The gripping opening sequence of James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 not only provided audiences with an extended Groot dance sequence but also subtly hinted at the eventual fate of the character Yondu. James Gunn's ten-year-long Guardians of the Galaxy series deploys music masterfully throughout, carefully weaving together the soundtrack with the narrative into one cohesive unit. One of the most emotional redemption arcs in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Yondu's sacrifice was beautifully foreshadowed by the lyrics to the movie's opening song, E.L.O.'s classic, "Mr. Blue Sky."

Yondu Odonta is introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy as the foster parent of Peter Quill, alias Star-Lord. Leader of the space-pirate clan, the Ravagers, Yondu is portrayed as an uncaring thief who raised Quill to assist in his cosmic plundering. Yondu later returns in Guardians of the Galaxy 2, banished from the Ravagers for trafficking children. It is later revealed that Yondu trafficked Quill for his biological father, the living planet, Ego. Upon the realization that Ego is responsible for many evil deeds, Quill and his fellow Guardians defeat the nefarious being, whereupon Yondu sacrifices himself to rescue Quill and provide safe passage of the planet, declaring that he considers Quill to be his son.

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Baby Groot dances in the opening to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Reddit user Codoro observed the parallels between the lyrics to the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's opening song and the development of the character Yondu. As his fellow Guardians battle a giant space monster, tiny Groot rocks out to the classic E.L.O. hit, "Mr. Blue Sky." Groot, who is receiving his own Disney+ series, dances through an extended routine until his music system is knocked over, and the music ceases, interrupting one of the song's verses. The lyrics to this verse begin, "Mr. Blue, you did it right," which is suggestive of Yondu's eventual redemption and references his blue skin. The next line, "But soon comes Mr. Night creepin' over, Now his hand is on your shoulder," reflects the sacrifice Yondu makes, killing himself to allow Peter Quill to live.

The verse concludes with, "Never mind, I'll remember you this, I'll remember you this way," mirroring the newfound paternal feelings shared between Yondu and Quill now that they have embraced their history and roles as father and son. Other lyrics conjure imagery of "Mr. Blue" floating in the sky as others smile up at him, paralleling Yondu's ascent into the sky as he earns the respect of his family and colleagues. It is a subtle reference, but one that fans of the classic song will appreciate upon rewatching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 with the knowledge of Yondu's death in mind. It is also a testament to the attention to detail and care taken by Gunn.

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Yondu's death in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks are nearly as iconic as the movies themselves. Chosen with deliberate care, James Gunn uses the songs to bring greater meaning to his films by toying with the audience's prior knowledge. Here, Gunn has perfectly hidden the film's conclusion within the first five minutes, brazenly demonstrating his talent and the power of a good soundtrack. After a brief appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder, Peter Quill and the Guardians are set to return in 2023 with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.