What Song Is Ellie Playing In The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 5?

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 2:15 am

"Future Days" Haunts Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5: A Song of Loss

The emotional weight of Joel's death continues to hang heavy over Ellie in HBO's "The Last of Us" Season 2, and a familiar song is amplifying the pain. In episode 5, Ellie attempts to play "Future Days" by Pearl Jam, a song deeply intertwined with the relationship between Ellie and Joel, and a key element in the original game's narrative.

The song's significance stems from its prominent role in "The Last of Us" video game franchise. "Future Days" was featured in a special live event held after the first game's release, where actors performed key scenes, culminating in a bonus scene set after the game's ending. This scene, featuring "Future Days," served as a poignant send-off for Ellie and Joel, solidifying the song's emotional connection to their bond. Its importance was further cemented in "The Last of Us Part II."

The lyrics of "Future Days," particularly the opening line, "If I ever were to lose you, I'd surely lose myself," resonate deeply with Ellie's grief and the unresolved tension surrounding Joel's death. The song's inclusion in episode 5, titled "Future Days," mirrors its significance in the games, highlighting the devastating loss of the future Joel and Ellie will never share. The fact that Pearl Jam hails from Seattle only adds to the song's poignant context within the story's setting. As Ellie struggles to play the song, viewers are reminded of her fixation on avenging Joel, making the song's presence a powerful symbol of her grief and determination.

Keywords: The Last of Us, Season 2, Episode 5, Future Days, Pearl Jam, Ellie, Joel, song, music, HBO, video game, grief, loss, Neil Druckmann, Seattle, "If I ever were to lose you, I'd surely lose myself."

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