The song “The Bird and the Worm” by The Used was featured in the 2007 film Bridge to Terabithia. This coming-of-age fantasy drama is based on the novel of the same name by Katherine Paterson. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the song, its use in Bridge to Terabithia, and the legacy of the film.
About “The Bird and the Worm” by The Used
“The Bird and the Worm” is a song by the American rock band The Used. It was released in 2007 as the lead single from their third studio album Lies for the Liars. The Used formed in 2001 and soon made a name for themselves in the post-hardcore and alternative rock scenes. “The Bird and the Worm” showcased a poppier sound for the band but still featured their signature angst-filled lyrics.
The cryptic title refers to the often tumultuous relationship between Bert McCracken, the band’s lead singer, and his then-girlfriend. Lyrics like “You’re suffocating me / You’re suffocating me” depict a couple caught in a cycle of fighting and making up. The soaring chorus of “Just settle down, it’ll all be clear / Don’t pay no mind to the demons / They fill you with fear” points to trying to move past challenges in a relationship.
Upon its release, “The Bird and the Worm” peaked at number 7 on the U.S. Alternative Songs chart. Its popularity helped usher in The Used’s transition to a more mainstream sound. To date, it remains one of their most recognizable and well-known songs.
Using “The Bird and the Worm” in Bridge to Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia is a fantasy drama film released in 2007 by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media. It was directed by Gabor Csupo and starred Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Zooey Deschanel.
The film is based on the beloved 1977 novel of the same name by Katherine Paterson. It follows Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two fifth graders who create a magical fantasy world called Terabithia in the woods near their homes. This world becomes a way for them to escape the realities of school bullies and family dysfunction.
“The Bird and the Worm” by The Used is featured prominently in two key scenes:
- When Jess first meets Leslie on the school bus and notices her unique style and attitude
- During the musical montage when Jess and Leslie are having fun together in Terabithia and their friendship grows
The uptempo, youthful nature of the song matched the film’s themes of childhood friendship and imagination. Its lyrics about standing your ground and keeping your head up connect to Jess and Leslie’s stories of persevering through difficulties. Using a current hit song from an alternative rock band also helped Bridge to Terabithia appeal to a teen and young adult audience.
In both scenes, “The Bird and the Worm” is used as upbeat underscoring to capture Jess and Leslie’s infectious energy and the joy of their secret world. The song’s messages about inner strength and overcoming challenges echo the themes of the story. This made it an appropriate musical backdrop for key moments in the film.
Legacy and Impact of Bridge to Terabithia
Though not a major box office hit, Bridge to Terabithia earned strong reviews and became regarded as a modern classic family film. It currently holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus reading: “Bridge to Terabithia is a faithful adaptation of a cherished children’s novel and a powerful portrayal of love, loss, and imagination through children’s eyes.”
Here are some of the ways Bridge to Terabithia made an impact:
- Showcased strong performances from its young lead actors Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb.
- Featured an ahead-of-its-time portrait of a smart, artistic girl in Leslie Burke.
- Dealt seriously with issues like bullying, depression, and grief in a family film.
- Used innovative visual effects to bring the fantasy world of Terabithia to life.
- Was one of the few faithful book adaptations that pleased longtime fans of the novel.
The film won several awards including the 2008 Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film for Josh Hutcherson. AnnaSophia Robb also received a Young Artist Award nomination for her performance.
Bridge to Terabithia helped establish director Gabor Csupo as a live-action family filmmaker after success as an animator. Author Katherine Paterson said she was extremely pleased with the adaptation of her work to film. She praised it for capturing the heart of her story and characters.
Over 15 years later, Bridge to Terabithia continues to have devoted fans who were impacted by its messages of friendship, bullying, loss, and imagination. Along with Josh Hutcherson’s rising fame from The Hunger Games films, it remains one of his most renowned early roles. The presence of The Used’s song “The Bird and the Worm” was a memorable musical component that is forever linked to the film.
Conclusion
In summary, “The Bird and the Worm” by The Used was a hit alternative rock song featured prominently in two important scenes in the 2007 film adaptation of Bridge to Terabithia. Its youthful sound and lyrics about perseverance complemented the story’s themes and helped the movie appeal to teens. While not a major commercial success initially, Bridge to Terabithia earned acclaim as a moving family drama. It is now regarded as a modern classic adaptation that treated issues like bullying and grief in an impactful way. The presence of “The Bird and the Worm” on the soundtrack helped contribute to the film’s legacy for fans of the song and novel. Over 15 years later, Bridge to Terabithia remains beloved for its faithful adaptation and powerful messages about friendship and loss through a child’s eyes.