“The Ballad of Mona Lisa” by Panic! At the Disco

Panic! At the Disco is not necessarily a band that tops most people’s lists for horror-related music, but they do have more than one connection. Aside from their contribution to the soundtrack of the horror film Jennifer’s Body  (“New Perspective”), this band has infused a horror-steampunk vibe into their music video for “The Ballad of Mona Lisa”.

The band has quite the assortment of interesting music videos, usually featuring lead singer Brendon Urie in a variety of weird roles. “The Ballad of Mona Lisa” was released on February 1st, 2011 as the first single from their 2011 album Vices and Virtues, and the music video (directed by Shane Drake) was released a week later on February 8th.

The story line of the music video concerns a Victorian era funeral with steampunk costumes and decor. A “grieving” widow and an ensemble of steampunk mourners are saying goodbye to their beloved friend for the final time. A ghostly man (the deceased) walks through the crowd during the gathering, but is unable to communicate with the living. The widow and the guests prepare the body for the final viewing and wake. Onscreen graphics outline the steps:

Rule #1: Open a Window

Rule #2: Close the Window 2 Hours Later

Rule #3: Stop All Clocks and Cover All Mirrors

Rule #4: Bathe the Body

Rule #5: Lay the Body in White

Rule #6: Allow the People to Wail and Lament

But not all is as it seems to the guests at this gathering. Once the wake is well underway, the restless spirit guides a young girl (the only one who can see him) to a note in the deceased’s pocket, naming his killer – the lovely widow. Quite distraught, the crowd turns on the murderer and the dead has his justice.

This may be a stretch to tie to horror, but I still love the macabre theme of the music video. I hope you enjoy it as well!