In this week devoted to Ewoks, it is only right that we set the mood with some of the music associated with the little furballs. I have to admit that the title of this post is a bit misleading, though. While I do have some musical training (high school chorus!), I can’t really provide a well-informed commentary on the music the Ewoks play (or rather, that composer John Williams created FOR them). Instead, what I have done is provided just a few thoughts/reflections on two pieces from the Return of the Jedi soundtrack: ‘Parade of the Ewoks’ and ‘Ewok Celebration.’
And never fear for I have also provided links to each piece so you needn’t head off to YouTube or Spotify. Just click the title of each section below, each of which is aptly named for the song being discussed.
Parade of the Ewoks
‘Parade of the Ewoks’ is not just one of the more unique pieces of music in the entire Star Wars soundtrack, but I would also rank it as one of the most iconic pieces. Yeah, you heard me, I would put it up there with ‘The Imperial March,’ ‘Duel of the Fates,’ ‘Across the Stars,’ ‘The Hologram/Binary Sunset,’ and ‘The Throne Room.’ And no, this is NOT my entire list of iconic Star Wars music, I am just giving examples.
While I love the way ‘Parade of the Ewoks’ sounds, what I truly appreciate about this short piece is that it captures the essence of the Ewoks and translates this into a sort of musical story about them. In the Return of the Jedi, the very first Ewok we meet is Wicket. Probably the most popular of all the Ewoks, Wicket initially gives off the impression that these primitive creatures are curious, simple and even somewhat ridiculous. However, as the movie progresses, the Ewoks turn out to be much more capable and interesting than perhaps we originally anticipated. Think about it – this first Ewok we meet is holding a rudimentary spear and is frightened when Leia takes off her helmet. But later in the film, we see one Ewok pilot a speeder bike, two will drive an AT-ST along with Chewbacca, and another is seen raising a captured Stormtrooper blaster.
Flitchee holds up a Stormtrooper blaster in triumph.
Photo Credit – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Primitive they might be, but don’t confuse this with being simple-minded or incompetent. The Ewoks are far more intelligent and dynamic than meets the eye.
So, as you listen to ‘Parade of the Ewoks,’ pay attention to the melody that repeats over and over again. This melody, which all would agree is the theme music for the Ewoks, will not repeat in exactly the same way, though. Rather, while it begins in a modest and unassuming manner, when it does repeat it will do so in a new way each time. The essence of the melody, the essence of the Ewoks, will remain the same, but the melody will also evolve, becoming more robust, more dynamic, just as the Ewoks do in the film. And what we are left with, then, is a melodious biography that beautifully describes these fascinating creatures, one that consistently stays true to their humble and curious nature while also illuminating them as exciting and vibrant creatures.
Ewok Celebration (‘Yub Nub’)
The score that originally played during the final scene in Return of the Jedi, ‘Ewok Celebration,’ was, and for many older Star Wars fans still is, the music that highlighted the victory of the Rebellion over the Empire.
Of course, I use the words “originally” and “was” for obvious reasons.
When the original films were remastered and re-released as Special Editions in the late 90s, ‘Ewok Celebration’ was replaced by a different piece titled ‘Victory Celebration.’ Being in a theater watching the Special Edition of Return of the Jedi was an overwhelming and powerful experience, but I also remember feeling surprised by the change.
However, this isn’t to say that I dislike ‘Victory Celebration.’ Oh no, I do like it and think it works well with the added scenes George Lucas installed in the final frames. But while I genuinely enjoy ‘Victory Celebration,’ I have always felt a little sad that ‘Ewok Celebration’ was pulled from the film.
You see, the thing about ‘Ewok Celebration’ is that it is not just music, it is a song. And, it is not just any type of song, but one sung in Ewokese, the language of the Ewoks. In fact, it is commonly called ‘Yub Nub’ (Freedom), called this because it is the first Ewok word in the song.
Really, my feeling of sadness is because ‘Ewok Celebration’ was always PART of the story. While the vast majority of music in Star Wars is non-diegetic, playing in the background, ‘Yub Nub’ always gave off the vibe of being diegetic, actually being sung by the Ewoks. I am aware that the people singing actually sound more like a choir and less a tribe of primitive beings, but who cares! ‘Ewok Celebration’ was an internal piece of Star Wars and, when it got pulled, I have just always had the feeling that Return of the Jedi lost a little piece of itself.
Of course, my feelings about ‘Ewok Celebration’ are also due to the surreal recognition that many of the little kids out there who are growing up loving Star Wars have probably never even heard ‘Ewok Celebration.’ I am sure some have, but chances are most haven’t. Well, someday when I have kids, I will be happy to watch any version of Star Wars with them, but I will also be sure to show them the ORIGINAL versions of the original films, and will have them experience ‘Ewok Celebration’ in all of its Yub Nubby glory!
My kids deserve it, and so do the Ewoks.
**Check out the lyrics for ‘Ewok Celebration’ on Wookiepedia.**
Be sure to check out other Ewok Week posts:
The Imperial Talker Presents: Ewok Week
Ewok Jerky
Ewok Haikus
Cute, Funny, and Very Deadly
Fan Feelings on Ewoks
Ewoks Battling for Endor
The Scout
The Imperial Talker 