The Song That Sums Up the Horrors of Life Inside Lumon in Severance Season 2

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The finale of Severance Season 2 features a tune from the ’60s, which encapsulates remarkably well the grueling nature of daily existence for employees at Lumon Industries.

Throughout both seasons of Severance, music plays a crucial role, with Theodore Shapiro’s haunting score adding an extra layer of strangeness to an already peculiar series, and the song selections constantly catching viewers off guard.

In the first season of Severance, the music selection ranged from heavy metal like “Enter Sandman” by Metallica to soft ballads such as “Times of Your Life” and “I’ll be Seeing You,” both by Paul Anka, as well as the hard-rock anthem “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead.

As a gamer, diving headfirst into Season 2, I’ve been captivated by the diverse soundtrack, which includes ‘Love Spreads’ by The Stone Roses, ‘Eminence Front’ by The Who, and ‘Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ by Gordon Lightfoot. The final song that wraps up this season couldn’t fit more perfectly, though beware, the spoilers that follow might rock your gaming world…

Why ‘Windmills of Your Mind’ is perfect for Severance

The second season of Severance concludes dramatically, as Mark repeatedly transitions between his Innie and Outie selves while saving Gemma. Eventually, Innie Mark brings her to safety, but instead of leaving the Lumon boundaries, he chooses to remain inside to be with Helly.

In the climactic moments, I found myself dashing through the labyrinthine hallways, intertwined with Mark and Helly, as the haunting melody of ‘The Windmills of Your Mind,’ performed by Mel Tormé, echoed around us. The song seemed to encapsulate the chilling reality and turmoil within Lumon’s cold embrace.

The melodious tune for the song originated from French composer Michel Legrand, yet it’s the words penned by Alan and Marilyn Bergman that narrate the story. The song commences with the verses:

Shaped similarly to a continuous spiral, much like one wheel inside another, never starting or stopping, continually spinning on an endless loop.

The phrase encapsulates the monotonous rhythm of Innie’s lifestyle, as MDR workers are consistently on duty, performing the same duties repeatedly.

In much the same way as you journey along one passage,

Leading to another of its kind,

Descending into a secluded valley,

To a hidden chamber where sunlight never reaches,

Similar to a door that keeps spinning,

In a vaguely remembered reverie.

These passages might represent the labyrinthine hallways of Lumon; a complex network that could make its workers feel as if they’re wandering aimlessly, ensnared much like mice, with the ability to escape only when they know their precise destination.

Photos adorning the corridor,

A snippet of this melody,

Familiar yet elusive names and faces,

Yet, whose stories do they tell?

In the series ‘Severance’, this recurring theme – often heard multiple times – couldn’t be more fitting. The paintings lining the halls serve as the only form of entertainment or artistic exposure for the characters, known as Innies. Each artwork within the show narrates a unique tale of its own.

In the show “Severance,” the song seems to perfectly capture the essence of the process itself. As characters transition from Outies to Innies, memories fade away, only to reappear as Mark experiences reintegration towards the end of Season 2. This narrative arc gives the impression that the song was specifically composed for this series.

Originally, ‘Windmills’ was penned for the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair. As Alan Bergman, its writer, explains, he and his wife Marilyn created the lyrics spontaneously, describing it as an intriguing mental journey. Given this, it’s quite apt that ‘Windmills of Your Mind’ has become a significant element in the trippiest television series currently airing.

Right now, you can watch Severance on Apple TV+. For insights from director Ben Stiller about the final chapters, click here. Additionally, we’ve compiled recaps for each episode of Season 2: Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Enjoy!

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2025-03-21 12:49