As Oscar Wilde once said, “Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.” This sentiment rings true in the world of music, where speculation and creativity often collide in unexpected ways. Recently, the release of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s collaboration, Die with a Smile, has ignited discussions about a possible connection to the beloved Japanese dark fantasy anime series, Attack on Titan.
Released on August 16, 2024, Die with a Smile is a delightful blend of soft rock, pop, soul, and even country influences. However, alongside its musical charm, rumors began swirling regarding whether Mars drew inspiration from Attack on Titan after binge-watching all four seasons. Indeed, some fans on platforms like TikTok and Reddit have thrown their hats in the ring, suggesting this intriguing connection.
So, what’s the scoop? Did Mars find inspiration in the gripping narratives of Attack on Titan? Let’s dive into the backstory and unravel the truth behind these fascinating claims.
How It All Began: The Birth of Die With a Smile
Die With a Smile emerged from a surprising partnership, fueled by the mutual respect that Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga have for each other’s artistry. The latter beautifully encapsulated this connection, stating (via Page Six):
Bruno and I have a lot of mutual respect for each other and were talking about collaborating.
Their shared admiration laid the groundwork for an unforgettable musical journey. The genesis of the song is a testament to their creative chemistry. Gaga recounted how, while putting the finishing touches on her own album in Malibu, she received an unexpected late-night invitation from Mars. Intrigued, she made her way to his studio and was blown away by what she heard upon arrival.
The Bloody Mary singer, 38, recalled:
It was around midnight when I got there, and I was blown away when I heard what he had started making.
This spontaneous late-night brainstorming session turned into an all-nighter, leading to a heartfelt ballad that reverberates deeply with listeners.
Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga Share Mutual Admiration
During the same chat with Page Six, Lady Gaga didn’t hold back in praising Bruno Mars, emphasizing:
Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision are next level. There’s no one like him.
Mars mirrored this sentiment, conveying his collaboration with Gaga as “an honor”, stating that her presence infused the song with a magical quality. This mutual appreciation shines through in the emotional depth of the track.
Well, the lyrics of Die With a Smile encapsulate themes of love and connection, evoking powerful emotions:
If the world was ending
I’d wanna be next to you
If the party was over
And our time on Earth was through
I’d wanna hold you just for a while
And die with a smile
These sentiments resonate universally, adding to the song’s broad appeal.
Did Bruno Mars Channel Attack on Titan in Die With a Smile?
Alongside its musical charm, speculation arose about a potential link between Bruno Mars’ songwriting and the popular anime, Attack on Titan. Anime fans on platforms like TikTok and Reddit began to suggest that Mars drew inspiration from watching all four seasons of the show.
So, is it coincidence or intent?
Well, Die With a Smile is an ode to love birds whose hearts ache to be together. The lyrics reach through your chest and sway your soul to the melodious duet performed by Mars and Lady Gaga. However, anime fans who have heard the song cannot help but notice how the words deeply resound with one of the greatest anime shows of the current generation, Attack on Titan.
Moreover, the song perfectly fits with the ending clip of Attack on Titan, where Mikasa fondly remembers her childhood friend and love interest, Eren, after the events of the Rumbling. Lines like “I just woke up from a dream, where you and I had to say goodbye”, and “since I survived I realized” promptly made anime fans picture how Mikasa missed her time with Eren, their childhood, and growing up together, and how she was forced to kill Eren after he turned rogue.
Furthermore, “If the world was ending, I’d wanna be next to you” seems like a reference to the Rumbling, where at the end of it, Mikasa has to kill Eren, and shares a final kiss with him, confirming their long-standing love. However, as touching as the scene and the song are, there is no confirmation that Mars wrote the lyrics with Attack on Titan on his mind.
While some noted thematic parallels between the song’s lyrics and the intense narratives of the anime, credible sources have yet to support this theory.
Whether or not Bruno Mars took a page from the anime show, the heartfelt depth of Die With a Smile speaks volumes on its own, touching listeners in ways that go beyond mere references. At the end of the day, the magic of music is its power to unite us, sparking conversations that enhance our journeys as fans and aficionados of art.
The track features Gaga on piano and Mars on guitar, enhancing the intimate feel of their performance!
