The Deeper Meaning of 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep' in The Crown's Season 6 Finale
Exploring the significance and symbolism of the song 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep' in the final scene of The Crown's season 6 finale.
The Emotional Climax
Sleep, dearie, sleep
In the climactic scene of The Crown's season 6 finale, a haunting song entitled 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep' plays as Queen Elizabeth, now 80 years old, spends a solitary moment in Westminster Abbey. The song holds a deeper meaning as she envisions her own coffin and encounters younger versions of herself, portrayed by Olivia Coleman and Claire Foy. This poignant moment brings back every actor who played Queen Elizabeth on The Crown, allowing both the Queen and the audience to reflect on her reign as the swelling bagpipe melody resonates through the Abbey.
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth in St. George's Chapel in The Crown finale
The final scene of The Crown season 6 functions as a tribute to the real Queen Elizabeth, whose recent passing has left a profound impact on the British public. The delicate handling of this scene was essential, given the surge in viewership of The Crown after Queen Elizabeth's death. Alongside the apparitions of the coffin and the Queen's past selves, the bagpipe song foreshadows the monarch's future, bearing a direct reference to Queen Elizabeth's real-life funeral service at Westminster Abbey.
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth looks at the crown on her coffin in The Crown finale
The Symbolism of 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep'
During Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral at Westminster Abbey, the song 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep' was performed by her personal bagpipe player, Pipe Major Paul Burns. This powerful moment was a tribute to the Queen, and the inclusion of the song in The Crown's finale serves as a poignant homage to this historic event. The song was chosen for its significance as the final piece played at the Queen's funeral service, symbolizing the end of an era and the culmination of a long and complex reign.
The Crown's three Queen Elizabeths, played by Imelda Staunton, Olivia Colman, and Claire Foy.
The real meaning of 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep' is explained through its origin as a traditional Scottish lullaby. Originally urging a soldier to rest after a long and difficult day at war, the song takes on a metaphorical significance in the context of Queen Elizabeth's reign. After seven decades of service as the Queen of the United Kingdom, the song symbolically conveys the message that it is time for Queen Elizabeth II to rest.
Listening to 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep'
The bagpipe rendition of 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep' from Queen Elizabeth's funeral is not widely available on streaming platforms, with the exception of the YouTube clip. However, the version from The Crown's finale is accessible on Spotify and Apple Music, titled as 'Leave You To It (Sleep, Dearie, Sleep).' This stirring bagpipe instrumental evokes the emotional resonance of the final scene in The Crown, offering a powerful listening experience for fans of the show.
The song's availability extends to YouTube, where both the audio track and a clip from the show featuring the emotional final scene can be found. Additionally, various interpretations and adaptations of the traditional Scottish lullaby are available across streaming platforms, offering a diverse exploration of 'Sleep, Dearie, Sleep' for music enthusiasts.
