- AI
-
Screenwriting\e607
-
Directing\e606
-
Cinematography & Cameras\e605
-
Editing & Post-Production\e602
-
Documentary\e603
-
Movies & TV\e60a
-
Producing\e608
-
Distribution & Marketing\e604
-
Festivals & Events\e611
-
Fundraising & Crowdfunding\e60f
-
Sound & Music\e601
-
Games & Transmedia\e60e
-
Grants, Contests, & Awards\e60d
-
Film School\e610
-
Jobs\e60c
-
Marketplace & Deals\e60b
-
Off Topic\e609
-
This Site\e600
The Creepy Truth Behind the Iconic 'Friday the 13th' Music
You've been singing the words wrong this whole time!
Jun 13, 2025
When you hear "ch-ch-ch, ah-ah-ah," your mind instantly goes to one place: Crystal Lake. The score behind Jason Voorhees lumbering forward is simple and terrifying.
It was composed by Harry Manfredini, and he hit it out of the park, making something iconic that would send chills down your spine.
So, how did he come up with that haunting musical arrangement?
Well, it all has to do with the story.
Let's dive in.
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
The Truth Behind the Friday The 13th Score
See, when we realize Pamela Voorhees is really the killer in movie number one, we realize she's just a mother who has lost a son and her mind. In that scene, Pamela whispers, "Kill her, mommy," which can be seen as being implored from beyond the grave to commit these murders.
Well, once Manfredini heard these lines, he began to hear musical notes, but not the ones we hear. He heard the"ki ki ki" sound from the word "kill" and the "ma ma ma" from "mommy".
So, it's really "ki-ki-ki-ma-ma-ma"!
The composer achieved this haunting effect by whispering the syllables "ki" and "ma" into a microphone and then running them through an Echoplex machine. This device created the eerie, echoing, and distorted sound that has become synonymous with the franchise.
It's a testament to how simple elements can be manipulated to create something truly iconic in horror.
Beyond the Score
Beyond the "ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma," Manfredini's score for Friday the 13th also played a crucial role in building suspense.
It works with the story to make those big moments really impactful.
Unlike many horror films that use music constantly, Manfredini often employed silence, lulling the audience into a false sense of security before the "ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma" would erupt, signaling Jason's presence. This clever use of musical dynamics kept viewers on edge, mirroring the jump scares that became a hallmark of the series.
So, the next time you hear those familiar whispers, remember they're not just random spooky sounds. They are the echo of a mother's fractured mind, the voice of a vengeful son, and a testament to the power of a simple yet effective piece of horror scoring.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Keep ReadingShow less
Loading more
Popular
Latest
Get our eBook "How to Write a Screenplay" FREE: