Summary
The song "Address Unknown" at the beginning of Better Call Saul symbolizes Saul Goodman's yearning for his previous life and vibrant character. Nevertheless, the lyrics of the song don't completely align with Saul's transformation into Gene, considering that Gene can effortlessly invoke Saul's personality when necessary.In Better Call Saul season 6, the true significance of "Address Unknown" is unveiled, shedding light on its connection to Saul's estranged love interest, Kim, and their complex relationship.
From the very beginning of Better Call Saul, the series features "Address Unknown" by The Ink Spots, but the deeper meaning behind its inclusion in episode 1 remains concealed until much later in the story. Serving as a prequel to Breaking Bad, the show follows Jimmy McGill's transformation into the cunning lawyer, Saul Goodman, showcased by Bob Odenkirk's captivating performance. Upon the conclusion of Breaking Bad, Saul adopts a new identity as Gene Takovic, an employee at Cinnabon, as he endeavors to distance himself completely from any affiliation with Heisenberg.
Better Call Saul's Premiere Song Was About Saul Goodman's Missing Persona
Rewriting the FragmentSaul has to give up his luxurious lifestyle and stay out of trouble to fly under the radar. In the opening scene of Better Call Saul, viewers get a glimpse of his mundane daily life as Gene, which starkly contrasts his previous routine. The song "Address Unknown" plays in the background, initially seeming straightforward in its meaning. However, the sixth season of Better Call Saul brings a fresh perspective on how the lyrics relate to Saul's journey.
When the premiere of Better Call Saul first aired, the song "Address Unknown" seemed to be referencing Saul Goodman's lost identity. The opening of the show emphasizes the significant changes in Saul's life since Breaking Bad. It portrays a melancholic image of a once vibrant personality. Consequently, the lyrics, "Address unknown, not even a trace of you/Oh, what I'd give to see the face of you/I was a fool to stay away from you, so long/I should have known there'd come a day when you'd be gone," easily suggest that Gene yearns for his previous life.
However, while some lines from The Ink Spots' song align seamlessly with Saul's transformation into Gene, others fall short of conveying the same resonance. In particular, the lyrics of "Address Unknown" touch upon the idea of tirelessly seeking someone, only to come to the realization that they are untraceable. While Gene embarks on a journey of introspection in the latter episodes of Better Call Saul, the "address unknown" segments of the song do not entirely correlate with his experiences. Gene distances himself from Saul out of necessity, yet he retains the ability to effortlessly summon that persona at will. This is evident when he assumes his Saul identity during the Cinnabon mall scam in Season 6 of Better Call Saul. Therefore, these lyrics aptly apply to Saul's relationship with Kim.
Better Call Saul's "Address Unknown" Was Secretly About Kim All Along
The sixth season of Better Call Saul uncovers the true significance of the song "Address Unknown" played in the premiere, revealing that it has nothing to do with Saul's past life. As the AMC series delves into Saul and Kim's relationship, it becomes evident that Saul is reminiscing about his former lover in the opening of the show. Following the fallout from Harold Hamlin's death, the two remain distant for years. It becomes apparent that Saul does not choose this estrangement himself. While he doesn't openly admit it until later, he is yearning for Kim throughout the premiere of Better Call Saul. The inclusion of The Ink Spots' song serves as a tribute to their separation.
After their divorce, Kim deliberately creates a distance between herself and Saul, moving away from Albuquerque and making it challenging for him to locate her. The lyrics of "address unknown" specifically convey this fact, while other lines suggest that their relationship was destined to eventually conclude in this manner. In Better Call Saul season 6, episode 11, when Gene reaches out to Kim, it confirms that he has been tirelessly searching for her and constantly thinking about her throughout the years. He also harbors regrets about how their relationship came to an end, as depicted by the line "I was a fool to stay away from you." In a broader sense, "Address Unknown" presents an astute portrayal of Saul and Kim's relationship, particularly in the future timeline.
Why "Address Unknown" Was Perfect For Better Call Saul Episode 1
The song choice for the opening of the Better Call Saul premiere, "Address Unknown," is truly fitting due to its dual significance. While the events of Better Call Saul season 6 confirm the song's connection to Kim, some of its lyrics also resonate with Gene's past life. As a result, the show cleverly hints at what lies ahead for its main characters while maintaining a sense of mystery. By intertwining the storylines of Kim and Gene, "Address Unknown" effectively sets the stage for the tragic conclusion of the prequel, years before it unfolds.
Similar to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul imbues small details with significant symbolic meaning, whether it be a fleeting image of a flower or a carefully selected background song. The initial purpose behind these inclusions may not always be immediately apparent, but as the prequel progresses, they come full circle, adding depth to the narrative. This is one of the many reasons why Vince Gilligan's television universe is widely acclaimed. With each episode, various elements start to make more sense as the story gradually unfolds. When Kim was first introduced in the opening of Better Call Saul, viewers had no idea of her significance. However, now it is impossible to disassociate her character from the show, a testament to the meticulous planning of the creators.