The Meaning Of Jaskier's Song In The Witcher Season 2 Episode 4 Explained
Contains spoilers for "The Witcher" Season 2
Music in "The Witcher" has become as integral to the story as the dialogue and set pieces. From Geralt (Henry Cavill) and Yennefer's (Anya Chalotra) love theme, "Your Sweet Kiss," to Season 1's emotional end credit song, "Song of the White Wolf," "The Witcher" depends on its music. So much so, in fact, that it becomes part of the story itself. The character of Jaskier (Joey Batey) writes the song "Toss A Coin to Your Witcher" in early Season 1 as a way to rehabilitate Geralt's image after the incident in Blaviken.
The fan-favorite song reportedly went through an extensive production process before making it on screen, and the music makes great use of medieval time's favorite instrument, the hurdy-gurdy, making the song iconic (Entertainment Weekly). With "The Witcher" Season 2 recently released on Netflix and Jaskier exploding back on to the screen with his usual pomp and circumstance, it would be remiss if there was not a follow up to Season 1's hit song. Fortunately, Jaskier does not appear to be a one-hit wonder, and upon his first appearance in the new season, he sings an unforgettable song.
Jaskier never stopped singing about Geralt
"The Witcher" often uses songs for exposition or to demonstrate the passage of time. In Season 1, sometimes years have passed between episodes and Jaskier has a new song to prove it. The songs of "The Witcher" have details in the lyrics of events that the audience has not been witness to. When Jaskier returns in Season 2, this trend continues.
When fans meet Jaskier again, he has become the Sandpiper, a guide helping Elves escape persecution. On one of these ventures, Jaskier attempts to sneak onto the escape boat by impressing a guard with his bard celebrity. The guard is momentarily swayed but makes a meta comment about the content of Jaskier's songs. He criticizes Jaskier's songs for being predictable and also having confusing timelines.
It's clear based on these songs that Jaskier has continued to sing about Geralt, even after they parted on bad terms. For better or for worse, Jaskier has never forgotten about Geralt.
Jaskier is not tossing a coin to your witcher anymore
For those expecting a tune in the vein of "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher," they should alter their expectations. When Jaskier returns, he is not as fun-loving as he once was, and time and Geralt's betrayal have been translated into a new song about heartbreak. When Yennefer hears the song, she picks up on it immediately, as she has also been heartbroken by Geralt. Also, Jaskier has no art for subtlety. He sings about wanting Geralt to suffer after leaving him, with extreme descriptors. The song begins: "I hear you're alive, how disappointing/I've also survived, no thanks to you/Did I not give you some glee, Mr. Oh Look At Me/Now I'll burn all the memories of you."
Gone are the puns of "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher," and in their place is the tangible rage of someone who is hurt and wants the other party to be just as hurt in the process. The implication is that Jaskier has sung this song many times, and he is still as devastated as he was when he first wrote it. While Yennefer and Jaskier may agree that they are better off without Geralt, of course, destiny has other plans. All three of them are fated to meet again.