Song Selection of Full Metal Jacket

During most movies the music selection during a particular scene foreshadows the unfolding events that will soon proceed in the movie. In the case of Full Metal Jacket, Stanley Kubrick, is able to incorporate a wide variety of music into his film that corresponds to what is about to soon occur. For example, in the beginning of the film, the song “Hello Vietnam” is played during the scene of the soldiers getting their heads shaved in preparation for the war. The chorus states: “good-bye my darling, hello Vietnam.” The hair being shaven off can symbolize the life they’re leaving behind in America and the new experiences and life they will soon have in a world surrounded by constant war. The viewer may also take note of the tone of the song, which is played at a slow pace and feeling of sadness and loss of hope. This was a feeling shared by most soldiers that were drafted into the war against their will, but in the name to serve their country. Another prime example of music selection is the song “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.” The chorus states: “these boots are made for walkin’, and that’s just what they’ll. One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.” This song is able to pertain to Vietnam War significantly in the sense of America’s mentality of being more dominant than others and being able to walk over in country in their way. The viewer is then able to relate with the soldiers that they feel superior to other countries. Overall, the song selection throughout Full Metal Jacket is relevant to all scenes at the time played and facilitates the message Kubrick is conveying.