This week, I’ve had the Disney/Pixar film Coco theme song “Remember Me” #OnRepeat. I went to see the movie over the holiday weekend and I can’t get the song out of my head. I also can’t stop a lump from forming in my throat whenever I hear it.
The movie, Coco, tells the tale of a boy who longs to become a musician but is forbidden by his family to play music. He is transported to the land of the dead when he steals his musical idol’s guitar and must gain his ancestors’ blessing in order to return to the land of the living. There are major themes of family, love, acceptance and remembering or honoring someone’s memory—all are portrayed in meaningful and subtle ways throughout the film, this song being a strong example of all of them combined.
There are several different versions of the song “Remember Me,” but the most memorable (and tear-jerking) versions for me being the bare, acoustic guitar versions sung by the character of Hector (played by Gael Garcia Bernal) in both English and Spanish. The lyrics are from the point of view of a loved one who has to be separated from another person, so they ask them to remember how much they love each other even though they’re apart. Bernal’s gravely, yet deep voice perfectly conveys the charm yet simultaneous insecurities and deep love that the character Hector has for his loved ones. The acoustic guitar merely adds the vulnerability that is found when expressing your love for another. So in other words, this is a beautiful song that will most definitely make you stop in your tracks (and potentially ugly cry hard). I know I did.
I wish I could find a clip of the scene where Miguel is singing this song to his great grandma, Coco, but here are the Spanish and English recordings of the song for now.
Listen below:
What do you think? Which version is your favorite? Leave a comment below!