The True Detective soundtrack includes music by Bob Dylan, Lera Lynn and The Beatles. This info article contains spoilers and song details for Nic Pizzolatto and Issa López’s HBO series. Visit the Soundtracks of Television section for more Vague Visages music guides.

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True Detective is an anthology crime series. The storyline follows investigators as they experience supernatural activity while carrying out procedural routines. Composer Chanda Dancy (Devotion) scored the HBO series; music supervisor Andrea von Foerster (Yellowstone) picked the featured needle-drops. The Handsome Family recorded the season 1 theme song, “Far from Any Road,” while Leonard Cohen’s “Nevermind” is the season 2 theme music. In addition, season 3 features Cassandra Wilson’s “Death Letter,” and Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend” is used as the season 4 theme track. Here’s every song in True Detective.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 1 “The Long Bright Dark”

• “Rocks and Gravel” by Bob Dylan (00:23): Rust arrives at a bar. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Rust talks to two women.
• “Sign of the Judgment” by The McIntosh County Shouters (00:52): Marty speaks to Lisa (Alexandra Daddario) during an interior scene. Rust smokes a cigarette. He talks about Marie Fontenot (Wanetah Walmsley) during a transition sequence.
• “Young Men Dead” by The Black Angels (00:59): Rust tells Detective Gilbough (Michael Potts) and Detective Papania (Tory Kittles) to start asking the “right fucking questions.” The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 2 “Seeing Things”

• “Unfriendly Woman” by John Lee Hooker (00:13): Rust talks about the victory of understanding his idendity. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition scene. Marty tells a story at a bar.
• “Train Song” by Vashti Bunvan (00:15): Marty arrives at Lisa’s home. Music plays from a speaker system. Lisa takes off her clothes while Marty is handcuffed to a bed.
• “Sign of the Judgement” by The McIntosh County Shouters (00:25): Rust attacks two men. He inquires about the location of a “whorehouse.” Rust enters a vehicle.
• “You Better Run to the City of Refuge” by C.J. Johnson (00:28): Marty travels with Rust. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Marty and Rust arrive at a trailer park.
• “Meet Me in the Alleyway” by Steve Earle (00:42): Marty finishes a conversation with Maggie (Michelle Monaghan). The track continues during a transition sequence. Rust parks a red truck.
• “If I Live or If I Die” by Cuff the Duke (00:53): Marty travels with Rust. The characters stop under a bridge. Rust observes a formation of birds.
• “Kingdom of Heaven” by 13th Floor Elevators (00:56): Rust looks at grafitti with Marty. He talks about “mainlining the secret truth of the universe.” The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 3 “The Locked Room”

• “Does My Ring Burn Your Finger” by Buddy Miller (00:35): Marty visits a bar. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Marty introduces Rust to Jennifer (Bree Williamson).
• “TBA” by TBA (00:38): A bar sequence continues. Rust talks about tasting colors. He explains his synesesia condition.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 4 “Who Goes There”

• “Bring It to Jerome” by Bo Diddley (00:10): Marty and Rust brief colleagues. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition scene. Marty and Rust seek information about Tyrone (Todd Giebenhain).
• “Illegal Business” by Boogie Down Productions (00:11): Marty visits a strip club with Rust for work. Kelsey (Amber Carollo) performs a dance routine. Music plays from the speaker system.
• “Sur Le Borde De L’Eau (On the Water’s Edge)” by Blind Uncle Gaspart (00:23): Rust visits a bar with Marty. Music plays from the speaker system. Rust speaks to Marty about “crazy pussy.”
• “Are You Alright?” by Lucinda Williams (00:28): Rust and Marty prepare for an undercover operation. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Rust talks about his undercover experience.
• “Rainin’ in My Heart” by Slim Harpo (00:33): A diner sequence begins. Rust meets with Maggie. Music plays from the speaker system.
• “American Life” by Primus (00:39): Rust works an undercover operation. Marty arrives at a house party. Rust talks about trading cocaine for meth.
• “Clan in Da Front” by Wu-Tang Clan feat. RZA & GZA (00:50): A raid sequence begins. Rust navigates a house party. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from a speaker system.
• “Honey Bee (Let’s Fly to Mars)” by Grinderman (00:56): An overhead sequence begins. Police officers raid a house party. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 5 “The Secret Fate of All Life”

• “Casey’s Last Ride” by Kris Kristofferson (00:03): A bar sequence begins. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Rust and Ginger (Joseph Sikora) meet with Dewall (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson).
• “Tired of Waiting for You” by The Kinks (00:22): Marty visits a roller rink with his children. Music plays from the speaker system. Marty tries to rekindle his relationship with Maggie.
• “Eli” by Bosnian Rainbows (00:56): Rust looks at a wood doll. The music scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 6 “Haunted Houses”

• “Waymore’s Blues” by Waylon Jennings (00:11): Marty walks with two bags. He stops and looks at a bar. The True Detective soundtrack song continues as Marty reunites with Beth (Lili Simmons) at Fox and Hound.
• “Les Champs Élysee” by Bobby Charles (00:17): A bar sequence continues. Marty catches up with Beth. The characters discuss media headlines.
• “TBA” by TBA (00:18): The track accompanies an interior scene. Marty and Beth have sex. Music plays from a speaker system.
• “The Good Book” by Emmylou Harris (00:36): A bar sequence begins. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Maggie orders a Vodka martini and meets Bruce (Rio Hackford).
• “Too Many Tears in My Eyes” by Ike & Tina Turner (00:45): Rust holds a flashlight during an interior scene. He looks at investigation documents. Maggie knocks at Rust’s door.
• “Sign of the Judgment” by Cassandra Wilson (00:57): Rust reunites with Marty. He offers to buy him a beer. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 7 “After You’ve Gone”

• “Sign of the Judgment” by Cassandra Wilson (00:03): The True Detective soundtrack song is featured during the opening sequence. A jukebox song plays briefly during a bar scene.
• “Angel of the Morning” by Juice Newton (00:03): A bar scene continues. A jukebox song begins. Rust and Marty reunite to discuss a murder investigation.
• “Trance Figure” by School of Seven Bells (00:10): Rust meets with Marty. He recalls a meeting with Toby (Dave Davis) aka Johnny Joanie. Rust inquires about Shepherd’s Flock.
• “Floating Bridge” by Gregg Allman (00:31): A bar sequence begins. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Rust and Marty talk about Marie Fontenot.
• “Red Light” by Vincent and Mr. Green feat. Ravenbird (00:35): Rust and Marty arrive at a housing complex. Music plays from a nearby speaker system. Rust and Marty meet with Miss Delores (Carol Sutton).
• “Did She Jump or Was She Pushed?” by Richard & Linda Thompson (00:40): Rust meets with Marty at a bar. Music plays from the speaker system. Rust and Marty talk about Steve Geraci (Michael Harney).
• “Lungs” by Townes Van Zandt (00:52): Errol (Glenn Fleshler) starts a lawn mower. A pan shot begins. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 1, Episode 8 “Form and Void”

• “The Angry River” by The Hat feat. Father John Misty and S.I. Istwa (00:54): Marty helps Rust leave a hospital. The True Detective soundtrack song continues as they joke about “the light” winning over darkness. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 1 “The Western Book of the Dead”

• “My Least Favorite Life” by Lera Lynn (00:48): A montage sequence begins. The True Detective soundtrack song continues as Ray visits a bar. A singer performs a tune.
• “All the Gold in California” by Nick Cave & Warren Ellis (00:58): Ray inspects a crime scene with Ani (Rachel McAdams) and Paul (Taylor Kitsch). An overhead sequence begins. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 2 “Night Finds You”

• “Kill!” by The Raveonettes (00:46): Frank (Vince Vaughn) navigates a night club. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Frank meets with an underworld figure.
• “A Church in Ruins” by Lera Lynn (00:51): Paul drinks a beer. The music continues during a transition sequence. Frank meets with Ray.
• “I Pity the Fool” by Bobby “Blue” Bland (00:55): Ray enters a home. Music plays from a speaker system. A masked character shoots Ray.
• “What a Way to Go” by John Paul White (00:58): The track scores the end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 3 “Maybe Tomorrow”

• “The Rose” by Conway Twitty (00:02): The True Detective soundtrack song accompanies a dream sequence. Conway Twitty (Jake La Botz) performs a musical number. Ray talks to his father, Eddie (Fred Ward).
• “Set Us Free” by Black Mountain (00:42): Frank finishes a conversation with a colleague. The music continues during a transition sequence. Paul speaks to Tyler (Alex Rich) about a lead.
• “Intentional Injury” by Bonnie “Prince” Billy (00:58): Frank finishes a conversation with Jordan (Kelly Reilly). The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 4 “Down Will Come”

• “It Only Takes One Shot” by Lera Lynn (00:38): An exterior montage sequence begins. Ray meets with Frank as a singer performs. The True Detective soundtrack song is featured again during the end credits at 00:55.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 5 “Other Lives”

• “The Only Thing Worth Fighting For” by Lera Lynn (00:33): Frank finishes a conversation with Jordan. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition scene. Ani meets with Ray as a singer performs.
• “Risk” by Alexandra Semitone (00:59): Ray tells Frank that they need to talk. The track scores the end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 6 “Church in Ruins”

• “Human Being” by New York Dolls (00:30): The True Detective soundtrack song is featured during an interior scene. Ray listens to music at his home. He drinks alcohol and snorts cocaine.
• “Black Grease” by The Black Angels (00:59): Ray travels with Paul and Ani. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 7 “Black Maps and Motel Rooms”

• No Featured Songs

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 2, Episode 8 “Omega Station”

• “Lately” by Lera Lynn (00:31): Frank says that “it’s time to wake up.” A musician performs the True Detective soundtrack song. The track is featured again at 00:39:00 and 01:25:00.
• “El Arca de Noé” by Huracán de Fuego (01:22:00): A street celebration sequence begins. Music plays from a speaker system. Ani leaves a motel room with Jordan.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 1 “The Great War and Modern Memory”

• “Nights When I Am Sane” by Mickey Newbury (00:06): Wayne talks about the day Steve McQueen died in 1980. The True Detective soundtrack song scores a flashback sequence. Tom (Scoot McNairy) works on a vehicle.
• “Sugarlight” by X (00:07): A teenager drives a purple vehicle. Music plays from the speaker system. Tom’s kids ride bicycles.
• “1970″ by The Stooges (00:13): An exterior sequence begins. Music plays from a speaker system. The track fades as Tom drives a vehicle.
• “Too Many Memories” by Patty Loveless (00:14): Roland (Stephen Dorff) drives a vehicle. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Wayne talks to Roland about rats.
• “Just Dropped In” by Mickey Newbury (00:57): Wayne navigates a forest. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 2 “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”

• “Billie’s Blues” by Cassandra Wilson (00:34): Wayne visits a bar. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Wayne bonds with Amelia (Carmen Ejogo).
• “Good Morning Heartache” by Cassandra Wilson (00:38): A bar scene continues. Amelia talks to Wayne about planned trips to St. Louis. The characters watch a news report.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 3 “The Big Never”

• “Another Place Another Time” by Jerry Lee Lewis (00:50): An interior sequence begins. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from a speaker system. Roland reunites with Wayne during a bar scene.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 4 “The Hour and the Day”

• “Polly” by Dillard & Clark (00:36): Roland enters a bar. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from the speaker system. Roland talks to Tom during a backroom sequence.
• “Blood” by Algiers (01:06:00): Wayne and Roland arrive at the home of Brett Woodard (Michael Greyeyes). The track scores the end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 5 “If You Have Ghosts”

• “When I Go Away” by Levon Helm (00:41): An interior sequence begins. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from a speaker system. Roland prepares a meal for his dogs.
• “Desperadoes Under the Eaves” by Warren Zevon (00:58): Roland reunites with Wayne and agrees to help with a murder investigation. The track scores the end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 6 “Hunters in the Dark”

• “Ramblin’ Blues” by Mickey Newbury (00:31): Wayne speaks to Dan (Michael Graziadei). The True Detective soundtrack song plays from a speaker system. Dan warns Wayne and thanks him for breakfast.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 7 “The Final Country”

• No Featured Songs

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 3, Episode 8 “Now Am Found”

• “Chopinesque” by Jon Baptiste (01:10:00): Wayne thinks about the past. The True Detective soundtrack song accompanies a flashback sequence. Wayne visits a bar and talks to Amelia.
• “Saint James Infirmary Blues” by Jon Baptiste (01:13:00): Wayne leaves a bar with Amelia. He navigates a forest in Vietnam. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 4, Episode 1 “Part 1”

• “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles (00:02): An interior scene begins. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from a television as TSALAL workers watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). The music is featured again at 00:11.
• “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” by Inner Circle (00:04): A December 20 sequence begins. A man drives a vehicle. He arrives at TSALAL.
• “Magpie” by The Unthanks (00:09): Evangeline (Kali Reis) receives a phone call. The music continues during a transition sequence. Liz (Jodie Foster) meets with Hank (John Hawkes) at TSALAL.
• “The Base 10″ by Ola Szmidt (00:27): Evangeline receives a phone call from Officer Cooper (David Katrinarson). The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Evangeline meets with Officer Cooper.
• “Sivulivinivut” by Tanya Tagaq (00:31): Peter (Finn Bennett) talks to Darwin (Xavier Osmanson) during an interior scene. Music plays from a speaker system. Darwin speaks to Kayla (Anna Lambe) about a drawing.
• “Black Sedan” by Charley Crockett (00:33): An interior scene begins. Hank receives a visit from Peter. Music plays from a speaker system.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 4, Episode 2 “Part 2”

• “Song to the Siren” by Tim Buckley (00:08): Evangeline speaks to Rose (Fiona Shaw). The True Detective soundtrack song plays from a speaker system. Rose talks about her relationship with Travis Cohle.
• “Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys (00:19): Liz finishes a conversation. The volume amplifies as a vehicle transports frozen bodies. Evangeline watches the scene.
• “It Came to Me” by The Barr Brothers (00:23): A bar sequence begins. Music plays from the speaker system. Evangeline talks to Ryan (Phillip Blanchett).
• “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” by Cast (00:24): A bar sequence concludes. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. TSALA employees sing the tune during a video clip.
• “Wannabe” by Spice Girls (00:33): Evangeline drives a vehicle. Music plays from her speaker system. Evangeline talks to Julia (Aka Niviâna).
• “I Love You Love You” by Johnny Cash (00:36): The music accompanies an interior scene. Hank sends a message to a Russian woman named Alina. Music plays from a speaker system.
• “Pass Them By” by Agnes Obel (00:41): Evangeline hugs Julia. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Leah (Isabella LaBlanc) receives a text message from a female friend.
• “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles (00:44): Liz looks at a stuffed animal. She thinks about the past. The music plays briefly.
• “Get Down Tonight” by KC and the Sunshine Band (00:53): Liz talks to Evangeline during a kitchen sequence. The music continues during a transition scene. Peter watches a dance clip on his phone.
• “Camera’s Rolling” by Agnes Obel (00:59): Evangeline walks during an exterior scene. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Liz seeks information about Raymond (Owen McDonnell).
• “Seven Devils” by Florence + the Machine (01:02:00): Liz looks at dead bodies. She talks to Evangeline and Peter about Raymond’s whereabouts. The track scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 4, Episode 3 “Part 3”

• “Sing Sing” by The Bones of J.R. Jones (00:15): Liz talks to Evangeline during an interior scene. The True Detective soundtrack song continues as the characters look at evidence. Liz says, “What are we missin’ here?”
• “Like I Do” by Georgina Birch (00:19): A hair salon scene begins. Music plays from a speaker system. Evangeline talks to Susan (Bridie Trainor).
• “Limbo” by Lissom, Julien Marchal & Lowswimmer (00:35): The music accompanies an exterior sequence. Leah arrives at a rally. The music drowns out as she talks about her step-mother, Liz.
• “I Follow Rivers” by Marika Hackman (00:45): Peter looks at his phone. The True Detective soundtrack song continues as he reads text messages from Liz. Evangeline looks after Julia.
• “Inside” by Chris Avantgarde & Red Rosamond (00:59): The track scores the end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 4, Episode 4 “Part 4”

• “Everybody Dies” by Billie Eilish (00:26): The True Detective soundtrack song sets in during an interior scene. Julia (Aka Niviâna) walks to the ocean and commits suicide. Liz argues with Leah.
• “Into Dust” by Mazzy Star (00:31): A drunken Liz asks Peter for help on Christmas Eve. The music continues during a transition sequence. Peter travels with Evangeline.
• “Ode to Elf” by Tail Blue Midget (00:39): Hank watches Elf (2003). Buddy (Will Ferrell) sings with Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) during the movie. Hank thinks about his Russian love interest.
• “This Wild Darkness” by Moby (00:43): Evangeline lashes out during an interior scene. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Evangeline starts a fight after her sister’s death.
• “Twist and Shout” by TBA (00:48): Liz thinks about her late son. She shivers during an interior scene. The music is featured again at 01:00:00.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 4, Episode 5 “Part 5”

• “TBA” by Cast (00:12): Liz finishes a conversation with Evangeline. The True Detective soundtrack song continues during a transition sequence. Hank plays a guitar at his home.
• “Warm Shadow” by Fink (00:38): Hank talks to Peter about “family stuff.” Liz sits down during an office scene. Evangeline meets with Rose during an exterior sequence.
• “Die 4 You” by Perfume Genius (00:52): Evangeline cuddles with Eddie (Joel Montgrand) during an interior scene. The music continues during a transition sequence. Peter sits down to rest.
• “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” by Clea (00:59): Peter shoots Hank. The True Detective soundtrack song plays as he hugs Liz. Evangeline walks outdoors during a storm.
• “Save Tonight” by TBA (01:03:00): The Eagle-Eye Cherry cover track scores the end credits.

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True Detective Soundtrack: Every Song in Season 4, Episode 6 “Part 6”

• “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles (00:11): Liz and Evangeline open a hatch. The True Detective soundtrack song plays from a speaker system. Liz and Evangeline explore the Tsalal Arctic Research Station.
• “The Only Shrine I’ve Seen” by DARKSIDE (00:11): Peter cleans up a murder scene. He takes a shower. The music plays again at 00:36.
• “Submerged” by Tanya Tagaq (01:03:00): The music accompanies a flashback sequence. The Justice Ladies arrive at Tsalal Arctic Research Station. They capture Annie’s killers.
• “The Night County” by Vince Pope feat. Tanya Tagaq (01:14:00): Liz talks about Evangeline and Ennis during an interview sequence. She says, “Nobody ever really leaves.” The True Detective soundtrack song scores the episode’s final moments and end credits.

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.