'Grandma' is Much More Than its Composition

This beloved track from the NieR games just isn't that dense on the page. What else is going on under the hood?

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zakid's "Snow in Summer" Arrangement:
KeRIIval's upload of the instrumental track:

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Portuguese subtitles by Pether2108
Italian subtitles by elena
Feel free to send subtitles of any language to my business e-mail, and I will publish them!
.srt format with time stamps preferred, but I'll accept anything as long as I know what lines should show at what time.

The NieR soundtrack was written by Keiichi Okabe, MONACA, and Takafumi Nishimura. NieR is owned by Square Enix.

Other music featured, in order:
"Hills of Radiant Winds" - NieR Replicant ver.1.22 OST
"Snow in Summer" - NieR Repliant ver.1.22 OST
"Postmeridie" - Puella Magi Madoka Magica OST by Yuki Kajiura
"Puella in somnio" - Puella Magi Madoka Magica OST by Yuki Kajiura
"The Wretched Automatons" - NieR Gestalt/Replicant OST
"Song of the Ancients / Devola" - NieR Replicant ver.1.22 OST

0:00 What's in a Name?
1:04 Similarities in the Soundtrack
2:10 Baby's First Sponsorship
3:15 What Time Signature? Yes.
4:00 Why NieR OST Credits Suck
5:13 No Really, What Time Signature?
5:58 The Harmony Loop
6:36 A Major Exception
8:42 Resolution in Limbo
9:57 Is "Grandma" Even About Grandma?
10:37 The Music Cue Matters
12:09 It Really Is That Simple
13:09 Attack Velocity
14:15 The Human Voice
16:09 Expression in Ensemble
17:23 Please Listen to These Strings [Music]

Correction:
1:30 "Song of the Ancients" is actually natural minor most of the time

[JonathanBarouch]

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[rurukitty]

"We like to suffer here" - a quote every Nier/Nier Automata player relates to a lot.

[avyntide]

the accidental Grandma/Snow in Summer mashup goes so hard

[chiseelbufon]

Finally “Grandma” receiving the attention it deserves, I feel like musical analysis is always brushed over for this piece. Thank you for pointing out the reason this piece remains my favorite across the Nier series. Although fleeting words has a hold on me now too.

[DarkKnightsix]

Damn, even while it's being broken down and analysed I literally cannot listen to this song without tears

[CastiellaXIV]

Personally I really like to interpret the military sounding drums as Kaine’s resolve to keep going from her grandma, and the perseverance to keep her memory.
10/10 video! Super informative and I really enjoyed it! ❤

[ecchiyaro]

Nier Replicant trying not to have the most beautiful OST (Impossible)

[NomzNoodle]

“Grandma (Destruction)” from Nier: Automata is SOOO GOOOD. The intensity is unrivaled

[elena]

Holy shit Jonathan, this video is INCREDIBLE. I'm repeating myself, but I really admire with how much simplicity you can explain the link between sheet music and the emotions expressed in the final composition.
I've been listening to grandma for years now, and in section 13:09 - 16:09 you brilliantly explained that "something" that I had been noticing for so long. I had never heard of attack velocity before, but I could tell that the pianist's emphasis was giving a lot of meaning to the piece and I am so glad it's finally starting to make more sense now -in my mind at least-. I especially love the D emphasized at 13:32 (circa)... I always felt like it was a grim reminder not to get too excited, in stark contrast with how high the notes dance in those measures.
The way you chose to display Emi's fluctuations in performance is also so creative. It's such a simple yet effective scheme that helped to visualize what you were analysing.
I don't think I've ever mentioned it, but I also want to compliment you for how well you edit these videos. They're light, well-rounded, very well balanced in terms of how many technicalities you include, and your subtle jokes here and there make the watching experience so entertaining in general. Not to mention how much more musical theory I learn every time! I mean, of course I'm no expert (not even intermediate lol) but some recurring terms from earlier videos stuck to my mind, and helped me undestand more swiftly what you were referring to here. I just love your works, man! You never disappoint. Thank you for this amazing video❤

[illrolla]

I’ve been waiting for this one. My favorite track in the series.

[Sorriow]

As a "non musician" music theory always facscinates me, and you deliver this in an awesome way. Thanks for the quality content.

[gregorymanucharyan]

I’ve just recently learned this piece on piano and despite the repetition, I love to play it. The point you made regarding “attack velocity” is really accurate. It is true that the expressiveness while playing is vital for this piece. Depending on my mood while playing, it actually sounds unique each time, portraying different emotions and feelings. Sometimes I go for a calmer sound thus pressing the keys softer. Other times I apply more force and emphasize on certain notes. In addition, once you know the context and intent of the piece within the story, you can truly feel the piece while playing. I even sometimes listen to the vocals while playing the piano section myself. It really is a beautiful feeling.
Note: And as you stated in the video, the attack velocity just comes naturally. I never think of it while playing, it just happens.

Again, thanks for another amazing video analysis. From someone who doesn’t know music theory, I am truly grateful for these kinds of videos. The effort put into these really shows. Excellent explanation, structure and editing.

[De-eggs]

I love this song so much, especially as a Spanish speaker as while most of the song is unintelligible, the very first lyrics sound to me like a slurred "Que haré?", which means "What shall I do?". Together with the pensive and somber feel of the song it pulls on my imagination, framing the song as a remembrance of someone dear, a struggle to overcome emotion, and leaves me feeling like I too lost something, but will carry a fragment of their memory with me for the rest of my life.
I will learn this song, and sing/play it in memory of those forgotten, and in honour of those I never knew.

[szymonszczechowicz]

I've been here since Snow in summer video and I'm really glad to see, that your channel is continuously growing! Definitely deserved, I love those essays! Congrats your first sponsorship!

[jecoeur]

I always interpreted the drum track as a representation of kainé's determination. Her promise to keep going to nier and emil despite the uncertainty swirling inside her.

[AgentSapphire]

It's nice to see someone articulate what makes Grandma so special. It's hard to explain but you nailed it.

[Apotoxin]

Gorgeous. Stunning. I don’t know much about music but your videos are always so easy to follow along with that I feel like I learn a whole college coarse load about it with each one. I adore Nier and have been listening to its music for years. It’s clear even to someone music illiterate like me that Nier’s OST is special, but thanks to you I can love and appreciate its tracks on all new levels. Thank you!

[Lucerious]

Grandma is here, but not really because Nier. You really articulate everything well and give some serious thought into the whole why a track makes us feel something. I love the little bits of humor you leave around, which is what was left of the Aerie after our heroes saved the day :)
I feel like I could get into a conversation about the performance practice and emphasizing certain things. It's not exactly my specialty per say but I do apply it in orchestra and some solos when I happen to play them. Congrats on the sponsor!

[raehex]

I like to interpret the military sounding drums to the fact that Kali/Curly's gestalt was actually a renowned soldier against the Legion, and so her legacy is that of a keen military mind!

[Kirusei]

When I first heard this playing the original Gestalt version, I immediately put it in my favorites.