Star Wars is a modern classic loved by millions around the world, starting from the 1977 film and spawning works across all media - from novels and comic books, video games, and television series, to theme parks.
As fans observe Star Wars Day on May 4, based on the pun "May the fourth (force) be with you," here are some songs inspired by the all-reaching, ever-expanding Star Wars universe.
"Yoda" - Weird Al Yankovic
Weird Al's musical tale about the instantly-recognizable wise, green alien was a parody of the English rock band The Kinks' "Lola." This song has become one of Weird Al Yankovic's most famous works, even though it was never officially released as a single.
Listen to a humorous retelling of Luke Skywalker's first encounter with Master Yoda on the swamp planet of Dagobah, describing the master as "A guy who looks like a muppet, but he's wrinkled and green." The song's story heavily draws on the second Star Wars film, "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back."
"A New Hope (Princess Leia)" - Blink-182
"A New Hope" is both the retroactive title of the original Star Wars film and the Blink-182 punk love song. The California rock band was the voice of a generation in love with Princess Leia, brought to life by the one and only Carrie Fisher. Leia was the female hero icon - a princess, rebel, and spy.
Blink-182's lyrics scatter a lot of references in an attempt to woo Leia Organa, from promising to "search the moons of Endor" to walking "naked through the deserts of Tatooine."
"Chewbacca" - Supernova
This song by punk act Supernova was a part of the official soundtrack for the 1994 comedy cult classic "Clerks." The Wookie-inspired single isn't anything elaborate but is a fun addition to any Star Wars playlist. It is made up of Supernova's loud cheers, to which Chewbacca responds with his signature Wookie growls and roars.
For non-Star Wars fans: Chewbacca is the tall, hairy creature that usually accompanies Harrison Ford Han Solo. Chewie is the trusty co-pilot of the Millenium Falcon, as well as Han's voice of reason.
"The Saga Begins" - Weird Al Yankovic
Parody legend Weird Al returns to the list with his take on Don McLean's lengthy classic "American Pie." "The Saga Begins" summarizes "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace," with Yankovic himself singing from Tatooine and Mos Eisley Cantina, sporting the same Jedi robes as Obi-Wan once did.
"And I was singin'... My my, this here Anakin guy/May be Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry," Yankovic sang.
"TIE after TIE" - Debs and Errol
First of all, TIE stands for Twin Ion Engines - referring to the propulsion system responsible for the fast and agile ships that have become commonplace in Star Wars media. Canadian comedy duo Debs and Errol spin Cyndi Lauper's 1983 hit "Time After Time" to "TIE After TIE."
Their parody tells the story of an X-Wing fighter having trouble with the standard-issue spacecraft used by the evil Empire in the movies. The swarming vehicles prompt the chorus, "You can run, you can hide, but they will find you/ TIE after TIE."
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