Playlist for An Entanglement of Griffins
In my latest space opera romance novella, to save her stolen griffins, Lark Sutrio, an outcast with a troubled past must forge an uneasy alliance with Pim Okaansson, a charming space traveler whose hidden talents and pirate connections may be her only hope. As I was song-skipping around YouTube, as one does when avoiding Boring Adult Activities, I hit on the excus… er, totally responsible idea of creating a playlist for An Entanglement of Griffins.
Playlist Song #1: Running Up That Hill
“Running Up That Hill” mirrors the sacrifices that Lark and Pim are willing to make, plus their longing to make a connection. The otherworldly quality of the song fits the space opera genre, and especially the flight of the precious genetically engineered griffins. Lark worries and feels responsible for whoever she brings into her circle. Pim is determined to break free from his past, even if it means making a “deal” with a woman he just met but feels like he almost knows her.
Kate Bush’s iconic song was ahead of its time and finally got the recognition it deserved some 35 years later when Samuel Kim remixed a version for the “Dear Billy” episode of Stranger Things in 2022. I love the lush orchestral ambiance in the new version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9FNd_tXoQk&ab_channel=JscoMusic
For comparison (or nostalgia), here’s the link to Kate Bush’s original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp43OdtAAkM&ab_channel=KateBushMusic
Playlist Song #2: Coming Out of the Dark
Gloria Estefan’s “Coming Out of the Dark” is an uplifting anthem of hope and resilience. The song’s themes of meeting someone who brings love and hope and the courage to rise to challenges work for both Lark and Pim. Lark’s past includes a life-altering experience that challenged her and changed her forever. Pim’s unreserved acceptance of who and what she has become is like a light in the dark. His own intended life change takes an unexpected turn when he meets Lark and discovers he is stronger than he imagined. Together, they can pull off miracles.
I love the choir backup for Estefan’s original performance. Some of the lyrics were inspired by surviving a near-fatal crash, and about finding the strength to move past it with the help of loved ones. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS7qLDizDYo&ab_channel=GloriaEstefanVEVO
Playlist Song #3: A Sky Full of Stars
I probably need to listen to more Coldplay, because “A Sky Full of Stars is a great song for a space opera romance. The title alone is perfect, and the lyrics talk about the transformative power of love. Lark, Pim, the griffins, and even the kids Lark has taken under her wing, find light and beauty despite past darkness and present troubles.
The video is inventive, and maybe a bit silly, but falling in love kind of feels like that sometimes, doesn’t it? Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPRjCeoBqrI&ab_channel=Coldplay
