“The wicked flee when none pursueth. But the righteous are as bold as lion.”
– Proverbs 28:1
The True Grit soundtrack is so wonderful, and The Wicked Flee, today’s featured piece, stands as its central musical theme. Rightly so – it is beautiful and charming, yet at the same time sombre and reflective. This is the second piece from the film to appear here, following Iris DeMent’s haunting rendition of the hymn Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. In fact, The Wicked Flee is directly based on that same gospel hymn by Anthony Showalter and Elisha Hoffman, which forms the backbone of about a quarter of the score. True Grit also marks the 15th Coen brothers film scored by their long-time collaborator, Carter Burwell (pictured inset).
The Coens discussed the idea of using 19th-century church music, “something that was severe (sounding). It couldn’t be soothing or uplifting, and at the same time it couldn’t be outwardly depressing. I spent the summer going through hymn books,” Burwell said Other hymns are also referenced in the score, including “What a Friend We Have in Jesus“, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand“, and “The Glory-Land Way“. Because the hymns are considered pre-composed music, the score was deemed ineligible to be nominated for Best Original Score in the 2010 Academy Awards.
Carter Burwell is an American film composer best known for his long collaboration with the Coen brothers as stated above, scoring movies like Fargo, Miller’s Crossing, and No Country for Old Men. Born in 1954, he has a distinctive style that blends minimalism, folk influences, and emotional depth, often creating music that feels both intimate and haunting. Beyond the Coens, he has worked with directors such as Spike Jonze, Martin McDonagh, and Todd Haynes. Burwell’s music is often praised for its subtlety, shaping the mood of a film without overpowering it.
Nothing is free, except the grace of God.
References:
1. True Grit (2010 soundtrack) – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Ah, such amazing music for an amazing film!
I’m chuffed you think so as well Ashley. I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
My weekend is pretty good, other than some asthma stuff but cant complain. I hope your weekend is treating you good as well!
I wouldn’t call 19-century church music severe. I grew up singing that stuff. A hell of a lot better than the crap they sing in church now.
No, I wouldn’t call it that and I don’t think the Coen Brothers did either.
Yes, I agree it’s beautiful hymn music, but I do have a penchant for modern Christian music (as well as old of course) and have presented a lot of here.
Have a great day Polly.