Songs · 6:38pm Aug 15th, 2014
Songs play an essential part of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. After all, they've been part of the show since the second episode gave us "Giggle at the Ghosty." Some have been great ("Raise This Barn"), some have been fun ("Winter Wrap-Up"), and some are merely okay ("Big Brother Best Friend Forever"). However, it's undeniable that music is vital to what gives FiM its charm.
In this spirit, I've never been afraid to throw singing into my stories. When my work gets somewhat grim and dark, songs shine through the moody atmosphere like a searchlight piercing the fog, reminding us that in the Ponyverse, love prevails, hope is rewarded, and friendship has genuine magical power. Songs are expressions of devotion (Applejack singing "Shady Grove"), of grief ("The Lament for Gil-Galad"), and of good humor (the circus ponies' song). Even Reiziger, terrible villain that he is, gets in on the act with his response to Gil-Galad's lament. If you thought he enjoyed that, you're right; he was in supreme command of the situation, every variable under his control, and what better way to express that confidence than through song?
So there's more singing to come. Reiziger may even get another song. Cadence has a song, many chapters away. And there may be a reprise of one of the show's great songs. Stay tuned.
What's your favorite song in the show?
Favorite on the show? Hard question.
If I had to choose just one, I'd probably have to pick The Goof Off
I've always loved Weird Al, and this was the perfect song for the episode.
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Seconded. That the Weird Al episode had not just a polka medley but a dueling polka medley, complete with a rendition of another song from the show, was one of the greatets parts of Season 4.
However, in terms of emotional impact, only one pony song actually makes me tear up, and that is "A True, True Friend."
Twilight setting right what she made wrong, demonstrating how far she'd come from the little unicorn who shut down when even the word "friend" was mentioned. Each pony doing what she does best to help the others... I still can't hear it without a few tears.
If I am forced to choose merely one song, I would have no choice but to go with:
It is impossible for me to frown when I listen to that one.
Not even ashamed to admit it.
In point of fact, my Outside Insight entry was going to make light of the fact that ponies are all about dat music, specifically spontaneous crowd numbers. Of course nobody really notices except the non-ponies. That's been part of my headcanon ever since I read Project Horizons (ew) and saw the line about pony battlefield efficiency raising by an order of magnitude whenever they start singing. There's just something hilarious about thinking of all those ponies ninja-ing their way across Ponyville's rooftops during Smile, Smile, Smile... but with guns, lyrically disposing of the metaphorical Huns.
Might have been a worthy entry in the contest if I'd started soon enough to have it finished by today. But then again maybe not.
Wait, Cadance is going to be in the story?
I think the "Goof Off" is my favorite song because I've always been a Weird Al fan.
Tie between Celestia's Ballad and Smile.
Smile, BBBFF, This Day aria, True True friend, and You'll play your part were already mention. But, one of my personal faves has to be "let the rainbow remind you." It feels so triumphant, so final, and so celebratory that I am surprised that the end credits didn't play over it.
My other favorite, isn't on the show...its "A friend for Life" from Equestria girls. MY only problem with the song is that its on the wrong film. It should be at the end of your story or at the end of an epic arc, not at the end of a film like Equestria girls. I like Equestria girls but, the end cred song just felt destined for bigger things.
Gotta say true true friend. That song was perfection. Second would have to be this day aria though. But really music is one of my favorite things about mlp and I like how besides the will of evil has that incorporated in. Loved Reiziger's song.
I agree completely, I try, but not over use, songs in my writing. As it can be a distraction and a possible emersion killer. It is still fun to try to create songs, even if they are horrible.
My favorite song? Apples to the Core.
I'm glad you like "Raise This Barn" too! I love both that song and "Big Brother Best Friend Forever," in addition to "Apples to the Core" and "The Goof Off." One of my "dark horse" favorites this past season was "Hearts Strong as Horses." It's catchy, and I could relate to the lyrics as I was searching for a new job. It's hard to pick one favorite.