
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Soundtrack: Every Song
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Soundtrack: Every Song & When It Plays in the movie
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1991. High school freshman Charlie is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two senior students, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick, become his mentors, helping him discover the joys of friendship, music and love.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower soundtrack includes a selection of tracks from David Bowie, The Smiths and others, along with an original score by Michael Brook. This guide provides the complete list of soundtrack songs and scene descriptions, along with details on the composers and music supervisors involved in the 2012 Summit Entertainment production. For more information on soundtrack songs and track listings, check the movies section.
Written and directed by Stephen Chbosky and based on his own popular epistolary novel, the coming-of-age drama follows Charlie, an introverted and observant freshman who struggles with clinical depression while starting high school in Pittsburgh. His life changes when he is welcomed into a tight-knit circle of eccentric seniors who introduce him to the joys of friendship, music, and first love. To highlight the euphoric moments of their late-night drives and school dances, the music supervision team incorporates upbeat tunes like the classic hit by Dexys Midnight Runners. These energetic rhythms are paired with quiet background tunes from Sonic Youth, mirroring the characters' deep sense of teenage isolation and emotional discovery.
Soundtrack & Songs List
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Could It Be Another Change
The Samples
Scene Context: First song plays during the opening credits sequence.
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Courted
Michael Brook
Scene Context: Patrick is observed imitating Mr. Callahan during a shop class session.
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Asleep
The Smiths
Scene Context: Charlie listens to Derek's mixtape while facing academic challenges.
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Teen Age Riot
Sonic Youth
Scene Context: Singing in the car as they drive away from dropping off Charlie after a football game.
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Come On Eileen
Dexys Midnight Runners
Scene Context: During the second song at the school dance, Emma Watson's character, Sam, comments that the music is good.
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What You've Got
Valentine's Revenge
Scene Context: Charlie encounters Bob outside the house party.
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Scene Context: Patrick introduces Charlie to the group of girls.
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Tugboat
Galaxie 500
Scene Context: At the party, Charlie compliments Sam on her eyes while preparing a milkshake for her. Sam then informs Charlie that her best friend committed suicide.
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Falling Elevators
MC 900 Ft. Jesus
Scene Context: Charlie is conversing while under the influence of drugs at a party with background music playing.
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No New Tale to Tell
Scene Context: Charlie enters the bedroom to find Patrick and Brad kissing.
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Here
Pavement
Scene Context: Patrick delivers a toast to Charlie at the gathering.
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Scene Context: In this scene, Sam drives a pickup truck while Patrick sits in the passenger seat, and Charlie stands up in the truck bed. As they enter the brightly lit tunnel, the song blasts loudly from the radio. Charlie opens his arms wide to feel the wind, leading to his famous line about feeling infinite
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Scene Context: Charlie pens a letter to his closest friend detailing his experiences at school.
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Dear God
XTC
Scene Context: Charlie documents the relationship between Patrick and Brad, focusing on their mutual affection for each other.
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Fanfare / Don't Dream It
Tim Curry
Scene Context: Charlie observes Patrick and Sam performing in the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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Scene Context: After the performance, Charlie discusses Sam's SAT results with her and offers to tutor her.
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Seasick, Yet Still Docked
Morrissey
Scene Context: Sam dances with another person while the others observe. Sam then alters Charlie's playlist.
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Scene Context: Charlie's music is paused during this scene at the party.
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Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Joey Ramone
Scene Context: Charlie begins tutoring Sam.
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Ye Olde Backlash
Bongwater
Scene Context: Charlie consumes LSD at the party.
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Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me
Susan Sarandon
Scene Context: Charlie will replace Craig for the performance.
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Scene Context: Charlie attends the dance with Mary Elizabeth. The first song begins.
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Evensong
The Innocence Mission
Scene Context: The second musical performance occurs during the dance event.
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Eternity with You
Robert & Johnny
Scene Context: Mary Elizabeth plays a song near the fireplace in an effort to attract Charlie.
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Pretend We're Dead
L7
Scene Context: Charlie pens another letter to his closest friend, expressing that he does not like Mary Elizabeth.
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Counting Backwards
Throwing Muses
Scene Context: Charlie reconciles with his friends after rescuing Patrick. Mary Elizabeth informs Charlie that she is now in a relationship with Peter.
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Araby
The Reivers
Scene Context: Patrick drives Charlie
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Jefferson
Michael Brook
Scene Context: Sam is accepted into Penn State and discusses future plans. Meanwhile, Patrick carries out a prank.
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Scene Context: Preparing for their high school prom on the day following the end of the school year.
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Pouter
Michael Brook
Scene Context: Charlie enters the vehicle with Patrick and Sam. They proceed to drive through a tunnel.
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Scene Context: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Ending Credits Music
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
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First Day
Michael Brook
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Home Again
Michael Brook
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Charlie Speaks
Michael Brook
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Candace
Michael Brook
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Charlie's Gifts
Michael Brook
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Kiss Breakdown
Michael Brook
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Acid
Michael Brook
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Charlies First Kiss
Michael Brook
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Shard
Michael Brook
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Trailer Songs
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We're on Our Way
Radical Face
Scene Context: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Trailer Music
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It's Time
Scene Context: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Movie Trailer Song
Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller as the iconic trio, the film captures the vulnerability and hope of adolescence. The acoustic environment relies on powerful vocal tracks, famously featuring Bowie's legendary anthem during the breathtaking tunnel sequences. Additionally, ethereal melodic tunes from Cocteau Twins soothe the quieter moments of introspection, delivering a highly memorable and emotionally resonant auditory backing that perfectly defines a generation.
Main Cast
- Logan Lerman Charlie
- Emma Watson Sam
- Ezra Miller Patrick
- Mae Whitman Mary Elizabeth
- Kate Walsh Mother
- Dylan McDermott Father
- Melanie Lynskey Aunt Helen
- Nina Dobrev Candace
- Johnny Simmons Brad
- Joan Cusack Dr. Burton
Official Trailer
Music Team
Soundtrack Crossovers
Complete Soundtrack List - All Songs Played in the Movie
| Song Title | Artist | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Could It Be Another Change | The Samples | Song |
| Courted | Michael Brook | Song |
| Asleep | The Smiths | Song |
| Teen Age Riot | Sonic Youth | Song |
| Come On Eileen | Dexys Midnight Runners | Song |
| What You've Got | Valentine's Revenge | Song |
| Low | Cracker | Song |
| Tugboat | Galaxie 500 | Song |
| Falling Elevators | MC 900 Ft. Jesus | Song |
| No New Tale to Tell | Love and Rockets | Song |
| Here | Pavement | Song |
| Heroes | David Bowie | Song |
| All Out of Love | Air Supply | Song |
| Dear God | XTC | Song |
| Fanfare / Don't Dream It | Tim Curry | Song |
| Temptation | New Order | Song |
| Seasick, Yet Still Docked | Morrissey | Song |
| Bust a Move | Young MC | Song |
| Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) | Joey Ramone | Song |
| Ye Olde Backlash | Bongwater | Song |
| Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me | Susan Sarandon | Song |
| Don't Dream It's Over | Crowded House | Song |
| Evensong | The Innocence Mission | Song |
| Eternity with You | Robert & Johnny | Song |
| Pretend We're Dead | L7 | Song |
| Counting Backwards | Throwing Muses | Song |
| Araby | The Reivers | Song |
| Jefferson | Michael Brook | Song |
| Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops | Cocteau Twins | Song |
| Pouter | Michael Brook | Song |
| Heroes | David Bowie | Song |
| First Day | Michael Brook | Score |
| Home Again | Michael Brook | Score |
| Charlie Speaks | Michael Brook | Score |
| Candace | Michael Brook | Score |
| Charlie's Gifts | Michael Brook | Score |
| Kiss Breakdown | Michael Brook | Score |
| Acid | Michael Brook | Score |
| Charlies First Kiss | Michael Brook | Score |
| Shard | Michael Brook | Score |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
The score for The Perks of Being a Wallflower was composed by Michael Brook.
How many songs are in the soundtrack for The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
There are 42 songs featured in the soundtrack for The Perks of Being a Wallflower. SeekerTune lists all of them with detailed scene descriptions.
What are the genres of The Perks of Being a Wallflower?
The main genres for The Perks of Being a Wallflower include Drama.





