Light's are in the parallel minor.
The Truth Is Hard to Sort Out
"The Truth Is Hard to Sort Out" is the first Light and L duet. The melody is from "The Game Begins," with subtle changes. The piano motif is joined by a guitar playing an inverted version of that motif. L and Soichiro sing in unison, emphasizing their shared values. Light and L sing in harmony, with L always having the upper harmony. Light and L sing counterpoint, taking lyrics from their earlier verses.
Love Is a Bitch
"Love Is a Bitch" takes place after Rem explains to Misa the sacrifice Jealous made to save her life. Rem has seen love result in disaster and warns Misa about pursuing Kira romantically. The lyrics reference a Japanese proverb, "the frog in a well." Rem's feelings towards Misa are more ambiguous in the manga and anime, but the musical makes Rem gay for Misa. "Love Is a Bitch" cleverly contrasts with "They're Only Human." The song introduces a new instrument, either a shakuhachi or a western flute intended to sound like one. The flute music uses the notes of the hosi scale.
When I Challenge You
"When I Challenge You" is when L and Light first meet, and L reveals his identity to Light. Light is trying to deduce if L is really L, and L is trying to deduce if Light is Kira. The whole song is a stalemate. L's verse is accompanied by piano, and Light's verse is accompanied by guitar. There are interesting modulations in this song, starting in E minor and modulating to G minor. The end of the verse modulates back down to E minor, helped out by a secondary dominant. The chorus is in G major, but the first chord is an E minor chord. The B7 at the end is a great example of chord borrowing with a narrative purpose. Towards the climax of this song, there's a clever reference back to L's first solo, "The Game Begins."
I'll Never Love
"I'll Never Love" is a love song sung by Misa, released in her capacity as a pop idol. It's both a love letter to Kira and has hidden messages in it. The lyric writing is great because it reads as a typical love ballad, but practically every lyric is a note to Kira. Misa wants to devote the rest of her life to Kira. The lyrics hint to Kira that she has a Death Note, knows the method of killing, and has the Shinigami eyes. Misa wants Kira to love her back, but it's not the most important thing for her. There's a key change at the climax of this piece from G major to A flat major.
Honor Bound
"Honor Bound" is Soichiro questioning his faith in his son and his own values. Honor is a great theme for Soichiro Yagami. He struggles between his duty to his family and his duty to justice as a police officer. Traditional Japanese instruments match his character. The song has some of the best lyric writing in the whole show. The singer, Michael Lanning, brings out these lines so well. Soichiro is honor-bound to bring Kira to justice but also bound by the honesty that means admitting his son could be Kira. At the end of the song, he changes the refrain from "Honor Bound and bound by honesty" to "Honor Bound to serve his family."
Playing His Game
"Playing His Game" is rock and roll. During this song, L and Light are trying to get inside each other's minds and work out each other's game plan while playing a game of tennis. In previous L and Light duets, the instrumentation changes based on who is singing, but for this duet, it's the same for both of them throughout. The song builds anticipation musically. From the very start of this song up until the first chorus, the guitar plays this repeated deav over and over. There's barely any chords in this chorus that aren't decorated. Once the chorus is approached for the last time after the bridge, the texture that has been building up throughout the bridge disappears, giving no accompaniment whatsoever. The ending of this is powerful. L and Light are singing the familiar chorus, but this time it has an extra three bars added before the final cadence to build anticipation.
I'm Already Gone
"I'm Already Gone" has religious imagery. Misa has been arrested on suspicion of being the second Kira. The song is her telling the interrogators that she will not betray Kira and reveal his secrets. Much of the melody in this song is reminiscent of Light's first solo back in Act One, "Hurricane." You can also hear coolback L's verse solo too, "The Game Begins." "Borrow time" is a clever phrase to use. Misa literally lives on borrowed time. The song stays in B minor throughout. The verses and choruses use the same respective chord progressions on each repetition, and the tempo stays constant. Towards the end of the song, the texture is stripped down, leaving just Misa singing accompanied by a guitar.
The Way I Feel About You
"The Way I Feel About You" is a sad song. Rem has realized the only way to save Misa is to erase her memories of the Death Note and kill L. By killing L, Rem would be extending Misa's life, an action that is forbidden for Shinigami and that would result in Rem's own death. Throughout the show, Rem's understanding of love changes. In her first song, "There Only Human," she's intrigued by this thing humans have, which is love, but is also cynical about it. By her second song, "Mortals and Fools," Rem is warning Misa of the dangers of love whilst at the same time still not understanding it completely. In this song, she finally realizes what love is because she's experiencing it herself. There are lots of lovely double meanings in these lyrics. The verse uses the most common chord progression in Western pop music, 1 5 6 4. At the start of this chorus, Rem sings of love taking you by surprise. Rem draws such an interesting parallel to Light and L in the musical. The song ends with one final beautiful double meaning.
Hears a Clock Ticking
Following Light's directions, Rem writes down L's name in her Death Note, including directions to manipulate his actions prior to his death to make it look like L was Kira. L will meet Light in an abandoned warehouse where he will hold Light at gunpoint, shooting him to only cause superficial damage before turning the gun on himself. Light's plan is he can return to the task force and explain that L tried to kill him as evidenced by the gunshot wound before L confessed to being Kira and shot himself.
Tears a Clock Ticking
"Tears a Clock Ticking" is sung by L. L knows he's about to die. He indicates that he's aware that his actions are being controlled by some unknown power and he is working on autopilot. The melody L sings in the verse simply copies the fifth of whichever triad is accompanying him. The verse uses a repetitious chord progression. The seventh chord in B major consists of an A sharp, C sharp, and E. However, here that E is raised a semitone up to an F. That F natural gives the chord A lydian feel. The sharpened forth in lydian gives music a mystical or haunting quality. In the chorus, L's melody includes a raised forth. Light sings his own very clear lydian phrase.
When I'm Gone
Light's plan has gone as he hoped. The power of the Death Note has caused L to kill himself. Light, believing he is one, begins to celebrate, but Ryuk laments that life will return to a boring routine without how El's challenge light and writes Light's name in The Death Note, killing him too. Ryuk observes the two dead bodies and departs the human world, remarking that they entertained him for a brief period, but both their lives were ultimately meaningless.
Requiem
"Requiem" is the final song in the musical and is sung just by The Ensemble with no named characters. A requiem is also known as a Mass for the dead. This is yet another good call back to death note's religious imagery. This song isn't defined as a requiem for Kira, a requiem for L, or even a requiem for Kira's victims. It's simply a requiem whose lyrics could be equated to any human death. Death doesn't discriminate between the Sinners and the Saints, and All Humans who have died in this show are equal in this final song. The lyrics say we don't know who was right or wrong, who was weak or strong, but regardless, there's nothing left to learn. The point is no one wins. The theme throughout the show is that this is a game. Ellen lighter competing for who is going to come out Victorious constantly stating that only one of them will win. In the end, neither of them ever expected that there could be an outcome where everyone loses. The whole song is basically symbolizing that nothing has changed. There's a line about Breeze blowing through trees that juxtaposes with the hurricane metaphor Light describes himself as throughout the show. The chorus has been singing in four-part harmony, but they sing in octaves for a bar and then lead into this gorgeous frian Cadence. The fian Cadence is characteristic of barck music and can give music an archaic sound. The song ends in style with yet another deep lyric.
