The song played during the closing scene of How I Met Your Mother Season 2, Episode 22, titled “Something Blue,” is AC/DC’s iconic anthem, “Highway to Hell.” Its placement serves as a darkly humorous and ironically perfect counterpoint to the episode’s themes of commitment, uncertainty, and the perceived burdens of relationship sacrifices. The song underscores Ted’s impending regret over his rash engagement to Robin, foreshadowing the tumultuous road ahead.
Understanding the Song’s Significance
The use of “Highway to Hell” isn’t merely a random musical choice; it’s a deliberate and impactful commentary on the characters’ emotional states and future trajectories. Ted, swept up in the romantic whirlwind of his relationship with Robin, ignores the glaring incompatibilities and impulsively proposes. The song acts as a warning, a subtle nudge (or perhaps a loud, rock-and-roll scream) suggesting that his impetuous decision might lead him down a path filled with unhappiness and eventual heartbreak. The song also subtly reflects Robin’s own internal conflicts, her hesitations about settling down and the sacrifices she’s making for the sake of the relationship.
The choice of “Highway to Hell” also plays into the show’s overall comedic style. How I Met Your Mother often uses music to amplify the emotional impact of a scene while simultaneously adding a layer of humor. The juxtaposition of a deeply serious, life-altering decision with the raucous energy of AC/DC creates a memorable and thought-provoking moment. The song’s inherent rebellious spirit contrasts sharply with the traditional image of marriage and commitment, further highlighting the unconventional nature of Ted and Robin’s relationship, which ultimately wouldn’t last.
Analyzing the Episode’s Themes
“Something Blue” delves into the complexities of relationships, specifically focusing on the sacrifices and compromises necessary for long-term commitment. Marshall and Lily struggle to reconcile their individual dreams with their shared future, while Barney grapples with his fear of commitment and his inability to form genuine connections. Ted’s impulsive proposal is driven by a desire to hold onto Robin, even though he knows, deep down, that they might not be right for each other.
The song underscores the idea that rushing into marriage or any significant life decision can be a dangerous and potentially destructive path. It suggests that Ted’s “highway to hell” isn’t necessarily literal, but rather a metaphorical representation of the difficulties and disillusionment he will face as a result of his impetuous choice.
Music as a Narrative Tool
How I Met Your Mother consistently used music to enhance its storytelling, often selecting songs that perfectly complemented the scene’s emotional tone. In this case, “Highway to Hell” elevates the episode’s ending to a new level of dramatic irony. The song’s aggressive guitar riffs and Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals convey a sense of impending doom, contrasting sharply with the seemingly happy occasion of Ted’s engagement.
This musical cue acts as a signal to the audience, hinting that the relationship is doomed from the start. It’s a clever and effective way to foreshadow future events and create a sense of suspense, leaving viewers wondering how and when the relationship will inevitably unravel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why was “Highway to Hell” specifically chosen for that scene?
The song’s dark humor and ironic contrast to the romantic setting make it a perfect choice. It subtly signals that Ted’s decision to propose is fraught with potential problems and foreshadows the relationship’s eventual failure. The rebellious, non-conformist energy of the song juxtaposes sharply with the conventional idea of marriage.
FAQ 2: Does the song choice have any connection to the episode’s title, “Something Blue”?
While “something blue” traditionally refers to a wedding tradition, the song choice adds a layer of ironic interpretation. It could suggest that Ted’s happiness is tainted with a foreboding sadness (blue), hinting at the inevitable heartbreak to come. It’s a subtle twist on a classic wedding symbol.
FAQ 3: Did AC/DC give permission for the song’s use?
Yes, AC/DC (or their representatives) had to grant permission for the song to be used in the episode. Securing music licenses is a crucial part of television production, ensuring that copyright laws are respected and artists are fairly compensated.
FAQ 4: Were there other songs considered for that scene?
While the exact list of other songs considered is not publicly available, it’s likely that the music supervisors explored various options. However, “Highway to Hell” undoubtedly stood out due to its perfect blend of humor, irony, and thematic relevance.
FAQ 5: How did the use of “Highway to Hell” impact the audience’s perception of Ted and Robin’s relationship?
The song choice significantly heightened the audience’s awareness of the potential pitfalls in Ted and Robin’s relationship. It subtly undermined the romantic facade and planted seeds of doubt in the viewer’s minds, suggesting that their relationship was built on shaky foundations.
FAQ 6: Is there any deeper meaning behind the specific lyrics chosen for the scene?
While the entire song isn’t played, the overall energy and theme of recklessness and impending danger resonate strongly with the episode’s narrative. The lyrics themselves, though not explicitly featured, contribute to the overall feeling of unease and foreshadowing.
FAQ 7: How does “Highway to Hell” compare to other musical choices in How I Met Your Mother?
How I Met Your Mother often used upbeat and contemporary songs to enhance its comedic scenes. “Highway to Hell” stands out due to its darker tone and more explicit thematic connection to the plot. It’s a more deliberate and impactful choice than many of the show’s other musical selections.
FAQ 8: Did the show’s creators ever comment on the decision to use “Highway to Hell” in that scene?
While specific comments regarding that exact song choice may not be readily available in interviews, the show’s creators have consistently emphasized the importance of music in enhancing the narrative and emotional impact of the series. They viewed music as a powerful storytelling tool.
FAQ 9: Could another song have achieved the same effect as “Highway to Hell”?
While other songs might have conveyed a sense of impending doom, “Highway to Hell” was particularly effective due to its iconic status and cultural associations with rebellion and recklessness. It’s a song that resonates with a broad audience and immediately conveys a sense of unease.
FAQ 10: How does this song choice contribute to the show’s overall legacy?
The use of “Highway to Hell” has become a memorable and frequently discussed moment in the show’s history. It exemplifies the show’s clever use of music to enhance its storytelling and create lasting emotional impressions. It cemented How I Met Your Mother’s reputation for smart and insightful musical choices.
FAQ 11: Does the song reappear in later episodes to reinforce the message?
While “Highway to Hell” doesn’t have a direct reprise in later episodes in relation to Ted and Robin, the theme of relationship struggles and the potential for unhappiness in impulsive decisions is consistently explored throughout the series, implicitly echoing the warning conveyed by the song. The show often revisits the consequences of their choices.
FAQ 12: Where can I listen to the soundtrack from How I Met Your Mother?
While there isn’t an official How I Met Your Mother soundtrack album, many fan-created playlists on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music compile the songs featured throughout the series. Searching for “How I Met Your Mother soundtrack playlist” will yield numerous options.
Conclusion
The placement of “Highway to Hell” in “Something Blue” is a prime example of how music can elevate television storytelling. It’s a darkly humorous and ironically perfect choice that underscores the episode’s themes of commitment, uncertainty, and the potential for disaster in impulsive decisions. The song acts as a warning, foreshadowing the tumultuous road ahead for Ted and Robin and solidifying its place as a memorable and impactful moment in the show’s history.