“Dead Mom” from Beetlejuice has become a sensation, and for good reason. This catchy and powerful song, especially known for Sophia Anne Caruso’s incredible performance, is a favorite among singers. However, don’t let the fun vibe fool you – “Dead Mom” is a serious vocal challenge. Attempting this song without the right technique can lead to vocal strain. This guide will break down the vocal demands of “Dead Mom” and provide you with practical tips and exercises to tackle this iconic Beetlejuice song safely and effectively.
Why is “Dead Mom” a Vocally Demanding Beetlejuice Song?
What isn’t challenging about singing “Dead Mom”? Even the seemingly calmer opening verses require belting up to a C#5 (two C#s above Middle C). The first chorus immediately escalates the difficulty, with sustained C#5 belts on the “ee” vowel – a vowel notoriously tricky for belting due to its closed nature, which naturally favors head voice. By the bridge, the song pushes singers to a D5 belt, and by the song’s climax, an E5 is required! The vocal range and sustained high notes make “Dead Mom” a true test of vocal prowess, demanding significant control and stamina.
Quick Vocal Fixes for Singing “Dead Mom”
Let’s be realistic: if belting a C#5 feels completely out of reach, reading a blog post won’t instantly unlock that range. However, if you can access these notes in your warm-ups and need guidance to apply them within the song’s context, or if you possess a strong head mix, this section is for you. If not, jump to the “Vocal Strengthening” section to begin building the necessary vocal foundation over time.
Verse 1 Vocal Adjustments
Let’s address the C# on the “I” in “But Dead Mom I gotta ask” in the first verse of this Beetlejuice song. Whether you choose a belt or a twangy head mix (a twangy head mix is recommended initially to allow for vocal growth throughout the song), aim for a “mah-mahie-gahda ask” pronunciation. Use “ah” vowels that lean towards the “a” in “cat.” Elevate the sides of your tongue towards your molars, mimic the facial expression of biting into an apple, and wrinkle your nose slightly.
Verse 2 Vocal Hacks
Now, let’s tackle the line “impale him through the heart,” where another C# appears in this Beetlejuice song. Listen to Sophia Anne Caruso’s rendition; she simplifies “impale” to “impall” (using an “a” like in “cat”) to maintain a consistent mouth shape. She also omits the “h” in “him” as the “h” sound is aspirate and can cause excessive air leakage. Lastly, she modifies “through” to sound like “threeeoo” to maintain a higher tongue position, facilitating a more manageable belt. Try practicing “impall-im threeeoo theuh heart.”
Chorus 1 Vocal Strategies
The chorus of this Beetlejuice song truly tests your vocal agility. A closed “ee” sound likely won’t be sustainable. Experiment with a vowel closer to “i” (as in “kick”) while keeping your mouth open in that apple-biting shape. Your tongue should maintain a position similar to the “ee” vowel, but your mouth should be more open. Observe Sophia Anne Caruso’s mouth shape at 1:07 in performance videos for visual guidance. Apply this mouth shape adjustment to all sustained high “ee” vowels in the chorus of this Beetlejuice song.
Bridge Vocal Techniques
For the bridge of this Beetlejuice song, apply the same “ee” vowel modifications to “sees me” and “receiving” at 1:46 and 1:55 as you did with the chorus sustains.
Now, for the D5 at 2:00. The key here is to avoid tension and strain. Imagine lightly tossing a ball overhead, releasing the note with the same ease as a joyful “yay!” Modify “I’m” to “ah-m” and “done” to “dah-n.” These vowel adjustments create a more belt-friendly sound for this challenging Beetlejuice song moment.
Final Chorus Vocal Power
Apply the same vowel modifications for “run” and “one” in the final chorus of this Beetlejuice song. Pronounce them as “rah-n” and “wah-n.”
When you reach “go insane if” at 2:39 in this Beetlejuice song, aim for “guh-ehn-sah-nif” to maximize vocal openness.
And finally, the E5 on “say”! Similar to the D5 on “done,” this should feel like a release, a thrown note. Fortunately, the “ay” vowel is advantageous as it naturally elevates the larynx, keeps the tongue high, and allows for a more open mouth position. Eliminate the “s” consonant, which releases excessive air. Opt for a “z” consonant, singing “zay” instead. This subtle change can make a significant difference in hitting that high note in this Beetlejuice song.
Vocal Strengthening Exercises for “Beetlejuice Song” Mastery
If you’re struggling to reach the higher notes in “Dead Mom,” or if your head mix isn’t yet strong enough for a confident performance of this Beetlejuice song, this section is crucial.
Firstly, for safe and healthy belting, proper breath support and an “open throat” (achieved by retracting the false vocal folds) are fundamental. Explore resources on breath support and false vocal fold retraction for detailed guidance.
Here are targeted exercises to build the vocal strength needed for this Beetlejuice song:
Exercise 1: Mixed Voice Strengthening
This exercise targets overall mixed voice strength, crucial for navigating the range of this Beetlejuice song. While not aimed at extremely high belts, maintain a twangy or “bratty” quality throughout. (Example of exercise – original article likely intended to link to an exercise example here, but none was provided in the text. In a real article, a link or description of a vocal exercise would be included here.)
Exercise 2: Safe Belting Technique
This exercise focuses on developing safe belting, essential for the high notes in this Beetlejuice song. Remember the “throwing the ball” analogy – the sound should be projected and released, not forced or strained. (Example of exercise – original article likely intended to link to an exercise example here, but none was provided in the text. In a real article, a link or description of a vocal exercise would be included here.)
Exercise 3: Sustained Belt Development
This exercise specifically targets sustaining belted notes, vital for holding those high notes in this Beetlejuice song. Prioritize excellent posture and retracted false vocal folds for optimal execution. (Example of exercise – original article likely intended to link to an exercise example here, but none was provided in the text. In a real article, a link or description of a vocal exercise would be included here.)
With dedicated practice and these techniques, conquering “Dead Mom,” this challenging Beetlejuice song, is within your reach. Let us know your progress in the comments below!
By Molly Webb
Molly is the founder of Molly’s Music. She is a dedicated singer and pianist whose musical journey spans 2.5 decades, with stops along the way to sing for the pope, pass Certificate of Merit at the highest level, study with Gwen Verdon and Ben Vereen, and record an original album.
