
David Lynch, the iconic director behind films like Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, Eraserhead, and Wild at Heart, was famous for his surreal and often nightmarish style. One of the key elements in his films was his unique use of music, which became an unforgettable part of his cinematic language. On January 15, 2025, Lynch passed away at the age of 78, and we’re remembering him with 10 of his most impactful songs from his films.
A Creative Force Like No Other
David Lynch wasn’t just a filmmaker; he was a true Renaissance man. Known for his work as a director, producer, screenwriter, actor, painter, photographer, and even furniture designer, Lynch’s creativity left a lasting imprint across multiple fields. Long before the rise of streaming, his work helped shape the future of TV and influenced a generation of filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino and the Coen brothers. His name became synonymous with groundbreaking storytelling and unforgettable visuals.
David Lynch: Music as a Surrealist Tool
Lynch’s relationship with music was just as unconventional as his films. He didn’t just use music in his work — he made it an essential part of the story, turning it into a tool for creating surreal, often haunting experiences. Whether he was composing his own songs or taking iconic tracks and recontextualizing them in unexpected ways, Lynch knew how to use music to deepen the emotional and psychological impact of his scenes. For him, music wasn’t just an accompaniment; it was a gateway to alternate realities and strange, unforgettable worlds.
„Crazy Clown Time“ David Lynch, Blues Album – 2011
Although Lynch had always been involved with music, it wasn’t until 2011 that he released his first solo album, Crazy Clown Time. This dark, smoky blues album, followed by The Big Dream two years later, gave us a glimpse into Lynch’s own musical world. With the album, he brought his trademark eerie vibe from film to music, recorded in his own Asymmetrical Studio in Los Angeles.
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„Locomotion“ from „Inland Empire“ – 2006
Lynch’s ability to create surreal contrasts shines through in Inland Empire, where the upbeat pop classic “Locomotion” plays during one of the film’s unsettling, nightmarish scenes. As the song plays, we get a surreal mix of disturbing visuals and choreographed dance, followed by sudden silence — perfectly capturing Lynch’s knack for taking familiar elements and twisting them into something unsettling.
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„Llorando“ / „Crying“ (Rebeka Del Rio) from „Mulholland Drive“ – 2001
One of Lynch’s most unforgettable scenes comes from Mulholland Drive, where singer Rebekah Del Rio performs a Spanish version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying.” As she suddenly collapses mid-performance, the music continues, creating an eerie, almost otherworldly effect that heightens the surrealism of the moment. It’s a small scene, but one that has cemented its place in film and music history.
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„I’m Deranged“ (David Bowie) from „Lost Highway“ – 1997
David Bowie wasn’t just a musical collaborator with Lynch — he also appeared as an actor in Twin Peaks. But in Lost Highway, his song “I’m Deranged” plays a key role, helping set the eerie tone right from the opening sequence. The collaboration was so impactful that it inspired Bowie to explore new musical directions, influenced by the surreal world Lynch created.
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„Sycamore Trees“ (Jimmy Scott) from „Twin Peaks“ – 1991
In the final episode of the original Twin Peaks series, Agent Cooper enters the “Red Room,” where jazz singer Jimmy Scott performs “Sycamore Trees” with his tender voice. The scene is dramatically contrasted with strobe lights, creating a hauntingly unforgettable moment. A year later, Scott was nominated for a Grammy for his album All the Way.
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„Falling“ from „Twin Peaks“ – 1991
During the creation of the Blue Velvet soundtrack, composer Angelo Badalamenti brought in singer Julee Cruise, whose ethereal voice perfectly complemented Lynch’s surreal worlds. She quickly became a heavenly part of their collaboration, and her song “Falling” became the standout musical piece of Twin Peaks, forming the instrumental track for the series’ iconic theme. The song went on to win a Grammy in 1991.
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„Just You“ from „Twin Peaks“ – 1990
While filming Twin Peaks, actor James Marshall happened to have his guitar with him on set, and Lynch asked him to record a song for the series. The result was “Just You,” a track inspired by The Platters. Interestingly, in the film, Marshall’s character doesn’t play the guitar — that role goes to punk icon John Doe.
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„Love Me“ (Performed by Nicolas Cage) from „Wild at Heart“ – 1990
Sometimes, curiosity becomes reality: In Wild at Heart, Nicolas Cage played a character who bore an uncanny resemblance to Elvis Presley. One of the standout moments was Cage’s rendition of “Love Me” in a rock club, long before he would eventually marry Lisa Marie Presley. What came first, the egg or the chicken?
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„In Dreams“ (Roy Orbison) from „Blue Velvet“ – 1986
Roy Orbison’s “In Dreams” had a kind of revival when it was featured in Blue Velvet. The song, sung by the mysterious character Ben into a work light, almost didn’t make it into the film because Orbison wasn’t too keen on the quirky microphone setup. Thankfully, he was persuaded, and the art world got one of its timeless classics.
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„In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)“ from „Eraserhead“ – 1977
Eraserhead is a black-and-white cult classic that broke new ground in surreal cinema. The unsettling atmosphere is taken to another level by Lynch and Alan R. Splet’s eerie soundscapes. It’s a perfect mix of melancholy, rebellion, and anti-mainstream vibes that set the stage for Lynch’s future work. A truly unforgettable film.
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„Go“ (Moby) sampled from „Twin Peaks” – 1991
Here’s a fun one that doesn’t actually appear in a Lynch film but is still linked to his work. Moby, at the time a budding artist, sampled “Laura Palmer’s Theme” from Twin Peaks to create his hit “Go.” It was only his second single, and before the sample was added, it was a B-side on his debut album. Who knew that sampling a Lynch tune would kickstart his career?
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“Music,” David Lynch said just last year, “is magic.” And he’s certainly shown that time and time again. Which of his songs and films are your favorites? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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