Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me by Mel Carter
If you were to walk into any diner in South Philadelphia in the ’90s, chances are that they would have oldies songs blaring from the speakers. For the scene where Letty and Miles are enjoying a fun birthday dinner, I wanted a song that would capture the innocence of their young romance. The line, “They told me be sensible with your new love. Don’t be fooled thinking this will be the last you’ll find. But they never stood in the dark with you love. When you take me in your arms and drive me slowly out of my mind,” I think perfectly captures the intensity at which Letty and Miles had fallen for each other.
Bullet with Butterfly Wings by Smashing Pumpkins
As Letty and Miles are running after an execution attempt on Miles’s life, a full range of emotions are flooding through their bodies, from rage and fear, to confusion and utter betrayal. I kept this song on repeat while I wrote this scene. With its tones of angst, rage and pure fury, I felt that the song matched the mood of the scene perfectly.
I Stand Alone by Theophilius London
For Miles’s interview with the reporter, I wanted a song that was fresh, upbeat, edgy and exuded an “I don’t give a shit” attitude. Miles does stand alone and he is ready to go up against the soldiers of Carrion as an army of one.
Everlasting Light by The Black Keys
I dare you to listen to this song and not feel a little more brazen, a little cockier, and a lot more badass. This song perfectly captures Miles’s attitude and smug expression as he walks through the corridors of the prison one last time.
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
As Miles starts the engine of his car and the glory of his freedom floods his system, this song begins to play. There was no other song that would have done this scene justice.
Conscience Killer by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
In Miles Away, Miles may be known for his affinity for all things Bruce Springsteen, but BRMC quickly became the go-to band for when Miles was feeling any kind of rage, intensity or adrenaline. This provided to be the perfect song for writing this scene, as Miles weaved through the clusterfuck of Center City traffic with his sense of freedom and his need for vindication roaming unchecked.
Snake Eyes by Mumford and Sons
Meet the Butcher of Carrion. The line, “You hold it in your hands,” struck me. Michael holds the fates of many in his hands. He’s a tricky man and the melody of this song is perfect for him. The song snakes along, gradually increasing in intensity until it explodes much like Michael, himself.
Live and Die by The Avett Brothers
This is Letty’s song as it relates to her position of being Michael’s nurse, while still loving his son Miles. Letty is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I feel like this song captures her position perfectly.
What’s a Girl to Do? by Bat For Lashes
Letty’s mind spirals as she witnesses a brutal murder. I felt that this song grasped her emotions in the situation. What’s a girl to do?
Let It Ride by Bachman Turner Overdrive
Raging up the highway to Carrion, this song is tough, gritty and a perfect representation of Miles’s exterior.
Long and Lost by Florence and the Machine
The line “lost in the fall” most certainly describes Letty’s state in the years after Miles’s incarceration. Though she tried to move on and make her own way, Letty is lost without Miles. Letty is successful, healthy, but largely unhappy. Miles left a gaping wound where her heart used to be.
Hello by Adele
This scene was written long before the songstress released her single, but there is no song that could convey the emotions that Miles and Letty feel upon their reunion. You could cut the tension with a knife. Thank you, Adele, for writing the perfect song for this scene.
Undisclosed Desires by Muse
A once in a lifetime kiss needs a song that draws out the sexual tension of the scene. I’ve loved this song for a long time and so happy that I can finally write a scene worthy of its use in a playlist.
Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen
As Letty recovers from Miles’s kiss, this song plays from her radio. As Miles turns around and waves at Letty with a smile on his face, a flood of emotions rush through Letty’s body. Letty and Miles have traveled a thunder road. The Boss wins again!
War Machine by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
As Miles faces Knox, his brother who framed him, and his father, Michael, who tried to kill him, I needed a song that fit the intensity of Miles’s rage. This certainly fit the bill.
Mama Taught Me Better by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Miles’s mama did teach him better. When Miles discovers that Letty is in danger, he rushes out of the war room and gets in his car, determined to keep Letty from the destructive hands of Dante and Fish.