What the Hell?!? Friday - The Rains of Castamere

The conversation about the current season of Game of Thrones here, (where SEK has some great insights on the cinematography) led me to this excellent site, which led me to this review of Blackwater, the most recent episode.  As the forces defending King's Landing are preparing for battle - or more accurately, waiting for the enemy led by Stannis Baratheon to arrive by sea - they fill the long hours drinking and whoring.  And singing.  Since these forces are led by the Lannisters, they are singing a traditional Lannister song, The Rains of Castamere, along with the sellsword Bronn, who Tyrion Lannister has made head of the King's Guard.  It goes like this.




We hear this song again, over the closing credits, this time performed by Indy band The National.  The Rains of Castamere, even the relatively upbeat version sung by drunk Lannisters is not a jolly song.  But the treatment given by The National's Matt Berninger darkens it to a smoky ebon hue.





I'm only vaguely aware of Leonard Cohen, but this clip immediately brought him to mind.

Here, at no extra charge, is the Leonard Cohen song the oldest granddaughter danced to in competition recently, as an ensemble routine.