Corpse Bride Song Analysis: The Tragic Tale of Emily
In the cinematic world of Corpse Bride, music serves as more than just atmosphere; it is a primary vehicle for storytelling. The second song in the film is particularly vital, acting as a narrative bridge that reveals the heartbreaking history of the titular character, Emily.
The sequence is introduced by Bonejangles, a character voiced by Danny Elfman, who sets the stage by describing the events as a "tragic tale of romance, passion and a murder most foul." This introduction leads into a fast, jazzy performance featuring Bonejangles and a chorus of skeletons and corpses from the Land of the Dead.
The Story of Emily's Betrayal
The lyrics detail the life and death of Emily, who is described as a beautiful, wealthy, and talented young woman. Due to her status, she attracted many suitors, including a "mysterious stranger." This man is later revealed to be Lord Barkis Bittern, a murderous con-artist.
Despite her father's objections—who forbade the union due to Barkis's poverty—Emily was drawn to the man's physical appearance and perceived personality. Barkis manipulated Emily into eloping with him. In a desperate act of love, Emily donned her mother's wedding dress and took her family jewels along with a satchel of gold to meet him in a churchyard under the cover of night.
The romance ended in tragedy when Barkis murdered Emily to steal her wealth and jewels, hiding her body beneath an oak tree. In her death, Emily made a solemn vow to remain in that place until her true love arrived to set her free. This vow is what leads to the film's central conflict when Victor inadvertently triggers her return while practicing his wedding vows to Victoria.
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Themes of Mortality
Beyond the plot details, the song's chorus addresses the inevitability of death. Rather than focusing solely on the tragedy, the lyrics encourage Victor and the audience to adopt a more congenial, or friendly, attitude toward mortality.
Key Facts
- Introduced by: Bonejangles (voiced by Danny Elfman).
- Musical Style: Fast and jazzy melody.
- Antagonist: Lord Barkis Bittern, a con-artist who murdered Emily for her gold and jewels.
- Catalyst: Victor accidentally frees Emily while practicing wedding vows.
- Core Message: The inevitability of death and the importance of a positive perspective on mortality.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emily's Status | Beautiful, wealthy, and talented |
| The Deceiver | Lord Barkis Bittern |
| Items Stolen | Family jewels and a satchel of gold |
| Burial Site | Beneath an oak tree in a churchyard |
| Condition for Release | The arrival of her true love |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who introduces the song about Emily's death?
The song is introduced by Bonejangles, a character voiced by Danny Elfman, who describes the story as a tragic tale of romance and murder.
Why did Emily's father oppose her relationship with the stranger?
Emily's father forbade her from marrying the mysterious stranger because of the man's poverty.
What did Lord Barkis Bittern do to Emily?
Lord Barkis Bittern manipulated Emily into eloping with him, murdered her in a churchyard, stole her family jewels and gold, and hid her body under an oak tree.
How does Emily return to the world of the living?
Emily returns after Victor inadvertently fulfills her vow to be set free by her true love while he is practicing his wedding vows to Victoria.
What is the underlying message of the song's chorus?
The chorus conveys that death is inevitable and encourages the listener to have a more congenial attitude toward the end of life.