The Bear With The Maiden Fair

Album: Single Release Only (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song tells the story of a bear at a fair who seduces a maiden in search of a knight. It was recorded by The Hold Steady for Game Of Thrones with the lyrics written by the TV saga's writer George RR Martin and music by the show's composer Ramin Djawadi. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Game Of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss explained the tune is "one of the most popular songs in Westeros, beloved by nobles and commoners alike, sung at taverns and feasts." The song was released on seven-inch vinyl on April 20, 2013 for Record Store Day.
  • So why was indie band The Hold Steady chosen to record the track? Benioff and Weiss explained: "We wanted our rendition to be bawdy and a little sloppy - drunken musicians getting up on the table and jamming while the rowdy party continues around them. There was no-one better for the job than The Hold Steady, and the song they delivered has been stuck in our heads for the last four weeks."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.