When Jac Schaeffer, the mastermind behind “Agatha All Along”, required a tune to serve as the story’s pivotal element, she enlisted the talented duo of Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who have previously worked their magic on hits like “Frozen” and “Coco”.
That song became “Down the Witches’ Road.”
The duo behind the songwriting and composing describe their work as solving an “octagonal riddle” since each song they create must contain specific words like “fire,” “earth,” “water,” “air,” and “down the road.” These words are thematically significant to the narrative they’re weaving.
The story continues following the occurrences from “WandaVision,” where Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) finds herself powerless due to the Scarlet Witch’s (Elizabeth Olsen) actions. Eager to regain her sorceress abilities, Agatha establishes a small coven consisting of characters portrayed by Joe Locke, Patti LuPone, Aubrey Plaza, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp, who join her in this venture.
In the second episode titled “Circle Sewn With Fate/Unlock Thy Hidden Gate,” Agatha and Locke (Teen) discover that the song serves as a guide for traversing the Witches’ Path. This revelation sets Agatha’s coven on a dangerous journey marked by challenging ordeals. Successfully reaching the end would grant them their deepest wishes.
The two songwriters ended up penning eight distinct variations, all containing crucial lyrics.
The initial song they successfully produced was sung by artist Lorna Wu, who exudes a Stevie Nicks ambiance. As Lopez explains, this tune featured the most complex pattern and possessed the highest number of components. Moreover, it required a pop ballad style with a hint of heartbreak.
Or
The first hit they made was performed by singer Lorna Wu, giving off Stevie Nicks’ signature vibe. According to Lopez, this song showcased an elaborate structure and had numerous parts. It also needed to express a pop ballad feel with undertones of heartbreak.
After mastering it, they had to gradually unveil the intricacies of the melody. The Chant Version would climax with everyone in the cast harmonizing together. Lyrical-wise, it should convey that the fabled Witches’ Path is unearthed when a coven sings this song.
Lopez and Anderson-Lopez based their work on personal experiences they had gathered. Specifically, Anderson-Lopez was immersed in 17th and 18th century settings as part of a college choir at William & Mary College. She explains that this provided an excellent opportunity to tap into the inspiration and passion she felt during those times.
During his college days, just like Lopez, I too was drawn to the ancient melodies of Gregorian chants: “They were steeped in tradition and carried an air of mystery. I’ve always held a special appreciation for them. The borderland between music, magic, religion, community, and ritual intrigues me profoundly. I firmly believe that music possesses a magical quality. There are those who craft it, perhaps unaware of the exact mechanisms at play. Music has a powerful influence over a group of people as a tool to evoke emotions.
Gradually blending the various renditions, Anderson-Lopez recognized that “some phrases would carry greater significance in the Chant version.” Taking those out, we begin to approach the realm of early American folk songs. Further removal leads us towards a simpler chant.
Lopez notes, “The core essence was a catchy, lullaby-like tune that a mother created with her child while strolling along the path, which served as the basis for establishing the melody in every rendition.” This is what guided their approach.
The pair were present on the filming location while the actors enacted the song in various versions. Lopez remembers being astonished by the powerful singing of Hahn. “She exudes this strength, this passion,” he notes.
For Anderson-Lopez, it was a dream come true when she found herself listening to the legendary LuPone singing her lyrics. She referred to this experience as a “thrilling, blissful moment in life.
Although it would be wonderful for LuPone to perform her own lyrics, she hopes this enchanting song will move at least one individual. She muses, “Wouldn’t it be fantastic if Stevie Nicks could record it instead?
Read More
2025-06-10 20:48