The Haunting Melody of 'Secret': Why It Fits Perfectly with Pretty Little Liars

"Secret" by The Pierces is the haunting and poignant theme song of the television series Pretty Little Liars. Released in 2010, it perfectly encapsulates the show's central themes of mystery, deception, and the complexities of friendship. The lyrics of the song, with their exploration of hidden truths and the idea that everyone has secrets, align flawlessly with the central plot of Pretty Little Liars, where the main characters grapple with their own secrets and the enigmatic figure of A.

The show revolves around a group of high school girls, Aria, Spencer, Hanna, Emily, and Bonnie, who find themselves at the center of an elaborate web of secrets and lies. The song's message is mirrored in the characters' constant secrets, from their parents, friends, lovers, and even each other. The lyrics:

“Got a secret can you keep it swear this one you'll save”
“Better lock it in your pocket taking this one to the grave”
“If I show you then I know you won’t tell what I said.”
“Cause two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.”

dive deep into the themes of Pretty Little Liars. These lines encapsulate the idea of girls keeping secrets from their loved ones and how beautiful the truth can be. The veiled threat in the lyrics, particularly the line 'two can keep a secret if one of them is dead,' alludes to the constant A messages, blackmailing the characters and making them feel stalked and always watched. In essence, it is a show about secrets, lies, deceit, stalking, blackmail, and threats.

Context and Usage

The choice of "Secret" as the theme song was a strategic decision that emphasized the show's core themes. The song's haunting melody and the emotional weight of its lyrics made it a perfect match for the series. The message of the song is a metaphorical representation of Pretty Little Liars's plot, where secrets and lies are used to manipulate, deceive, and ultimately, create a tense and thrilling environment.

Analysis of the Key Lyrics

Let's analyze the key lyrics from "Secret" to understand exactly how they relate to the themes of the show:

"Got a secret can you keep it swear this one you'll save"

This line speaks to the characters' struggles with keeping their secrets safe. In Pretty Little Liars, it is common for the main characters to try to hide their secrets, but the reality is that the truth always has a way of coming out. The secret, if given, is meant to be kept, no matter the cost.

"Better lock it in your pocket taking this one to the grave"

This line adds a somber and final tone to the idea of keeping a secret. It suggests that the secret is so significant that the only way to ensure it stays hidden is to take it to the grave with you. This is a stark reminder of the consequences of keeping secrets in the show, as the secrets often end up having fatal or life-altering impacts.

"If I show you then I know you won’t tell what I said"

This line highlights the characters' fear of having their secrets exposed. In Pretty Little Liars, the characters do not trust each other, and the fear of their secrets being revealed is a constant anxiety. The implication is that if they do share a secret, the outcome will be disastrous.

"Cause two can keep a secret if one of them is dead"

This line is perhaps the most haunting, as it alludes to the constant threat of blackmail and the idea that a secret can only be kept if someone dies. This is a clear reference to the show's recurring A figure, who uses death threats and other forms of manipulation to keep the characters in line. The line also highlights the tensions and the trust issues within the show's central group of high school girls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Secret" is not just a catchy and haunting theme song, but it perfectly encapsulates the essence of Pretty Little Liars. The song's exploration of hidden truths and the idea that the truth will always come out aligns with the show's complex and often dark plot. The lyrics, with their somber and ominous tone, mirror the characters' constant secrets, lies, and the unbreakable bond of friendship tainted by deception. This makes "Secret" an indispensable part of the show's legacy, perfectly complementing the narrative and making the show more engaging and memorable.