Fall Out Boy's "Bang The Doldrums" - The Shrek Connection

For a good while, a lot of folks, even those who consider themselves quite familiar with the band's work, didn't fully grasp the origins of "Bang the Doldrums." It seems a lot of people just listened to the track, enjoyed its sound, and perhaps never really thought about its backstory. But, apparently, there's a rather compelling reason why this song came into being, something that points directly to a major motion picture project, which is, you know, quite a revelation for many of us.

This whole situation brings up some interesting points about how music gets made for films, and what happens to the songs that don't quite make the final cut. The story of "Bang the Doldrums" and its brief, almost secret, connection to the Shrek series is a pretty neat example of how creative paths can cross, even if the end result isn't exactly what was first envisioned. It's almost like a little piece of hidden history, just waiting for people to discover it, and it gives the song a whole new layer of meaning, you could say.

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Table of Contents

• The Unexpected Tale of "Bang the Doldrums"
• How Did "Bang the Doldrums" Get Linked to Shrek?
• What Did Pete Wentz Share About the Song?
• The Meaning Behind "Bang the Doldrums" - More Than Just a Tune?
• Why Was "Bang the Doldrums" Not in Shrek?
• What Are Fans Saying About "Bang the Doldrums" and Shrek?
• "Immortals" and Other Soundtracks - A Different Story?
• The Song's Place on "Infinity on High"

The Unexpected Tale of "Bang the Doldrums"

For a good many years, the origins of Fall Out Boy's song, "Bang the Doldrums," remained a bit of a mystery for a lot of people. It's one of those tracks that has a loyal following, but its backstory wasn't something widely known. Apparently, the realization that this particular piece of music was originally created with the Shrek film series in mind came as a genuine surprise to quite a few fans, even those who have followed the band for a considerable amount of time. You know, it’s not every day you find out a song you enjoy was almost part of a huge animated movie, and it really changes how you might listen to it, in a way.

There was a point when some folks were trying to figure out which specific song the band might have written for the Shrek pictures, but the details were not readily available. Even after listening to various interviews or discussions, it seems the exact piece of music wasn't always clearly identified. This sort of ambiguity just added to the intrigue surrounding the whole situation, making the eventual discovery of "Bang the Doldrums" as the intended track all the more interesting, very much so.

The very idea that a song with such a distinct sound, a sound that many might associate with Fall Out Boy's particular style, could have been envisioned for a family-friendly animated movie is, well, a little bit amusing to some. It's like picturing something in one setting, and then suddenly realizing it was nearly placed in a completely different one. This unexpected link gives "Bang the Doldrums" a unique place in the band's history, and it definitely sparks some fun conversations among listeners, too it's almost.

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How Did "Bang the Doldrums" Get Linked to Shrek?

The connection between "Bang the Doldrums" and the Shrek film franchise actually stems from a very specific period. It appears that the members of Fall Out Boy were approached around 2004 or 2005, with the intention of having them create a song for what would become Shrek 2. The people putting the film's soundtrack together, the producers, gave the band some rather specific ideas or guidelines about what they were looking for. This isn't just a rumor, apparently; it's a piece of information that has come to light over time, revealing a little bit about the song's initial purpose, you know.

It's interesting to consider that a band known for its particular musical style would be asked to contribute to such a widely popular animated movie. This kind of collaboration happens quite often in the music world, where artists are commissioned to write pieces for film projects. In this instance, the request for a song for Shrek 2 led directly to the creation of "Bang the Doldrums," even if it didn't end up in the movie itself. So, in some respects, the song owes its very existence to this early interaction with the film's creative team, that is that.

The fact that this particular song was conceived for a film like Shrek gives it a different kind of context when you listen to it. It's no longer just a track from an album; it carries with it this little secret history, this almost-story of being part of something else entirely. This revelation has certainly made a lot of fans look at "Bang the Doldrums" with fresh eyes, or perhaps, with fresh ears, considering its original, somewhat surprising, destination. It's a pretty neat piece of trivia, really, for anyone interested in the band or the films.

What Did Pete Wentz Share About the Song?

The details about "Bang the Doldrums" and its Shrek origins came to light, at least in part, through one of the band's prominent members, Pete Wentz. He has apparently spoken about this particular situation during public appearances, including a notable discussion on Dax Shepard's podcast. It was during this conversation that he shed some light on the band's involvement with the Shrek project, providing a clear link between their work and the animated movie. This kind of direct confirmation from someone involved really helps to solidify the story, you know, making it more than just speculation.

Pete Wentz's insights are particularly valuable because he was there, part of the creative process when the band was asked to write for the film. His perspective helps to paint a clearer picture of what happened, explaining why the song was created and why it ultimately didn't make it into the movie. It's like getting a peek behind the curtain, learning about the decisions and creative choices that go into making both music and films. This kind of firsthand account is, basically, what many fans look for when trying to understand the stories behind their favorite songs, too it's almost.

Beyond just the Shrek connection, it's also worth noting that Pete Wentz's personal writings played a role in the song's development. Several of the words and phrases that appear in "Bang the Doldrums" were apparently taken from his own blog entries, which he wrote during the Warped Tour in 2005. This adds another layer of personal expression to the song, showing how the band often draws from their own experiences and thoughts when crafting their music. It's a pretty honest way of creating, if you think about it, making the lyrics feel more genuine and connected to the artist's life, in a way.

The Meaning Behind "Bang the Doldrums" - More Than Just a Tune?

When you consider the title "Bang the Doldrums," it naturally brings to mind a very specific image or idea. The phrase "down in the doldrums" refers to a situation where sailing ships would get stuck in areas of the ocean where there was very little wind. Without wind, these vessels couldn't move forward, leaving them stranded and unable to progress. To try and get things going again, sailors would sometimes resort to drastic measures, even, apparently, throwing horses overboard in a desperate attempt to create a breeze or lighten the load. This historical context gives the song's title a sense of being stuck and trying to break free, you know, which is quite a powerful image.

Given this background, the song "Bang the Doldrums" seems to be about overcoming stagnation or breaking out of a difficult, unmoving period. It’s about making something happen when things feel stuck, forcing a change when progress seems impossible. This deeper meaning resonates with a lot of people who have faced similar feelings of being held back or needing to push through a tough spot. It's more than just a catchy tune; it carries a message of determination and resilience, really, which is something many can relate to, pretty much.

Some of the lyrics within "Bang the Doldrums" also contribute to this sense of breaking free or influencing circumstances. Lines like "I cast a spell over the west to make you think of" or "I wrote a goodbye note in lipstick on your arm when" suggest a desire to leave a mark, to exert influence, or to move past something. These phrases, combined with the title's reference to overcoming being stuck, paint a picture of someone actively trying to change their situation or affect another person's perception. It's a very active kind of song, in some respects, pushing against inertia and making things happen, just a little.

Why Was "Bang the Doldrums" Not in Shrek?

Despite Fall Out Boy being asked to create a song for Shrek 2, "Bang the Doldrums" ultimately didn't make it into the movie. The reason for this, as it turns out, was fairly straightforward: the people in charge of the film's music, the creative team, simply decided it wasn't what they were looking for. They had a particular vision for the soundtrack, a specific feel or mood they wanted to achieve, and this particular song, while certainly a strong piece of music, just didn't quite align with that artistic direction. It's a common occurrence in the film industry, where many songs are considered but only a select few are chosen, you know, for the final product.

It’s a bit like an audition, really. A song gets presented, and the film's creators listen to it, imagining how it would fit with the visuals and the story. If it doesn't quite click, or if another song feels like a better match, then it simply doesn't get selected. This doesn't mean the song itself is bad, not at all. It just means it wasn't the right piece for that particular puzzle at that moment in time. The producers of Shrek 2, apparently, had a very clear idea of the tone they wanted, and "Bang the Doldrums" didn't quite hit that mark for them, at the end of the day.

Interestingly, even though the song wasn't used in the film, Fall Out Boy was clearly pleased enough with "Bang the Doldrums" to include it on their next album. It found a home as the eleventh track on "Infinity on High," which was released in 2007. This shows that even if a piece of music doesn't serve its initial purpose, it can still be a valuable creation in its own right and find an audience elsewhere. It's a testament to the song's quality that the band felt it deserved to be heard, regardless of its Shrek connection, or lack thereof, you know, pretty much.

What Are Fans Saying About "Bang the Doldrums" and Shrek?

The revelation about "Bang the Doldrums" having been written for Shrek has certainly sparked a lot of discussion among fans. For many, it's a surprising piece of information that makes them listen to the song in a completely new way. Some people have mentioned that while it's a great song, they now find it hard to hear it without thinking about the green ogre, which is, honestly, kind of funny. It's like once you know the secret, you can't un-know it, and it changes your perception of the music, you know?

There are others who find the idea quite amusing, stating that the song makes them think more of swashbuckling pirates having a joyous time rather than anything related to Shrek. This highlights how different people interpret music and how the initial context can sometimes clash with the actual feel of a song. It's a bit of a disconnect for some, apparently, between what the song sounds like and what its intended purpose was, and that's perfectly fine, too it's almost.

Despite the unexpected link, a good many fans express a strong affection for "Bang the Doldrums" itself. People consistently say they absolutely love the song, regardless of its Shrek history. For some, finding out why the song exists, or at least why it was initially conceived, has only added to their appreciation for it. It's almost like discovering a hidden layer to a piece of art you already admire, making it even more interesting and personal, in a way. This kind of shared experience among listeners is, basically, what makes music communities so vibrant, you know, pretty much.

"Immortals" and Other Soundtracks - A Different Story?

While "Bang the Doldrums" didn't make it into Shrek, Fall Out Boy has had considerable success with other songs appearing in film soundtracks. A prime example of this is their song "Immortals," which played a very big part in the soundtrack for the animated movie "Big Hero 6." This particular track became quite well-known through its association with that film, showing that the band certainly knows how to create music that fits well within a cinematic context. It's a different story from the "Bang the Doldrums" situation, where the song was ultimately not used, you know.

Pete Wentz, during his appearance on Dax Shepard’s podcast, apparently spoke about "Immortals" and its success, alongside the earlier revelation about the Shrek connection. This demonstrates that while one creative endeavor might not pan out as initially planned, others can be very successful. It’s a common experience for artists to have multiple projects running, with varying outcomes. So, in some respects, the "Immortals" story acts as a counterpoint to the "Bang the Doldrums" tale, showing the different paths a song can take in the world of film, that is that.

The success of "Immortals" in "Big Hero 6" really highlights the band's ability to craft songs that resonate with a wider audience when paired with visual storytelling. It suggests that while "Bang the Doldrums" might not have been the right fit for Shrek, it doesn't mean Fall Out Boy isn't capable of producing excellent soundtrack material. It just means that sometimes, the artistic visions don't quite align, and that's just how the creative process goes, really. It’s a pretty normal part of how things work in the music and film industries, you know, when you think about it.

The Song's Place on "Infinity on High"

"Bang the Doldrums" found its permanent home as the eleventh track on Fall Out Boy's third studio album, "Infinity on High." This album was released in 2007, with the song itself seeing its release on February 6th of that year through Island Records. Even though it didn't end up in the Shrek movie, its inclusion on such a significant album for the band solidified its place in their discography and in the hearts of their fans. It's pretty cool that a song originally meant for a film found such a strong spot on a studio album, you know, pretty much.

While "Bang the Doldrums" might not be the most widely recognized or popular song from "Infinity on High," it certainly features various distinguished elements that make it stand out. It has a particular sound and feel that sets it apart, and for those who appreciate the band's work, it's a valued part of the album. The fact that it was created with a specific purpose in mind, even if that purpose wasn't ultimately fulfilled, adds a layer of interest to its composition and lyrics. It’s a song that has a story, which is, basically, something many listeners find appealing, too it's almost.

For some long-time fans of Fall Out Boy, rediscovering "Bang the Doldrums" or listening to "Infinity on High" in its entirety has led to a renewed appreciation for the track. There are those who have recently revisited the band's albums and found that "Bang the Doldrums" has moved up significantly in their personal ranking of favorite Fall Out Boy songs. This kind of re-evaluation happens quite often with music, where a song you might have overlooked before suddenly resonates with you in a new way. It just goes to show that a song's true impact can sometimes take time to fully develop, you know, for listeners.