Chapter Four of Zack Snyder's Justice League finally introduces us to Barry Allen, The Flash. At first, Barry appears as an introverted, odd young man looking for work. Quickly (no joke), we see the hero he is when saving a young Iris West from a car wreck. During this scene, they play 'Song to the Siren' by U.K. singer/songwriter Rose Betts.
This song has its history, being written by Tim Buckley and Larry Beckett in 1969. Audiences will hear it first from Pat Boone, before Tim Buckley's 1970 album, Starsailor. Afterward, this folk song has many other artists covering it, including the more popular version from This Mortal Coil. Now Rose Betts continues this tradition, opening a younger generation a memorable and historical song.
Many are quick to misinterpret the title as Song of the Siren, thinking of stories of the sirens at sea tempting young sailors...to their death. Right away, this can be a fair misunderstanding and assumption for some to make. Keep in mind that the song was written and performed originally by a man. You can almost read this into the scene. Although Barry is by no objective means doing anything to seduce Iris. We see her attention is primarily on Barry rather than the road. Hence, Barry is the siren tempting her and leading her to her death.
Zack Snyder found a way to sync up this song's first verse and lyrics with what is on screen.
Long afloat on shipless oceans
I did all my best to smile
The awkward Barry Allen shows a genuine smile, not a smirk or smiles to just appear friendly during his interview.
'Til your singing eyes and fingers
We see Barry gazing into Iris' eyes, brushing her hair aside with his fingers.
Drew me loving to your isle
And you sang
Sail to me
Sail to me
Let me enfold you
Again, we see Barry fold Iris' arms up against her chest.
Here I am
Here I am
Waiting to hold you
Finally, Barry is holding her and placing her down to the ground in safety and comfort.
Unfortunately, only the first verse makes it into Zack Snyder's Justice League. However, I recommend listening to the song in its entirety. WaterTower Music even makes sure to include the song on the original motion picture soundtrack. Saying that we can dig more and find overall this piece still connects to this scene and Barry Allen as a character. The first line of the second verse says everything about these two aspiring love birds. "Did I dream you dreamed about me?" We all go through this at the beginning of our crushes. You ponder if the other person thinks about you and madly hope that they do.
However, it is the third and final verse that I believe encompasses Barry the most. Audiences and Iris see Barry's puzzlement after he saves her. In our collective, pop culture consciousness of superheroes, we expect something of a kiss. Either Iris kisses Barry for his rescue, or Barry kisses her after rescuing her, caught up in the heat of the moment as their hearts race. Instead, he runs away like a confused child, not knowing how to react to this moment. We learn in the film from his father that Barry is directionless, always running but with no clear goal outside of wanting to get his father out of prison. Barry admits to Bruce Wayne how he has no friends either.
In the end, 'Song to the Siren' is about a frightening surrender to a love that may not be returned. Barry lost his mother already at an early age. In conjunction, his father is wrongly convicted of his wife's murder. Hence, Barry loses his father to prison. Later, we learn Superman was Barry's hero, yet he lost him in the events of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. His mother cannot return her love after death, nor can a dead Superman either. Meanwhile, his father cannot fully embrace his son when separated by plexiglass and a telephone. Therefore, why love anyone when there can be obstacles? Barry believes it may be best to keep Iris at a distance, unfortunately.
If you like what you read here, please feel free to leave a like and or a tip, thank you. Below you can read my other pieces on the music in Zack Snyder's Justice League.
About the Creator
Skyler
Full-time worker, history student and an avid comic book nerd.
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