Samson and Delilah (4:34)

“Samson and Delilah” is a traditional song based on the Biblical tale of Samson and his betrayal by Delilah. Its best known performer is perhaps the Grateful Dead, who first performed the song live in 1976, with guitarist Bob Weir singing lead vocals. It later appeared on their 1977 studio album Terrapin Station (see Samson and Delilah).

Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson, whose version appeared in the second season premiere episode (also titled “Samson and Delilah”) of the Fox television show Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. It was played through the opening moments of the episode.

This re-imagined version was composed by series composer Bear McCreary in collaboration with Manson.

Getting Shirley to sing on the track was entirely up to series creator Josh Friedman. Shirley explained his approach: “Josh took me out to dinner, plied me with champagne and then broached the subject somewhat shyly.”[1]

On the track itself, Shirley felt she she “wanted the song to have a somewhat authentic quality to it, rather than be traditionally orchestrated like most cinematic scores.”[1]. Friedman gave creative control to Manson and McCreary.
The song itself retains a “spiritual Gospel element had been preserved (for Josh) and an authentic rock / blues feel had been infused into the mix (for Shirley). We finally had a track that everyone loved”. [1]

Manson on McCreary: “Working with you was extremely easy in the actual session itself, but I think we were both a little suspicious of one another to begin with! Its hard to strike up a creative rapport within a few days when you have an insane deadline to meet but I think we managed it in the end.”[1]