Closing the Outlander Season 4 premiere episode with “America the Beautiful” was bold. Nikki Gastineau shares why she applauds the choice to use the song.
O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain
America, America, God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea
The piano playing against the scene of tranquility at the riverside camp was the first clue that something was amiss. And in the instant that it took for that thought to register, the chaos began.
I got a bit of a late start on the Season 4 premiere of Outlander, but I had a chance to read the reactions of fellow fans hours before I watched the episode. So many were upset by the use of “America the Beautiful.” Others had never heard the song and wondered why it was chosen. Even with advance warning of how the final scene of the episode would play out, I was not fully prepared for the jarring site of it and for the emotional upheaval it caused.
“America the Beautiful” is a song that many Americans grew up singing in elementary school. Some may have started their day by singing the song in their classroom along with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The song has, at various times through history, even been championed as a replacement for our current national anthem. In short, Americans know and love this song. The Ray Charles version that was played on the episode just happens to be my favorite.
Katharine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics in 1893, but the song as we know it today was first published in 1910. The first verse was inspired by Ms. Bates’ visit to Pikes Peak in Colorado. She was, quite literally, in awe of the purple mountain’s majesty. The remaining verses speak, not to the physical beauty of our country, but to the ideals that make America great. The lyrics reference heroes, patriots, and gleaming alabaster cities. In the second verse there is an appeal for God to “mend thine every flaw”. Katherine Bates recognized that this country with all its promise and shimmer still needed help in becoming its best self.
“America the Beautiful” was penned 117 years after the signers of the Declaration of Independence proclaimed to the world that “all men are created equal” and 30 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans who had long wondered why “all” didn’t apply to them. It would be 10 more years before all American citizens gained the right to vote.
Lynchings in the American South were commonplace through the 1950s, and records indicate that there were 4,400 lynchings of black people between 1877 and 1950. Until the Civil Rights amendment was passed in 1964, schools, restaurants, buses and businesses were segregated.
This brings me back to Outlander. When Claire described the “American Dream” and the waves of settlers to come, Jamie asked about the natives. Claire told him that they would eventually be removed from their ancestral homelands and forced to live on reservations. Jamie wondered aloud that “a dream for some can be a nightmare for others.” A few minutes earlier, in that lovely campfire scene, Claire worried about the tenuous nature of life and how easily everything could be taken away.
Hours later Stephen Bonnet comes crashing in, shattering the American Dream that Jamie and Claire had just started to build. And as Ray Charles, himself a fighter for civil rights, sings to us about the beauty of this great land, we are forced to watch the destruction of one group of dreams for the sake of others. The horror on Claire’s face and the lack of audible dialogue add to the sadness of this scene. It brought to mind Claire’s PTSD in the Season 2 “Prestonpans” episode. It also reminded me of the violence that occurs around me every single day that I don’t hear or witness.
Claire’s collapse on the floor after discovering that Bonnet left with Jamie’s ring recalled the gut-wrenching Season 2 opener. We don’t need to hear Claire scream this time. We already know what that sounds like. This time we just need to feel her torment. This feeling is compounded if we consider the thoughts that are likely swirling through Claire’s head. While we know that Jamie is alive, Claire has every reason to believe that he is dead (why would Bonnet leave him alive?) and Bonnet has just left with her only tangible link to him. Every fear that she had about losing Jamie has descended upon her as she watches the life leave her dear companion, Lesley, and she considers the loss of her love.
All the same can be said for the looks on Jamie’s face as he is beaten and left unable to defend those he loves, deprived of the very thing that drives his existence.
We see so much violence depicted on television and movies, even on Outlander, that we’ve become numb to it. Did you feel numb when you watched this scene? My guess is that you felt any number of emotions but you felt something. Whether it was anger over the use of this beloved song or sadness at the death and destruction, this combination of music and visuals made you sit up and take notice. If you watched this scene and felt confused or disoriented or if you cried (like me), then the song did its job.
America is beautiful. America is a land of promise, but that promise has not always been applied equally to America’s inhabitants. For all our beauty, we are scarred, and flawed, and we often find ourselves on the wrong side of history. To play this song, in a moment where new immigrants came to question the promise of America, and for it to be sung by an African-American man who grew up in a south that didn’t always uphold its end of the bargain was a beautiful, jolting, juxtaposition and it shook me to my core. Good on you, Outlander writers. Good on you.
What did you think about the use of “America the Beautiful” in the episode? Did it work for you?
Did you dislike it? We want to hear from you.
This is what I didn’t like at all – it completely destroyed the atmosphere 🙁
Not really because we each interpret it in our own way. It was uplifting to me!
I love how so many people have so many different interpretations of this scene and I love the conversations that it has generated!
I know that a lot of people felt the same as you and I absolutely respect that difference in opinion. 🙂
Couldn’t have agreed more. Absolutely brilliant and powerful choice! I was completely shaken up watching it.
It was a good five minutes before I could even grab the remote to turn off the tv!
I have no issue with the use of the song, America The Beautiful. My only criticism is the version of it. I love this version. However, the modernity of it was questionable to me. I have thought long about with people being outraged. I believe it was an excellent song choice, but a much softer version would have made the scene even more heart rending and horrifying than it was. The version distracted me. I felt it overwhelmed the scene. This is what I felt watching the horror play out.
Well said, Joan.
I agree with you. I love the song and think it has more meaning sometimes, than the Star Spangled Banner. I didn’t like that it was so loud and took away from the scene. Words were said, in the book, that showed more of Bonnet’s character than just seeing what he did. We could have had that scene and then the music at a slightly lower level to follow at the end, maybe starting with Jamie making sure Ian and Claire were safe.
I totally get that.
Great review. Totally agree with every epic of it including the verbal part of the violence being covered over by the song. The irony of the words was understood!!! Very smart decision on the producers…i can’t understand all those who questioned it!
Thanks so much Lee and thank you for reading!
My thoughts are that when I create a show, I can put the music I want in it. I watch outlander because I love it and I will not pick it apart and complain that they didn’t do it the way I would have. I don’t get a say in what other people choose when they make their own creative decisions. When we look at a painting, there is no point in saying “I wish the artist would’ve used another color”. It’s their painting they can use what ever color they want. This episode is a creative product and the choices made belong to those who created it. You can like it, you cannot like it. That’s the way art works. It’s neither right nor wrong, it is simply the choice the artist made when creating their art.
Agree
Excellent thoughts!
All fair points. Outlander is the only television show that I’ve ever watched with this level of intensity. I try hard not to ever say they should have done this or that but, instead, attempt to understand the writers’ motivations or intentions …just the same as I when I view art. Thank you so much for reading!
Nailed it! What I’ve always thought.
Thanks Ardyth!
I understand some people find it jarring that a song written in the 19th century and sung by a man who lived in the 20th century may be jarring. I felt about this the way I did about using Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s Going to Fall” last season. Clare is a 20th century woman. She would have known Ray Charles’ music, just as she would certain have been aware of Bob Dylan’s (if you were alive in the 1960’s, you couldn’t miss either of them). While Charles’s version of “America the Beautiful” wasn’t recorded until the decade after Clair left to find Jamie again, it makes perfect sense to refer to that aspect of her. She’s a 20th century woman, and she often gets in trouble in the 18th century because of it.
The scene was appalling because of the violence. I’m writing this a day after 12 people were murdered in a bar in California. Not to get overtly political here, but violence is just as much a part of America’s history, going back to the beginning, as its natural beauty. America is a wonderful country, but it’s not perfect. It has flaws. The words of the Declaration of Independence have not been applied equally to everyone in this country, and we’re still trying to get that right. Having Ray Charles’ version playing over that scene instead of the actual sounds of what was happening to Claire, Jamie, and especially, to Lesley added a layer of intensity that I found chilling — and perfectly in context. I agree with you, Nikki. Great take on a chilling episode.
Thanks so much for your comments Janet. I agree with your points, especially on the Bob Dylan song. I liked that song in Season 3 for many of the same reasons that I like America the Beautiful in Season 4. It’s jarring in the best possible way!
I thought the use of America the Beautiful by Ray Charles was a perfect choice for this scene. The contrast between that beautiful song and the violence in the scene was sarcasm at its best.
I thoroughly disliked it. It was way too loud . I couldn’t concentrate on what was happening. I understand the irony but why use the 2nd most patriotic song for Americans? If it were up to me, I would have used Louis Armstrong singing “What A Wonderful World.” Same juxtaposition and a black man singing it but not the patriotism. I certainly didn’t see that expression of irony when the British Army was cruelly slaughtering Highlanders. I sure didn’t hear ” Land of Hope and Glory” playing loudly in the background while soldiers were slaughtering Highlanders. Also, just a question. Why the scene with Claire reproving the boatman for working his slave so hard? Etc. What was the point?
I could not agree more! I have never had a problem with outlander in any form until this season, but I feel as though we may have some political issues thrown at us rhis season.
I absolutely agree with you, Marsha!! For me the song was too loud & I couldn’t concentrate on the scenes. I had to watch it again with the music off in order to understand what was going on. Ray Charles’ version was to distracting and at any other given point I appreciate his version. I shouldn’t have to mute the sound to appreciate what is going on. Also the irony isn’t lost on me. I get it. But just because you can, doesn’t necessarily mean you should (in reference to people saying its artsy).
Totally agree. Well put!
I REALLY hope the Outlander writers don’t infuse references to current politics in every episode. That would ruin it for me!
I think equating the episode to current politics is just people projecting their own political feelings onto the episode. As the Outlander team (Ron, Maril?) stated, these scenes are filmed way in advance of anything that is currently happening by the time the episodes are aired. This book series and TV show has a strong political component. Scotland and English history and the wars that ensued. Why do you think they were asked not to air the series until the Scottish independence referendum was completed? Also, we are leading up to the American Revolution with this series. That is certainly political. Slavery and the Native American genocide are certainly political. The American Dream was built with blood, sweat and tears and didn’t come true for everyone. It was idealism and it is beautiful, but still we struggle. Why tie an episode of Outlander to what is happening today, anymore than tying it the the truth of history and the hard fought American Dream that many still fight for today.
And, in Maril’s defense, she said that the song choice was not meant to be political. However, when I watched the scene I couldn’t help but see a deeper meaning in the juxtaposition of the violence and the song. Thank you for reading and commenting. I truly appreciate it.
Your use of juxtaposition of the violence and the song was a comment I made to a fellow Outlander fan.
I think Claire reproving the boatman for working his slave so hard was to set the stage for the problems Claire will have with the current situation they face at River Run and her inability to participate in the common attitude of the times regarding slavery. We did see that already in Voyager, with her purchasing a slave to save him from the auction block and yet hating to have her name on a slave sale document. Yes, she made a false assumption that the river boat worker was a slave but it was an easy mistake based on the times. In her mind, he should have had rest and shared duty, shown when she went on top to try the steering herself. It was just Claire’s outspoken, fair mindedness on display. It’s who she is.
I agree with you Linda. I think it was a bit of foreshadowing about what’s to come at River Run with Jocasta.
My sentiments exactly, Marsha. I started watching Outlander because it was just about the only show on cable that I found to be pure entertainment. Even though the novels are fictional, I very much enjoyed the historical accuracy and felt the writers did a tremendous job of bringing the characters to life, all the while keeping the show entertaining. The ending scene of last week’s episode was very disappointing in many ways. When the show ended, I was sitting there trying to connect the dots and get my head around what I just watched. Call it artistic interpretation if you will, however, it was apparent a political message was being sent.
The song played loudly, so perfectly jarred me from dwelling on the hopes and dreams that were so perfectly presented to the reality of the fragility of it all.
Yes! Thanks for reading and for taking the time to respond Joan.
I appreciate the juxtaposition but I also agree it was too loud and that made it difficult to follow the visuals.
Brilliantly captured. I admit to feeling sick during that scene. It was far more upsetting to watch than to read and particularly with that version of that song playing. Perfectly thought out by the writers, producers, actors, musicians. What we as fans expect from that incredible team of artists. Thank you for sharing your insights. Always a pleasure to hear the varied opinions and observations.
Thank you Lisa! I have truly enjoyed reading the varied opinions on this subject and have been at amazed at how (mostly) civil the discourse has been. This is truly an excellent fandom!
I throughly enjoyed the music in this scene. At first it seemed off, but of course, it was, and meant to be so. I just watched for the 3rd time, and with each viewing I appreciate it more! It is so personal for me. I am proud of all the milatary service in my family. I know my freedoms did not come without a price. I watch this scene, though, and it shakes me to my core. I had ggg-great grandfathers that were killed by pirates on the Mississippi, and killed by Indians on the plains. Though I didn’t know these men, they are my history, and how fate has placed me here today. I also have lost my favorite aunt and uncle to a robbery, taken in by a psychopath. Those last moments on 401, show the tragedy of those horrific moments. To all the creators, it was absolutely brilliant! Yes, it was hard to watch, but I will never not be grateful for the struggles that others endured to bring me to where I am.
Yvonne, so much of your comment resonated with me. Many of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War. The time in which the story is being told is a time when many of those ancestors were in similar situations to Jamie and Claire. I know that their lives were also filled with struggles. I also know that my ancestors were responsible for the misery of Native Americans. One of my ancestors has his army title on his gravestone “Indian Spy”. I’m sure it was a point of pride for him but it saddens me to think that his profession was to follow native’s and make sure that they didn’t fight back against the encroachment of colonists onto their lands. I thought of all this and more when I watched the final scene.
Brilliant, powerful, shook me to my core.
Thanks for reading Callie!
After thinking about it, knowing it was a really creative jolt, and definitely after reading this… Brava!
Thank you so much Elizabeth!
I dont believe it was even needed. Clarie was very upset, leslies dead, her ring was stolen, to her it seems everywhere they turned bam, something happens. After discovering bonnet in the back of trailet/cart, i would think they would of at least been more protective, knowing bonnet heard their discussion a out gems etc… oh well, i love outlander anyway!
I thought it was absolutely chilling and a brilliant choice.
?????sorry I didn’t like it
That’s ok! Lots of people didn’t like it and I totally get that.
Excellent commentary. You brought up several factors that had not occurred to me. The only one you didn’t touch on that struck me when I saw it was that this rendition was from Brianna’s time — Brianna’s America. We had just listened to Jamie and Claire make the decision to stay in America for Brianna, to make it a good place for her sake. That is just one more reason, in my mind, that this was an excellent musical choice to for this scene.
You are absolutely correct Cindy! We can’t forget the connection to Bree and this scene reminded us all of the legacy left to us by our ancestors.
I loved this choice. Lived in the States for 7 years at the end of the sixties-early seventies. One memory from those years is a visit to Disneyland,where they showed a film on a complete 360 degree screen. The film was called America The Beautiful,and it was a journey throughout this vast country,from “sea to shining sea”.
And,of course accompanied by this absolutely beautiful song sung by (I believe) the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
It was unforgettable,and told you exactly why the Americans are such patriots.
Perfect choice,and I’m glad that people are becoming aware of the song and its significance.
One of the reasons I felt strongly about this post is to provide context for non-American viewers who may have never heard the song or were not aware of its use in America. I remember watching that same video at Epcot! Thanks so much for your comments.
I liked it. For me it flowed right in with the storyline. I did feel the violence, and the ever changing emotions. And, the review you wrote was wonderful.
Thank you so much Valerie!
Regarding the use of the “America the Beautiful” overlaying the dialogue, I thought that scene was masterfully effective as presented. It goes to Blake’s “show, not tell” philosophy…just seeing their faces told us all we need to know about what was happening to our characters, i.e. we didn’t need to hear it also. That, coupled with the juxtaposition with this uplifting song, brought home the idea of the light and dark sides of America and how the Fraser’s will experience it. The scene reminded me of the opening to “Good Morning, Vietnam” where we saw the horrors of that war while Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” was playing (which is why I don’t think that song would have been as effective, to Marcha Richeson’s point above). I still can’t listen to “What a Wonderful World” without thinking of that scene, even now after all this time.
It may have been jarring, but that’s the point, I think.
Tammy, thank you so much for this comment. I had all but forgotten that same from Good Morning Vietnam but your comment brought it right back to me. I agree with you that the impact is precisely the same.
It was superb in every way. Outlander is the best TV I have ever seen. The attention to detail is staggering. The way Sam portrays Jamie, the same yet different for each series. A gifted man with such talent.
I think this show is blessed with a group of incredibly gifted actors. Every time I watch Sam more fully becomes Jamie.
The use of America the Beautiful sung by Ray Charles made such an impact on me while watching the horrors of the assault unfold. No words needed – Cait ‘s facial expressions were phenomenal and I, for one, as I’m sure many others, felt the heartbreak and terror she was experiencing in that scene.
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to respond Lynn.
I didn’t like it. To me it the impact out of that horrific attack …I don’t think that much thought was used in selecting the song . It was meant for sarcasm and insult by people who thought it would be cute.
I couldn’t have said it better myself Marilyn. Playing America the Beautiful during such a traumatic scene did seem sarcastic and insulting. I hope the next episode’s better.
Thanks so much for your comment.
I thought using this song made the last scene seem funny or ridiculous rather than as serious and important as it was. I thought it as in bad taste for sure.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Karen. I truly appreciate it.
Excellent! I responded as you did and I believe exactly the way the writers intended. Pages of dialog without a single word. A finale that evoked thought and emotion for days, after repeated viewings, and inspection. Superb!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment Brenda!
For me it was the perfect way to show this scene. Brilliant choice – and really heartbreaking!
Thanks for reading Yvonne!
It was a good several minutes before I was able to collect myself enough to reach for the remote and turn off the TV…so good.
Just a point of fact, especially in the context of the Native American conversation – the original occupants of this land did not receive voting rights until the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. Many American Indian communities still do not have Federal recognition.
I thought the song was jarring and anachronistic and worked beautifully with what the producers were trying to make the audience feel. It’s interesting to me that no one complained about the 40s music that plays as Claire dresses at Leoch in season one. Why couldn’t this also be read as something very much of Claire’s time/lived experience?
I’ve also wondered about the other episodes where modern music has been used. I don’t know if people complained about it or if I just wasn’t aware of the complaints.
Thank you so much for your comments on Native Americans and their ongoing struggles with our own government. It’s unbelievable to me that such inequity still exists.
It totally worked for me.
Thanks Denise!
I found it very moving and the action , music, and actors’ portrayal left me breathless.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment Joanne!
I absolutely agree with this review. Of course, such a disturbing scene deserves reflection: it’s been on my mind a lot this week. Many of those of us who love the USA enjoy the dignity and pioneering spirit which is (still) the basis of the nation. However, these cherished values emerged from a past filled with chaos and violence, which makes those high ideals even more miraculous. It is this which makes such a beautiful anthem a perfect foil to the murder and injury inflicted on the Frasers and their friends.
I was appalled at the ease with which Bonnet slit Lesley’s throat and then turned to Claire. However, I wonder if Bonnet only spared the Fraser’s lives is in exchange for their rescuing him through the Wilmington check point. This kind but risky action alone may have saved their lives. Again, this resonates with the beautiful song – those who embody America’s finest ideals may be descendants of the vicious Bonnet’s in early American society.
Just my personal thoughts. I applaud Matt and Toni for a great season opener.
I love your thoughts on Bonnet’s motivation to let the Fraser’s live. I hadn’t thought about that but it makes sense. Most of family lines have been here since colonial times. I suspect that there are a few more Bonnet’s in my tree than George Washington’s. I’m proud to have such deep roots but that pride is tempered with the knowledge that my ancestors did some terrible things.
I understand the message of the song with the scene but, using this version seems out of place and then well….what year is it for Claire in her time? It fits…. It smashed the two times together. It said, there is nothing new under the sun. People are people no matter what time you are in. Times are different, but the same. I didn’t care for/ like it, but I understand it. I just felt like the spell was broken, violently. In case we romanticize that time period as a better, simpler time….
I’m certainly one of those people who has a tendency to romanticize the time period so, for me, it was pretty cool to be shaken out of that dreamworld.
Loved the episode. Loved the song. Loved the blog post. I am continuously awed by the creativity of the Outlander staff. The writers, the costume, the sets. I live in Asheville, NC, very close to the fictional Fraser Ridge. And I haven’t seen anything yet that would alert me to the fact that they are not filming in North Carolina. Thank you again for bringing our beloved books to life.
Thanks Stephanie. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on the Outlander writers, cast, and crew. If the first episode is any indication we’re in for one hell of a season!
I agree with you 100% The song juxtaposed against that scene was brilliantly jarring. In my opinion, it made the scene one of the most upsetting in the entire series so far.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Joanna!
I thought the song/artist choice was excellent and after reading Maril’s explanation of the reason they used that song, I felt they couldn’t have made a better choice. As to the comments about the jarring juxtaposition of the volume of the song overlaying that scene, I think it puts you quickly into Claire’s frame of mind without the quick visual cuts strobing from person to person. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on the scene, as our personal experiences will certainly color our interpretation. I applaud them for their vision on this episode – thoroughly enjoyed it!
I didn’t write this in the post but the confusion created by the song volume and action reminded of being caught up in a violent moment. For me, everything became a blur and I could still hear but I couldn’t make out words or phrases. Everything became muddled. If I had to describe my own personal violent encounter to someone, I would point them to this scene. It was perfect.
The use of America the Beautiful was well done. We sang it in the dark on Falmouth Green as part of our No One Is Above the Law demonstration a couple of nights ago. The birthplace of Katherine Lee Bates is adjacent to the Falmouth Green. The beauty of this less warlike American anthem can be used is so many contexts. The writers of Outlander used it as the backdrop of for the colonial violent scene. That violence continues in the 21st century.
What a beautiful moment that must have been Johanna! Thank you so much for sharing!
I thought it was very apropos and a perfect statement to reflect the idealism of the American dream and the harsh reality that it was often hard won. Reminded me of the saying, “freedom isn’t free.” The American dream came with a cost for many. The actors did a remarkable job making the scene so heart wrenching.
So true Linda. Your words are especially meaningful as a I sit here at the end of the day on the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
Ray Charles is an American icon. He sings the song with a great love for his country/his home with the pain in his voice that an African-American brings to that love. The perfect version for a “dream deferred”. (Langston Hughes, ‘Raisin in the Sun’)
Peggy, you’ve just given me all sorts of chills by referencing Langston Hughes. “I, too, Sing America.”
Understood. Didn’t need the explanation. Still hated it. A different version, perhaps an instrumental version, may have worked quite well without being so distracting. For me, it was like having someone in the audience talk out loud at the theater during a critical scene.
Nikki, I have read many of your reviews and you have a wonderful talent for getting to the heart of the matter. You really get it! The use of America the Beautiful is meaningful to me because I live in Colorado among those purple mountains. But it is one of the other verses of the song that really got to me. Jamie and Claire had just spoken about making America a better place for Brianna to live in which made this verse come alive for me
Oh, beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine.
Thank you so much Vickie! I agree with you on that verse. It was actually interesting to go back and read all the verses while writing this post. I’ve known the words for so long that their story was all but forgotten. When I read them again as a 44 year old woman (not a child) and viewed them through the lense of our long history and our current struggles, I was humbled by the depth of their meaning. I was thankful to have the opportunity to ponder this beautiful poem turned patriotic song.
That song in that place, played too loudly was the difference between watching a well-acted horrific scene and actually experiencing it by creating in the watcher what someone would actually feel in that situation. Thought it was brilliant and do not see any politics to it.
I agree. It felt exactly like living through an act of violence; all chaos and confusion and sounds that don’t make sense.
I did not like it and thought it political. It seemed to blame America for
the misfortune rather than a very bad man. Jamie and Claire did lose a lot of their ability to achieve their dreams st that time, but it wasn’t America’s fault.
In Meril’s defense she said that the song was not used for political reasons. I couldn’t help interpreting it that way though because that’s just where my head went.
This is a very interesting point of view. I give you credit for focusing the lense on this culminating portion of the episode. I love my country and I have to admit I did feel a pang of dismay when I started to realize what was going to be the conflict here: reality vs hope. But, I knew it was just a cynical stance, and actually I was glad it was a subject brought up. Coming to American soil in the 1700s was no easy feat for anyone; whether it be the triangle slave trade route, the search of a place to live free from religious persecution, the need of a new place to survive having been displaced from homeland soil, or a place for those who sought profiteering on a variety of levels. This was still British colonial America. I hope nobody assumed the show’s writers were stipulating that America wasn’t so great, because then I would be affronted, too. I saw it more as a look into the beginnings of my wondrous nation that I undoubtedly love: a look that shows how out of chaos will eventually come beauty. Claire and Jamie will even help that truism come to fruition in their own way. I think the writers were setting the stage for the whole season. Yes, using The song “America the Beautiful” was a risky, gutsy move which surely would open up disagreement. But, you know, I saw “beautiful” things, too, in this sequence. Claire’s determination to save those rings is one example. I mean, Bonnet could have slit her throat, as well! Is it not true that America was built on determination! When I step out of the scene, I reflect on the beauty of America in its very infancy. Our country was founded on raw bravery, pure and simple. Valor in the face of danger, greed, political confrontation and even pestilence. This conflict is what’s beautiful about America. It’s why we thrive to this day.
I agree with you that there certainly were beautiful things that emerged from this scene. I don’t think the show runners intended to make a political statement, Meril said as much. It was just really difficult for me to recall some of the horrors and injustices of history when listening to the song and watching the violence. Thank you so very much for taking the time to read and comment. I truly appreciate it.
BRAVE. BRAVE. BRAVE ARTISTIC CHOICE. BRAVO!
AGREED! 🙂
That final scene, along with that song was earth shatteringly wonderful. So unexpected and yet not (I am a book reader) I was so taken aback by this scenes treatment I sat there stunned and then just had to watch it again! I did get the message! I love that song and, as a citizen of a country that has a similar history (Australia) I get the message ?? So so well done! I don’t think I have ever seen anything quite like it! You have taken Outlander drama to a whole new level.
I talked to a show-watching book reader last week who said that she hadn’t watched the first episode yet. She said, “but that’s ok I already know what’s going to happen.” I laughed and told her that I thought the same thing and then the episode just completely blew me away!
My husband said he’s not watching Outlander again bc he said he loves that song and they ruined it for him. He walked out of the room during the scene bc he was so upset.
Oh no!!! I hope he’ll give it another shot!
I didn’t look at the use of the song as political. I thought its use was a heavy handed way of hitting us over the head that from now on Jaime and Claire wont be living Ozzy and Harriet lives. Surprise surprise. But now that several replies have brought up the political point it’s not unusual for either Matthew or Maril to post their political opinions on Twitter. When watching tv or a movie, I really do not like to be preached to. So I hope that’s not going to be a theme throughout this season.
Maril said that the song was not used to send a political message. I think lots of people interpreted it that way. I certainly did as you can tell. 🙂
While not an expert in choosing what, where and how to insert music in a movie/TV show, I know what moves me. I call it “emotional movie music.”
I have been reading the pros and cons of having Ray Charles beautiful rendition of “America the Beautiful” as the fore front music of the final scene of S4E1.
Personally, I found it difficult to combine the 2 very different senses; sight and sound. Either I’m watching the brutality, which was gut-wrenching or I am taking in the beauty of the song without really processing the savageness. To me the two need to mesh in some manner. If it takes reading background information as to why a piece of music was chosen than, to me, it was not a good fit. I want to feel the emotion at the moment. Many times the ability to re-watch something is not there.
I just happened to re-watch the movie “Last of the Mohicans” with Daniel Day Lewis and Madeline Stowe. The major theme written by composer Trevor Jones is spectacular. The orchestration was almost a “theme and variation” throughout the movie. It could evoke sadness or excitement depending on the action.
So far I have not been a big fan of modern music during the period (1700) parts of the show. I always want the music to enhance the emotion of the scene. Bob Dylan did not do it for me while Jamie was riding away from Willie. Sam has great facility in expressing emotion with his face. To have used it as credits background would have worked for me (I’m a credit watcher.) The Batman theme was just silly and did nothing but…well nothing.
I think the same as others that Bear McCreary could have come up with something better.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond. For me, the music certainly DID heighten the motions but I totally get that it didn’t work that way for everyone. Bear McCreary is nothing short of a musical genius and he can do anything he puts his mind to doing! 🙂
Sadly, this is America. From the beginning, until today. Many people who grow up in decent neighborhoods don’t experience the violence and thieving from other Americans, and can’t believe that bad things happen here. I have been exposed to this from a young age, and see it as infuriatingly common and normal. It well represented America.
I could not possibly agree more with you Liz.
En ce qui me concerne, je suis Française et j’avoue que cette chanson m’a énormément déplu car gênée car le décalage avec le 18è siècle. J’ai donc revisionné l’épisode en coupant le son à la scène finale pour ne pas être gênée et suivre pleinement les dernières images
I too was surprised by the use of that version of “America the Beautiful” at the end of this episode. Mainly because it was a modem song. But then I started rewatching season 1 and realized that music from the big band era was used in some of the episodes and I didn’t feel quite so jarred by ATB. The irony that was created by using this song that extols the beauty of America with the violence of the scene was very powerful. Well done.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this Ann. I think it goes without saying that I agree with you. 🙂
Sorry, I did not care for the song at the end. Out of place.
You aren’t alone. There were plenty of people who didn’t like it. 🙂
I absolutely loved the song !!! Thought it was perfect !!! Was so upset about the violence going on ….. Well , yes , I was in tears by the end and even rewound to hear the song again. !! Not only am I a big fan of Ray Charles and a big fan of Outlander ,,, America The Beautiful touched my soul !!! So glad you wrote this article ! ! Thanks !!!
Thanks Jerry! I watched the scene a second time as well about an hour later after I’d had time to collect myself. It was just as powerful the second time around.
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment.
I loved it! It spoke the truth of what America is. I applaud the genius of the writers, actors and staff of this wonderful series.
Here Here!!
I liked the use of this piece. I couldn’t figure out why it was used at the time but after reading this article it makes perfect sense now. It was a good choice. Great thinking. Was
Thanks so much Lynne!
I absolutely loved the ending. I loved the choice in the version you picked for it. I felt the song was giving us the American dream symbole. The version choice I thought was great. Since Ray Charles most likely had ancestors that were slaves, and how Claire despised the use of them, made if even more profound to me. As for the volume…if it had been played softly it would not have had anywhere near the effect it did with what was happening in the show.
Thank you.
Nancy Droese
Nancy, thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.
The song illustrates what America wants to be. The scene is an example of what it’s going to take to get us there.
Beautifully stated Margaret!!! 🙂
I totally agree with your review. I am surprised at the comments that it was used to be political. No. Neither was it the wrong version of that song. Why should it be “soft”, or an “older” verson? Why shouldn’t it be sung by someone who lived through many of the struggles this country has had? I am an American. I have been totally amazed by this land as I have traveled through it. BUT. America’s history is one of pride, and one of sadness. I cannot have lived here all my life, and not felt “shaken” when I sat through that scene. It was not political…it was the way it was, and sadly is still today in many ways. Embrace that, and forge ahead to the beautiful. Jamie and Claire will.
Jo-Ann I don’t know where you are right now but can I come hug you? 🙂
I thought it was brilliant. Life is a mixture of all of these powerful emotions, a mixture of highs and lows, good and bad. Shining a light on what is not beautiful does not detract from the beauty that is and will become. It allows us to choose the kind of world we wish to inhabit, and to act accordingly, to be the change you want to see. I am reminded of a line from a Leonard Cohen song: “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
Girl, did you just unleash Leonard Cohen?! I know I just said that I wanted to hug Jo-Ann but now I want to come and hug you too! 🙂
I thought the juxtaposition of the “American Dream” the song represents and lyrics instill, with the reality of violence and loss, that is also an American heritage, was spot on.
The song made the viewer understand the violence and agonizing loss was all the more honest and devastating. Outstanding choice!
AMEN!! I couldn’t agree more ! (PS, so well written!)
You have expressed the reasons behind – and brilliance of – the song choice so well. Choosing a modern version of the song reminded me of the 1960’s America Claire had left behind and how far America falls short in living up to the ideals of the song.
I wish I’d come across this at the time, Nikki, I felt like a lone voice in the wilderness! I thought it was inspired, and the harsh contrast showcased the message of the final scene very well: come to America, land of milk and honey (you think) and this is the sort of welcome you get, as immigrants. I didn’t feel that it was intended to be commentary on what’s happening in Trump’s America, though it could very well stand for that. Non-Americans (of which I am one) struggled to understand all the fuss that was caused; in the UK nobody would care if they used the National Anthem in such a way, not that anyone would want to ?. A song more likely to be used would be William Blake’s ‘Jerusalem’, but even then very few people would be offended. We just don’t have that sort of patriotism.
So for me the contrast between the music and what we saw unfolding on our screens intensified the horror of what was happening, especially with the sound removed. Bloody well done, Outlander.
Tx Nikki for this.
I’m so happy many of you saw the beauty of using the song in that scene. When it started, the shock value of the joyful lyrics sung while the horrid violence was going on was a metaphor for life.
Hi
Just lately discovered your blogs and i’m having great time reading them. today i found this blog about the song ‘America’ and i felt like i just found a friend- last month, while ‘preparing myself’ for season 5 – i watched season 4 all over again and, and one that episode i was trumbling and speachless as i was the first time i saw it- i’m from Israel so i dont hold the sentimental baggage of the song -but the contrast between the promise in the song and the horrible reality on the boat is so shaking and so powerful!
and of course i did considered the part of Ray Charles (which i love so much), the black poor boy from the south preforming the song.
I couldnt ignore the thrill and wrote ecxactly about that on our Facebook group of Outlander’s fans.
so thank you for the blog.
I love this particular version of the song, especially the intro… I was trying to find this exact version of “America the Beautiful” but so far unsuccessful. Maybe someone has found it?
By the way, I was deeply impressed about the song choice for this scene – it was oddly powerful.
Until coming to this page, I was just baffled by the use of the song. My first assumption is that they had lost the audio track, and had to paste some unrelated music on top of it. My second thought was that some censor decided the violence was too brutal, and they added the music to soften the scene up a bit. It still doesn’t make any sense to me at all, but since I try to avoid paying too much attention to the violent scenes in this show, I guess it doesn’t matter much to me. I just look away and listen to a beautiful song.
The Outlander producers are welcome to return all of the profits they’ve made from “america the beautiful” if they think it’s such a horrible place. It ruined the series for me.
If you let one song ruin the entire series for you, this was never really the series for you anyway.
I didn’t like it, but that is a fairly intense reaction. Sorry it swung you so hard that you’d allow yourself to feel that way.
Didn’t work for me at all – in fact it irritated me because it was a beautiful, positive soulful song being overlaid upon a horrid, soulless event. That’s not paradoxical; it’s just a clash. As stated, it was a huge contrast of eras. The choice of ‘America the Beautiful’ was good, but truthfully not the version. Someone could have commissioned an African-American female to sing a quiet, strained version with modulations here and there into the minor key – and that would have been era-relevant, haunting, and WORK with the scene itself.
Sometimes producers just try to damn hard to be novel.
I didn’t think it fit at all. Mainly, the song being sung before the birth of the nation made the song seem far too premature. It would be like singing over the belly of a pregnant woman about how her baby was brilliant or strong, or should get the presidential medal of freedom. It’s just not time yet.
this song was played wonderfully in the Outlander. if you follow the show you will see the depth and thought that was put into choosing this song for that particular part of the movie. well done!