Every Song & When They Play

Summary

• The Bear, a critically acclaimed TV series, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of drama, emotion, and culinary world.
• Throughout its three seasons, The Bear has featured a diverse and carefully curated selection of songs that have become synonymous with the series.
• The Bear season 3 continues the show’s reliance on music as an integral storytelling tool.

The Bear season 3 picks up where season 2 left off, telling the story of the titular restaurant set against a varied soundtrack consisting of many artists and songs both new and old. Since The Bear season 2’s dramatic ending, audiences have been eagerly anticipating the continuation of creator Christopher Storer’s intensely human story. The Bear tells tales of high-end dining and Michelin stars but is at its best when focusing on the people at the center of those stories, brought to life by The Bear season 3’s excellent cast.

As of The Bear season 3’s ending, each character receives their due share of screentime as they navigate work life, personal issues, and deep-rooted trauma against the backdrop of fine dining. Oftentimes, as a way to offset the emotionally heavy storylines of the show, Storer wisely integrates various songs from a vast collection of artists, as was the case with The Bear season 2’s soundtrack. This continues in spades with The Bear season 3’s soundtrack, with many songs being played across the ten episodes to enhance the joyous, stressful, anxiety-inducing, hilarious, dramatic season of television.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 1

Episode Title: “Tomorrow”

“Together” by Nine Inch Nails: Of all episodes in The Bear season 3, the premiere is undeniably the easiest to write about concerning the soundtrack considering there is only one song. The episode takes on a slightly different format from past installments of The Bear, intercutting various scenes from Carmy’s past as a chef with the fallout of his explosive breakdown in The Bear season 2’s finale. “Together” plays intermittently throughout the entirety of The Bear season 3, episode 1, with Carmy’s history being told beneath the gentle, building, somewhat solemn track from Nine Inch Nails.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 2

Episode Title: “Next”

“Save It For Later” by Eddie Vedder: The Bear season 3, episode 2 opens with Syd getting ready for her day at work. After this, the opening credits list the various cast members and creators involved in The Bear with various establishing shots of Chicago and everyday people going about their lives. This montage is accompanied by Eddie Vedder’s “Save it for Later,” setting the tone for the season ahead after episode 1’s retrospective, reflective opening.

“Nice Dream” by Radiohead: The only other song in The Bear season 3, episode 2 is “Nice Dream” by Radiohead. This song begins fading in during the episode’s final scene between Marcus and Carmy. The episode then cuts to black, and the song plays over the end credits.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 3

Episode Title: “Doors”

The Bear season 3, episode 3 is an interesting case study concerning soundtrack. The episode’s story speeds through an entire month of work at the titular Bear restaurant, evoking the stress, anxiety, and intensity that comes with running a high-end restaurant. As such, The Bear season 3, episode 3 features various pieces of classical music sprinkled atop the story’s various montages of The Bear’s inner workings:

• “L’amico Fritz: Intermezzo” by Berlin Philharmonic & Herbert von Karajan
• “Špacíček Suit No. 2, H. 214b: II. The Shoemaker’s Capricious Patron” by Neeme Järvi, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra & Liidia Ilves
• “Symphony No. 7 in G Minor, P I:7: IV. Finale. Adagio – Allegro” by Franz Krommer, Orchestra Della Svizzera Italiana, Howard Griffiths
• “Lurline: Overture” by Victorian Opera Orchestra & Richard Bonynge
• “Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90 – Italian: IV. Saltarello (Presto)” Filarmónica de Viena & Christoph von Dohnányi
• “La Traviate: Intermezzo” by Yuri Sazonoff & Jerry Caringi

The Bear Season 3, Episode 4

Episode Title: “Violet”

“Pearly Dewdrop’s Drops” by Cocteau Twins: The Bear season 3, episode 4 opens with a flashback to Carmy’s relationship with Claire. The two have a lengthy conversation about their difficult work environments before the episode’s credits begin. After this sequence, “Pearly Dewdrop’s Drops” plays, allowing the highly-acclaimed The Bear season 3 to continue its signature trait of music often bookending episodes.

“Spinning Away” by Brian Eno & John Cale: Midway through The Bear season 3, episode 4, Natalie a.k.a. Sugar is shown having a conversation with her husband Pete. After this, Tina is shown perusing a farmer’s market. “Spinning Away” begins playing at the end of the former scene and transitions into the latter, bridging the two moments together.

“Long Live (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift: This song can be heard playing inside Frank’s house as Richie and Eva approach. Frank is the new husband of Richie’s ex-wife Tiff, meaning he somewhat shares custody of Eva. The inclusion of Taylor Swift links back to The Bear season 2 when Richie was shown listening to the artist, given she is a favorite of Eva, something Frank is also evidently aware of in The Bear season 3.

“Getchoo” by Weezer: As is often the case with The Bear‘s episodes, a song accompanies the end credits. In the case of The Bear season 3, episode 4, this song is “Getchoo” by Weezer. Weezer songs can be heard a few times across The Bear season 3’s 10 episodes, with the first coming in “Violet.”

The Bear Season 3, Episode 5

Episode Title: “Children”

“Dream Little One, Dream” by Charles Laughton & Walter Schumann: The midway point of The Bear season 3 opens with Natalie. Nat is shown reckoning with her own trauma stemming from Michael’s death which shook up The Bear‘s Berzatto family tree while also getting through her pregnancy. As this montage is shown, “Dream Little One, Dream” from 1955’s The Night of the Hunter can be heard playing.

“Purple Heather” by Van Morrison: After Nat’s opening scene, The Bear season 3, episode 5 switches focus to Syd and Marcus. The episode then transitions into a montage of Carmy perfecting dishes for The Bear’s menu, Richie preparing for work, and other everyday aspects surrounding the restaurant. This montage is accompanied by “Purple Heather” by Van Morrison, specifically the live version from The Troubadour.

“Save It For Later” by Eddie Vedder: After appearing in The Bear season 3, episode 2, “Save It For Later” makes a return in The Bear season 3, episode 5. This time, the song is played as Richie is shown talking on the phone with Jess. Jess was an employee from the restaurant Ever where Richie found his purpose in The Bear season 2’s “Forks” episode and was a big part of Richie’s subsequent success, marking a nice return and potential future love interest for the character going into The Bear season 4.

“Mixed Emotions” by The Rolling Stones: A large portion of The Bear season 3, episode 5 surrounds a photographer from a news outlet coming to the titular restaurant to snap photos for an impending review. As such, the episode focuses on The Bear’s staff prepping the restaurant as best as they can, including Neil Fak, his brother Theo, and Sammy, the latter brought to life by a surprising John Cena cameo. As this montage of madness centered on the Faks unfolds, “Mixed Emotions” plays.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 6

Episode Title: “Napkins”

“Get Down On It” by Kool & The Gang: The Bear season 3, episode 6 is a standout installment of the show centering entirely around Tina. The story flashes back to how Tina – who calls Carmy “Jeff” in The Bear – initially began working at The Beef, now the eponymous restaurant, and is incredibly emotional in the distinct way the show has coined and masterfully handled repeatedly. As Tina’s day and the episode begins, her radio begins playing “Get Down On It.”

“The Start Of Things” by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross: The driving focus of The Bear season 3, episode 6 is Tina losing a job she had for 15 years. This kickstarts a period of dark uncertainty for Tina and is depicted in an extremely human way, making music from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – both of The Bear season 3, episode 1’s Nine Inch Nails – a masterful choice. Reznor and Ross’ film scores have been known to evoke strong emotion, with “The Start of Things” from the movie Mid90s expertly translating Tina’s feelings.

“The Morning Fog” by Kate Bush: Where Kool & The Gang began one of Tina’s days in The Bear season 3, episode 6, Kate Bush’s “The Morning Fog” begins another. The song plays once more on Tina’s radio to wake her for another day of fruitlessly searching for employment. The song plays throughout the ensuing montage of Tina heading in and back out of endless establishments throughout Chicago before she learned of The Bear‘s kitchen lingo and became a chef.

“Sabotage” by The Beastie Boys: As Tina hits rock bottom in The Bear season 3, episode 6, one of the best needle drops in the show’s history is found. Tina has been rejected from various jobs and now has to wait 35 minutes for a bus delay to get back home. As she looks around for somewhere to eat before her bus arrives, the camera pans to The Beef, the chaotic center of the show, as “Sabotage” rocks in.

“Got This Happy Feeling” by Ghetto Brothers: In true The Bear fashion, a song is used to end Tina’s episode. This song is “Got This Happy Feeling” by Ghetto Brothers, perfectly reversing the dour, depressing tones of Reznor and Ross’ “The Start of Things” from earlier. With Tina having found a job and having a more positive outlook, Ghetto Brothers’ tune perfectly captures this as The Bear season 3, episode 6’s credits begin to roll, giving Tina’s character even deeper, more meaningful context ahead of The Bear season 4.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 7

Episode Title: “Legacy”

“No Machine” by Adrianne Lenker: Most episodes of The Bear begin with an opening montage of some kind. Oftentimes, these montages consist of shots of everyday Chicago from the city’s public transport to its citizens, or clips of The Bear‘s characters preparing for the day ahead. The Bear season 3, episode 7 is no different, with this opening montage being accompanied by Lenker’s “No Machine.”

“Save It For Later” by Eddie Vedder: The third appearance of “Save It For Later” also comes in this episode. The episode raises a big problem for Syd, one that gives her a choice to make between Carmy and her dedication to The Bear or a likely less toxic, better-paid job with Adam Shapiro, another chef. The scene between the two includes the aforementioned song from Eddie Vedder, which becomes the unofficial theme of The Bear season 3 due to its repeated utilization.

“Fight For Your Right” by The Beastie Boys: The only successful element of The Bear in The Bear season 3 is The Beef, the remnants of the old store that consists of a window that still sells sandwiches from the old store. In The Bear season 3, episode 7, Ebra receives help from two former workers. As The Beef window continues its effective operation, another Beastie Boys song is tied to the business.

“Stephanie” by Buckingham Nicks: This song accompanies various scenes in The Bear season 3, episode 7. One involves Richie and Nat as the two open up to one another. Another is Sydney taking her anger out on The Bear’s recycling bin. The final scene involves Tina and Ebra talking about their renewed excitement.

“Up On The Roof” by Carole King: The Bear season 3, episode 7 ends would have ended with a pretty big cliffhanger were it not for the show’s binge-watch model. After a montage of Carmy and Syd preparing for work, Nat is shown shopping for napkins. As the latter loads her car, her labor begins, and the episode ends. This final scene, and the montage preceding it, includes Carole King’s song.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 8

Episode Title: “Ice Chips”

“New Noise” by Refused: The Bear season 3, episode 8 picks up right where the last leaves off. Nat is shown desperately trying to get to a hospital while attempting to get in touch with her various friends and family members. This stressful scene is accompanied by “New Noise” by Refused which has been used in the show since The Bear season 1.

“Baby, I Love You” by The Ronettes: Like Tina’s episode, The Bear season 3, episode 8 is a masterpiece of character work. Nat’s relationship with Donna in The Bear, her mother, is the focus of the episode as the former has her child. This leads off from the traumatic, distressing flashback episode from The Bear season 2, “Fishes,” and ends on a notably happier, extremely emotional note for Nat and Donna. The two bond over the former’s birth, with “Baby, I Love You” summing up the episode perfectly.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 9

Episode Title: “Apologies”

“13 Ghosts II” by Nine Inch Nails: The third appearance from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, via Nine Inch Nails, in The Bear season 3 comes in the penultimate episode. This episode opens with Marcus trying to find inspiration for his deserts, watching a montage of magicians to do so. This montage is accompanied by “13 Ghosts II,” another musical composition from the aforementioned duo and their band.

“Are You Looking Up” by Mk.Gee: Later in this episode, Carmy, Theodore, and Neil are tidying up the recycling bin out the back of the restaurant. As the trio breaks down cardboard boxes and talks about Carmy’s relationship with Claire, Mk.Gee can be heard in the background.

“Strange Currencies” by R.E.M.: The Bear season 3, episode 9 surrounds Carmy’s inability to apologize to Claire due to past trauma. At one point, Carmy finds himself in the freezer at The Bear, the same place where he angrily ranted about Claire taking his focus away from the restaurant in season 2’s finale. Carmy reckoning with his past mistakes is shown as “Strange Currencies” is playing.

“Secret Love” by Stevie Knicks: The Bear season 3, episode 9 makes up for a somewhat disappointing lack of Richie in the overall season. In this episode, Richie and Tiff are shown sitting on a park bench talking about the latter’s upcoming wedding. The scene has Stevie Knicks’ “Secret Love” playing over it, linking to Richie and Tiff’s romantic past.

“Blowing Kisses” by Jennifer Castle: The Bear season 3, episode 9’s montage comes later in the story. As Carmy is shown drawing sketches of dishes for The Bear, Syd is shown taking in a calming view of the ocean while other clips of food preparation are shown. Castle’s “Blowing Kisses” is played over these images.

“A Murder Of One” by Counting Crows: The final scenes of The Bear season 3, episode 9 involve Carmy and Natalie. After the latter gives both, she is shown at home taking pictures of her daughter. The scene switches to Carmy, who is preparing himself to go to a so-called “funeral dinner” for the high-end restaurant known as Ever. These two scenes are accompanied by “A Murder Of One,” which continues playing over the end credits.

The Bear Season 3, Episode 10

Episode Title: “Forever”

“Together” by Nine Inch Nails: In a nice bookend of The Bear season 3, “Together” can be heard in the finale. The song once again is linked to Carmy’s past, as he is shown being taught various lessons by one of his former mentors.

“In The Garage” by Weezer: The second Weezer appearance in The Bear season 3 comes in episode 10. The song in question is “In The Garage,” which plays over another montage of Chicago. This montage is then followed up by various edits of the different chefs that will attend the Ever “funeral dinner,” giving the audience a quick introduction to the finale’s side characters.

“The Big County” by Talking Heads: Much of this episode takes place inside Ever, the restaurant that is closing down. As such, various songs are played in the background to accompany extended dialog scenes. One such song is “The Big County.” Talking Heads’ tune plays as the celebrations at Ever get underway.

“Joy” by The Sundays: In The Bear season 3, episode 10, Syd attends Ever’s last dinner. She was invited by Carmy earlier in the season and approaches the table of other chefs in the finale. As Syd enters, “Joy” can be heard playing.

“Can You Hear Me” by David Bowie: As alluded to, the various dialog scenes of The Bear season 3, episode 10 has music in the background given the restaurant setting. As the chefs at Carmy and Syd’s table are talking about their introduction to cooking and why they do what they do, the legendary David Bowie is included in The Bear‘s soundtrack.

“Diamond Diary” by Tangerine Dream: While Carmy and Syd mingle with the other chefs in The Bear season 3, episode 10, Richie stays behind the scenes. Given that Ever is where Richie learned to be a front-of-house staff member, he prefers the company of his old compatriots to Carmy and the other high-end chefs. As service gets underway for Richie’s friends, “Diamond Diary” is heard.

“Just One More Day” by Otis Reading: One of the crucial scenes in The Bear season 3, episode 10 involves Carmy confronting David Fields. Fields appears throughout The Bear as one of many cameos – given he is played by Community alum Joel McHale – and was an abusive ex-mentor of Carmy’s. Carmy airs out his grievances with David in The Bear season 3’s finale which falls on deaf ears, accompanied by “Just One More Day.”

“We Close Our Eyes” by Susanna Hoffs: One of the more intriguing scenes in The Bear season 3, episode 10 sees Syd meet Will Poulter’s Luca. As the two talk in the kitchen of Ever later in the episode, Hoffs can be heard playing.

“Big White Cloud” by John Cale: After Syd converses with Luca, she is pulled aside by Adam. The latter presses Syd about his job proposal, causing an awkward interaction. As Syd leaves, she and the other servers watch the sign containing Ever’s “Every Second Counts” motto from The Bear be taken down. As this happens, “Big White Cloud” plays on The Bear season 3’s soundtrack.

“Laid” by James: The Bear season 3, episode 10 finally gives audiences some scenes between Carmy and Olivia Coleman’s Andrea Terry. As the two finish talking and everyone prepares to leave Ever for good, “Laid” bridges the dour exit with a feel-good party at Syd’s new apartment.

“Disarm” by The Smashing Pumpkins: To round out The Bear season 3, “Disarm” is played. This song will long be attributed to The Bear season 3’s cliffhanger ending, which leaves audiences unsure about how good or bad the titular restaurant was reviewed. Nevertheless, the end credits roll to the sound of The Smashing Pumpkins, leaving the story in limbo until The Bear season 4.