Every song and when they are played

The 1985 film St. Elmo’s Fire is known for its music being almost as memorable and meaningful as the film itself. The film’s soundtrack was composed by composer David Foster, who helped with the production and writing of the songs. Foster’s work brought the soundtrack a Nomination for Best Album of Original Music for a Motion Picture or Television Special at the 1985 Grammy Awards. The film was the creative and acting achievement of Joel Schumacher, who introduced the genre of the love drama with St. Elmo’s Fire before moving on to directing more intense action films.

Along with The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire was considered an essential ensemble brat pack film of the 1980s. St. Elmo’s Fire follows a group of seven young graduates trying to find their way in adult lifewith many of the actors being considered key members of the Brat Pack. The group of friends consists of Billy (Rob Lowe), Wendy (Mare Winningham), Leslie (Ally Sheedy), Jules (Demi Moore), Alec (Judd Nelson), Kevin (Andrew McCarthy) and Kirbo (Emilio Estevez). The narrative, acting and soundtrack all work together to St. Elmo’s Fire a classic film from the 1980s.

Related

Why Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall are the only members of the Brat Pack missing from the St. Elmo’s Fire

Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall are the only main members of the Brat Pack missing from St. Elmo’s Fire, but there’s a good reason for their absence.

When every song from the St. Elmo’s Fire soundtrack is played in the movie

The song from the film stands out from the crowd

“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” by John Parr – After visiting Billy and Wendy in the hospital following a car accident, the group goes to their usual hangout, St. Elmo’s Bar in Georgetown, with “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” by John Parr playing in the background. The song also emphasizes the significance of Kirbo seeing his true love Dale (Andie MacDowell) for the first time since college. The song plays over shots of the group’s routine, showing their familiarity with the bar and their love for each other. The song is later played in the film as background music during Kirbo’s party, which is repeatedly interrupted by Alec’s outbursts.

The soundtrack was so important to the film that the film’s story was expanded upon in Parr’s music video for “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion).” The music video features Parr singing, clips from the film, and new footage of the seven cast members returning to St. Elmo’s Bar. The video remains considered Parr’s most significant contribution to 1980s pop culture.

“Give Her a Little Drop More” by Todd Smallwood – At the bar, the group splits into pairs to dance and sing along to a live cover of “Give Her A Little Drop More” by Todd Smallwood. This scene further emphasizes the group’s intimacy and familiarity with each other. The song is heard briefly at the end of the film, when the friends see a new group at their bar table and realize how much they have matured over the course of the film. At least enough that they no longer need to hang out at St. Elmo’s Bar to maintain their bond.

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin – Kevin is in his room singing along to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” smoking a cigarette and playing bongos. When his roommate comes home, Kevin quickly turns off the music, fearing Kirbo will make fun of him for his solo performance. This scene establishes Kevin as a shy, quirky character.

“Four Seasons: Spring” by Antonio Vivaldi – The classic song “Four Seasons: Spring” by Antonio Vivaldi plays in the background during Leslie and Kevin’s conversation in Leslie’s kitchen as they prepare a nice dinner. The music underscores the feeling of sophistication and refinement that the group of friends seeks as young adults.

“Shake Down” by Billy Squier – After Kevin is bullied by his friends for his celibacy, Billy Squier’s “Shake Down” plays as the character approaches Naomi (Anna Maria Horsford), a sex worker he is friends with. Naomi tells him that she thought he was gay and that’s why she never offered him any services. With a smile, Kevin walks out of the situation before anything can happen.

“One Love” by David Foster – After being rejected by Wendy, Billy leaves her house as “One Love” by David Foster plays. The film then cuts to a Halloween concert where Billy plays the saxophone song on stage while a costumed crowd dances to it. The song consists primarily of saxophone with limited lyrics, highlighting Billy’s musical talent. The play ends when Billy notices that his estranged wife is in the bar with another man, and he jumps off the stage to fight with him.

“Saved My Life” by Fee Waybill – Kevin returns to the corner where Naomi is working and “Saved My Life” by Fee Waybill plays as he walks through the alley. He asks Naomi about her thoughts on the meaning of life and she proposes again. Kevin declines and walks away, but a friendship seems to be developing between them.

“You’re still laughing” by Fee Waybill – Contrary to the optimism Leslie and Wendy share about Billy’s new job, the film cuts to Billy making out with a woman in a bathtub while “You’re Still Laughing” by Fee Waybill plays loudly. The music stops abruptly when Billy’s new boss comes in and reveals they’re at his house. Billy is fired off-screen.

“This time it was really right” by Jon Anderson – Kirbo throws a party at his new boss’s house to talk to Dale. As the group arrives at the event, “This Time It Was Really Right” by Jon Anderson is playing in the background.

“If I Turn You Away” by Vikki Moss – When Dale doesn’t show up to the party, Vikki Moss’s “If I Turn You Away” plays while Kirbo calls to ask if she’s still at work. Billy and Wendy talk outside the party, meeting for the first time since she turned him down. The song reflects Billy’s melancholy as he realizes he missed his chance with Wendy, now that he sees that she’s moved on.

“Young and Innocent” by Elefante – As Kirbo and Kevin reflect on their lost loves and the splintering of their friend group, Elefante’s “Young and Innocent” plays. The two head back to St. Elmo’s Bar, but instead of going in, they peer through the window as if examining who they once were.

Where to listen to the St. Elmo’s Fire soundtrack

The album is available on all major music streaming platforms.

The official St. Elmo’s Fire The soundtrack is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Versions of the CD can be purchased at major stores, including Target, and online retailers such as eBay. Vinyls of the album are also available online. In 1985, the original soundtrack was advertised as available “on Atlantic Records and cassettes” at the end of the film’s credits. Not all of the film’s songs are on the official soundtrack, and certain songs are not listed in the film’s discography.

St. Elmo’s Fire

director

Joel Schumacher

Release date

June 28, 1985

Authors

Joel Schumacher, Carl Kurlander

Pour

Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham, Andrew McCarthy, Martin Balsam, Andie MacDowell

Duration

108 minutes

budget

10 million US dollars

Expand