Leigh Bardugo’s stunning Six of Crows duology is a renowned favorite among both writers and readers and, if there’s one thing the bookish community loves more than curling up with a beloved novel, it’s curating the perfect playlist to match. If you’re in search of one such playlist to inspire your first read—or reread—of the duology, don’t worry, because we’ve done the hard work for you already. Read on to discover the six perfect songs to begin your Six of Crows playlist, but tread cautiously if this will be a brand-new read for you—here lie spoilers, after all.
Trouble by Valerie Broussard
The vast majority of Six of Crows enthusiasts are familiar with the viral 30-second animation by ToastyGlow (formerly EmptyFeet) residing in its immortal glory on YouTube. However, its song wasn’t chosen through a lucky draw, because Trouble is an incredible match for our six favorite criminals. From its moody vocals and atmospheric sound to the association between its lyrics and every Crow, the song fits Six of Crows perfectly.
Who could deny that “We wear red so they don’t see us bleed” could secretly be a bold one-liner from Heartrender Nina Zenik, or that “I’m that knife in your boot, girl, I’ve got you” evokes an image of Inej Ghafa the Wraith? If you give Trouble a chance, you’ll also find an association with the other main characters.
Blood // Water by grandson
The sharp-as-a-blade sound of Blood // Water is, beyond any doubt, a Dirtyhands anthem at heart. Its heated and gritty vocals complement Kaz Brekker’s merciless persona with lyrics that nearly parallel lines from a certain scene in the duology’s finale, Crooked Kingdom, and if you know, you know. Does “The price of your greed is your son and your daughter” sound familiar?
A set of six lines further into the song captures the final confrontation with Pekka Rollins: the last one goes “Beg me for forgiveness.” Plus, if you close your eyes during the powerful chorus and focus on its rhythmic bass, you might just hear the slam of Dirtyhands’ lethal cane as it makes contact with an unfortunate target.
The Innocent by AURORA
Say it with me: Inej Ghafa deserves better than what she has been made to survive. However, the lyrics of The Innocent reflect her perspective on who she becomes, beginning with the subtly plaintive line “I have been a dancer, but without her feet.” Nearly as light on its feet as the Wraith, the background piano and violin tempo sets an electrifying atmosphere, and it isn’t difficult to visualize young Inej performing on the high wire.
Yet the lines that soon follow, “You give your all and in return / You get a spark and you watch it burn,” flow into the future towards the image of Inej pledging her loyalty to the Dregs, and the chorus is self-explanatory. Finally, the second half of The Innocent echoes a line from Inej to Kaz about the heart demanding aim to land true, simply put as “You would never let me into your heart.”
The Crooked Kind by Radical Face
Speaking of heartbreaking—I’m only slightly sorry—listen to The Crooked Kind and envision the Rietveld brothers. Through both its lyrics and echoing background vocals, Jordie Rietveld’s ghost haunts the song just as it does Kaz Brekker’s psyche, setting the scene within the very first two lines: “I heard you tellin’ lies / I heard you say you weren’t born of our blood.” The Crooked Kind, at its core, envisions Kaz’s grief and what he believes Jordie would tell him if given just one more conversation.
The latter half of the song, however, shifts into Kaz’s memories and contemplations, from the poignant “And I sit beside my brother and I feel him shake / As he laughs himself right back to sleep” to the reluctant acknowledging of “I hear their voices somewhere in my bones / I feel them sing along when I’m alone.”
A Criminal Mind by Gowan
Though the elusive Dirtyhands would never get caught by the law, A Criminal Mind expresses what would perhaps be his statement if prompted to stand in front of a jury. Beginning with the matter-of-fact, resolute lyrics of “You see my hands are steady / You’ve seen my face before,” the song explicitly rejects any semblance of guilt, instead displaying an indifference that any poker face would envy.
However, as A Criminal Mind’s lyrics continue, the blasé attitude shifts to one of bitter defiance: “But being brought to justice / That was my only crime / I don’t regret a single action / I’d do the same again,” reflecting the power held within both Dirtyhands’ name and identity. Between the song’s unapologetic lyrics and its proud vocals, A Criminal Mind presents the manifesto of Kaz Brekker—future King of the Barrel—without any doubt.
Throne by Saint Mesa
With its rasping vocals and rhythmic, persistent percussion, Throne stunningly encapsulates the atmosphere of Six of Crows and its rough-around-the-edges protagonists. To say that each of the Crows has skeletons in their closet would be an understatement, of course, but every one of them is intent on wrestling with—and defeating—their demons. Throne captures this through its lyrics, hissing “We keep all the hurt you’d never know” over a dark, animalistic melody.
Additionally, the song’s chorus displays serious Six of Crows vibes in a set of taunting lyrics: “You hate my bad behavior / You cut my loosened tongue / You play the part, a savior / Now, I watch you come undone.” With its overall moody air, Throne easily mirrors the grittiness of Ketterdam, and it isn’t difficult to imagine the song in the background of the Crows’ heists and schemes.
These songs are the perfect excuse to reread the duology—so let us know if you think they match the vibes!
If you’re a lover of the Grishaverse, check out 6 ‘Six Of Crows’ Moments That Live In My Head Rent Free.
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