Country Roads

“gray asphalt between green plants under clear blue sky during daytime” by George Hiles on Unsplash

John Denver’s country love-song really captures the essence of the film. Right off the bat, we hear an awesome bagpipe rendition of John Denver's infamous tune “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” This is clever foreshadowing for Merlin’s death as bagpipes are often played at funerals for servicemen and have Scottish tradition (Merlin’s nationality). Renditions of the song come up multiple times during the movie with one being when Merlin and Eggsy visit Kentucky. Merlin also mentions that his favorite singer is John Denver when trying to quiz Galahad (Colin Firth) about the past.

The most obvious and memorable use of the song is when Merlin takes his last stand and belts out the most glorious of performances. I am not afraid to admit that I shed a tear at this scene and would have gladly cry-sing my heart out with Merlin.

The Scotsman is taken home to a better place *tear* thus accomplishing his golden circle. Merlin serviced the Kingsman with great honor and went out with a bang — literally.

The song really encompasses the coming full circle feel of the movie. As stated before, an orchestral version of the song is played when Eggsy and Merlin go to Kentucky which would eventually lead to them meeting the Statesmen. We find out later in the movie that the last time the two organizations had close connection was during their inception. The founders of both teams knew each other and were part of the other’s Doomsday protocols. The second meeting definitely warranted Denver’s theme as both learned about the roots of the close relationship of their organizations thus leading both to come full circle.

Colin Firth as Galahad

Another character who comes home is Harry Hart (Galahad Sr.). After getting shot in the head by the ruthless Richmond Valentine in the first Kingsman, everyone thought that Harry was dead but we learn that Statesmen personnel rushed to his rescue and did their best to help his recovery. They did a great job but could not get Harry’s memory working properly. When Eggsy and Merlin arrive, they attempt to jog his memory by running old Kingsman training exercises. We get homages to the first film when Merlin and Ginger Ale try to submerge him in water but ultimately Eggsy is the one who achieves the breakthrough.

Mr. Pickle

Eggsy puts Harry through the dog shooting exercise and then Harry is able to come home and remember. It was a long journey for both but now they are reunited.

Last but not least is Eggsy.

Eggsy and Princess Tilde played by Taron Egerton and Hanna Alström

As an aspiring filmmaker, I learn more and more techniques about the craft everyday. Pondering this movie, I learned that the title alludes to the happenings of the film. Titles matter — who knew! Loyalty is a big part of the movie. Poppy, played by Julianne Moore, literally brands 24k golden circles onto her goons as a sign of loyalty. Eggsy, on the other hand achieves his golden circle with a wedding band. The couples’ loyalty was tested with that scene and, ultimately, things turned out well.When I finally realized golden circles = wedding rings, I actually felt enlightened haha. Obviously, there are many golden circles both literal and metaphorical (some of which I mentioned above). The layers in this film is actually pretty awesome when you think about it.

Whew. Ok back to the whole John Denver angle.

The legendary John Denver

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” was the perfect choice to represent the many golden circles in the film. The song perfectly represents what it really feels like to come home whether in the physical world or not. Home can be heaven (Merlin), returning to your senses (Harry), a person (Eggsy and Tilde).

Home can be anything and home is wherever your heart lies. We may stray off our paths sometimes but the roads shall lead to home.

Now sing with me!

♪♪ Take Me Home, Country Roadsssss ♪♪

Please comment about the song, the film, or anything at all!

Here’s an awesome video of a Korean guy singing the song!