10 Songs from the “90s” that Remind us of Freak The Mighty
^{(okay, 90s-ish, but trust us, these are all 90s-coded)}

Ready to dive in? Listen on YouTube and read more about our choices below:

1.      “Lithium” by Nirvana (1991)

Even though Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain wrote “Lithium” with his typical dose of sarcasm and Gex X humor based in disillusionment, the song captures the feeling of joy one feels when they finally find a friend. The nod to mental health in the song is a different challenge than the ones Kevin and Max face in Freak The Mighty, but the most Mighty-coded lyric: “I’m not gonna crack” line reinforces the strength a true ally can bring.

2.      “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders (1994)

This rock anthem from Chrissie Hynde-fronted band The Pretenders features themes of unwavering support and unconditional love in the face of adversity. Max and Kevin’s friendship allows them to finally be themselves, stronger than ever, just like the most Mighty-coded lyrics “You're feeling all alone, you won't be on your own. I’ll stand by you.”

3.      “Manthem” by The Bouncing Souls (2001)

The Bouncing Souls are a late-80s-early-90s punk band, whose fast, catchy songs were as popular with alternative-rock, grunge-rock, and pop-punk listeners as their own punk fans. “Manthem” is their ode to the power of friendship amongst men. With fun, lighthearted lyrics as well as more emotional moments like the most Mighty-coded lyric: “A bond that will never die, until the end of time,” this song encompasses the silly, good times of true friendship without sacrificing the real emotion between friends. Yes, this one came out in 2001, but honestly? The 90s didn’t really end until 2010—true story.

4.      “Ordinary Boys” by Morrissey (1988)

Life in a small town can feel stifling—especially for young folks who feel and/or are treated differently than everyone else. Morrissey’s 1988 (yes, not technically 90s, but I promise you, we were still listening to this 2+ years later) indie Britpop track focuses on adolescent alienation and feelings of superiority that can emerge from that loneliness. It’s easy to relate “Ordinary Boys” to how both Max and Kevin may have felt prior to finding one another. Most Mighty-coded lyric: “For you were so different. You stood all alone. And you knew. That it had to be so.”

5.      “Disco 2000” by Pulp (1995)

While Kevin and Max didn’t meet until their teens, “Disco 2000” relates the tale of a childhood friendship, the painful changes that time can cause, and a fantasy about meeting up years in the future to commiserate about their lives. When I hear the most Mighty-coded lyric: “Let's all meet up in the year 2000. Won't it be strange when we're all fully grown,” I like to imagine our Freak The Mighty heroes coming together later in life to celebrate all their triumphs.

6.      “Blow Up the Outside World” by Soundgarden (1996)

With the character of Maxwell Kane’s decided grunge influence, as well as his experiences before becoming part of the “Freak The Mighty” team, it isn’t hard to imagine him listening to this track by Soundgarden on repeat. Most Mighty-coded lyric: “I've given everything I could to blow it to hell and gone. Burrow down in and blow up the outside world.”

7.      “You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals (1998)

In a sea of despondent and cynical tunes, “You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals was (as Joni Mitchell said) “like a flower of hope”. The soaring melody and optimistic lyrics, promise that everything will be okay. Most Mighty-coded lyric: “Don't let go….One dance left, this world is gonna pull through.”

8.      “Come Out and Play” by The Offspring (1994)

This track by skate-punk band The Offspring is a fast-paced lament calling out the risks and impact of youth violence. The most Mighty-coded lyrics “No one's getting smarter, no one's learning the score. Your never-ending spree of...violence and hate are gonna tie your own rope…” pretty perfectly describe the senselessness of brutality. I think of this song more as a descriptor for Max and Kevin’s smalltown bullies than the “Freak The Mighty” duo themselves.

9.      “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World (2001)

“The Middle” is a song about self worth—accept yourself for who you are, things will get better, believe in yourself, don’t listen to the haters—sound familiar? Freak The Mighty has many of these same themes, which makes this song a perfect addition to our Mighty playlist. Most Mighty-coded lyric: “Just be yourself. It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else.”

10. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day (1997)

One of Green Day’s more mellow hits, “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” is a reflective song about the bittersweet nature of endings, wishing people well, acceptance of change and of self. In Freak The Mighty, Kevin and Max face a lot of unpredictable circumstances and many changes (some good, some challenging), but, like the most Mighty-coded lyric, I believe that the characters really felt that no matter the hardships they faced before or during their friendship: “For what it's worth, it was worth all the while.”  

BONUS TRACK: "Even Flow" by Peal Jam (1991)

We couldn't leave out one of the most influential bands of 90s grunge (and Seattle fave), Pearl Jam. Their track "Even Flow" from their debut studio album Ten, is ostensibly about the struggles of an unhoused man with mental health issues. In this case, it also speaks to feelings of alienation, isolation, and feeling invisible—all states of mind that both Max and Kevin are likely familiar with. The most Mighty-coded lyric speaks to a spark of hope in the face of real hardship: "Maybe he'll see a little better set of days." It's a sentiment with which many can sympathize.

Ready to see Freak The Mighty and indulge in some 90s-(ish) nostalgia? Grab tickets today! Playing now through September 6 at Seattle Rep.

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