The Pop Culture Playlist: The Joker

I really appreciate when someone gives me a request, because it reminds me people are believing in what I’m doing. This is the case with the latest edition of The Pop Culture Playlist. Gamersunitedggblog suggested a playlist for The Joker, and the unpredictability of the character makes for some great music. At his core, Joker is about creating chaos, so I wanted to do a playlist that reflects his nihilistic view point.

Joker’s Song by Miracle Of Sound

We are two of a kind
Violent, unsound of mind
You’re the yin to my yang, can’t you see?
And if I were to leave
You would grumble and grieve
Face it, Bats…
You’d be lost without me!

The relationship between Batman and Joker is well established, with Joker believing he and The Dark Knight are two sides of the same coin. This song was performed by Miracle of Sound, off the Arkham City game. It’s the perfect opener to describe Joker’s perspective as he believes Batman needs him more than anyone else.

Psycho by Puddle Of Mudd

Maybe I’m the one
Maybe I’m the one
Who is, the schizophrenic psycho yeah

The twisted backing chords of this song work in showing Joker’s unpredictability. There is no reasoning with him or understanding why he does the things he does. He is evil in its purest form.

Human by Of Monsters And Men

Cage me like an animal
A crown with gems and gold
Eat me like a cannibal
Chase the neon throne
Breathe in, breathe out
Let the human in

When I listen to this song, I think of Joker musing on humanity being crazier than he is. From his perspective, he sees the world as a meaningless place. Only through introducing chaos can he make things more exciting.

What Lies Beneath by Breaking Benjamin

So I’ll find what lies beneath
Your sick twisted smile
As I lay underneath
Your cold jaded eyes
Now you turn the tide on me
‘Cause you’re so unkind
I will always be here
For the rest of my life

What Lies Beneath is ideal for describing the relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn. It’s an abusive relationship that sees him manipulate her on a regular basis.

Getting Away With Murder by Papa Roach

Somewhere beyond happiness and sadness
I need to calculate
What creates my own madness
And I’m addicted to your punishment
And you’re the master
And I am waiting for disaster
I feel irrational
So confrontational
To tell the truth I am
Getting away with murder

Killing is part of what makes Joker who is he, whether he’s murdering families or blowing up a police station. His insanity is terrifying and there are no limits to his madness.

Cuckoo by Adam Lambert

Feels like I’m having a meltdown
It feels like I’m losing control
They tell me I’m a danger to myself
Now the crazy train is ready to roll, oh!
Walk that walk
Like you don’t give a fuck
You got a right to turn it up and get down
Electric shock, no I can’t get enough
‘Cause tonight we’re taking over the town, hey

I imagine Joker being surrounded by psychiatrists in Arkham when I hear this song. They’re trying to study him and he’s making jokes and keeping them on their toes.

Na Na Na by My Chemical Romance

Love, gimme love, gimme love
I don’t need it, but I’ll take what I want from your heart
And I’ll keep it in a bag, in a box
Put an X on the floor
Gimme more, gimme more, gimme more
Shut up and sing it with me

The manic energy of Na Na Na fits with Joker’s attitude. There is no rationality behind his actions, and he simply wants to see the world burn.

Night Of The Hunter by 30 Seconds To Mars

I was born of the womb of a poisonous spell
Beaten and broken and chased from the land
But I rise up above it, high up above it and see
I was hung from a tree made of tongues of the weak
The branches, the bones of the liars, the thieves
Rise up above it, high up above it and see

I think of Joker’s origin story when listening to Night Of The Hunter. He’s notoriously unreliable and has come out with several reasons for how he became the way he is. I see this as a great song for describing The Killing Joke.

Killer by The Ready Set

Stuck in a limbo (here we go)
Me and my sins go (toe-to-toe oh oh oh)
I played a vicious part (Whoa)
I broke an unfair share of hearts
I’m about to blow
So if you come around then you should know
I’ll tear you up in two

The song begins with a creepy piano effect that I could see Joker playing. Killer is about being drawn to the darkness, even when you know you should run in the opposite direction. It describes our fascination with Joker and why he is an iconic character.

Deranged by Coheed and Cambria

Who will be your pretty, little enemy?
When I’m gone your world will prove empty
I promise you will always remember me
The joke’s on you, poison me
While you clean the streets of misfortune,
I pick the innocent from my dirty teeth
We’re one and the same…deranged
There is no me without you
I will behave, I will be
An afterthought, your make believe
Your darkest day is your friend in need

This is my favourite song of the playlist and I saved it for last because it is a love letter from Joker to Batman. The vocals are creepy, the guitar riffs are haunting and the lyrics are poigniant. Deranged can also be heard on the official Arkham City CD.

What songs do you think describe The Joker best? If you want to see your favourite superhero or villain appear on The Pop Culture Playlist then comment now!