As an adaptation of Naughty Dog’s esteemed video game franchise, HBO’s The Last of Us is filled with subtle references and faithful recreations from The Last of Us Parts I and II. With visual Easter eggs and accurately recreated cutscenes, the series serves as a goldmine for enthusiasts of the original games.
One of the most touching aspects retained from the games is the music. Across both seasons, the series incorporates poignant musical nods—from Hank Williams in Season 1, Episode 4, to Crooked Still’s song during the dance in Season 2, Episode 1, and Ashley Johnson’s haunting performance of “Through the Valley” at the conclusion of Episode 2.
In Season 2, Episode 4, Ellie (portrayed by Bella Ramsey) plays a song that fans of the game will instantly recognize—a moment designed to resonate deeply with long-time supporters of the franchise. But what exactly does she perform, and what makes it so significant?
What Song Does Ellie Play in The Last of Us?
While journeying to Seattle, Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) seek refuge and stumble upon Valiant Music Shop, an abandoned record store brimming with classic vinyl records from Bob Marley and Tears for Fears, along with Pearl Jam posters. Upstairs, Ellie uncovers a guitar in surprisingly good shape. She sits down and starts to play a gentle, heartfelt rendition of A-ha’s 1985 classic “Take On Me.”
Dina is visibly touched by the performance, and fans of the game will recognize this as a direct homage to a similar sequence in The Last of Us Part II.
Why “Take On Me” Matters
Music has consistently served as a profound link between Ellie and Joel (Pedro Pascal), even after his passing. Joel had gifted Ellie a guitar and was in the midst of restringing it for her before his death. The guitar becomes a representation of their connection, and Ellie’s decision to perform “Take On Me” is deeply significant.
In The Last of Us Part II, players can discover a hidden moment where Ellie performs this exact song for Dina. It’s not part of the main narrative—you need to explore the guitar room to activate it—creating a quiet, personal moment that many players might overlook. In the game, Ellie initially begins with Pearl Jam’s “Future Days,” a song Joel once played for her, but switches to “Take On Me” when Dina enters.
Bella Ramsey’s interpretation in the series parallels Ashley Johnson’s version from the game, with both scenes capturing the tender relationship between Ellie and Dina. The lyrics—“Needless to say / I’m odds and ends / But I’ll be stumblin’ away / Slowly learnin’ that life is OK”—aptly reflect Ellie’s emotional journey and the delicate hope interwoven throughout the series.
This musical moment isn’t merely a fan-service callback; it’s a poignant representation of Ellie’s sorrow, her memories of Joel, and her developing relationship with Dina. It’s a gentle yet impactful scene that embodies the emotional richness The Last of Us is known for.
The Last of Us Season 2 is now available for streaming on Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
Interested in exploring the games after watching the series? Here’s how to begin.