Liam Neeson delivers a surprising vocal debut in The Naked Gun, lending his voice to the end credits song titled My Sweet Beth. This track is his character Frank Drebin Jr.’s heartfelt tribute to Beth Davenport, played by Pamela Anderson. The song highlights Drebin’s affection as he uncovers the truth behind her brother’s death during the film’s storyline.
How the Song Came Together in the Final Moments
The idea for Neeson’s song came very late in the production process. Director Akiva Schaffer revealed that while preparing for a private screening involving about 90 friends and family members, he realized the credits lacked a special touch. He quickly recorded a basic version on his laptop, inserted it into the film, and within two hours screened the movie to a positive response.
I always knew I needed to do something in the credits, and finally we were picture-locked and we were in the edit room and I just [recorded the song] into my laptop, put it in the movie, and two hours later we screened it and it did really well,
Schaffer said.
Then I replaced [my vocals] with Liam… I’m very pleased that we got that in at the buzzer, that we snuck in there.
Liam Neeson’s Reaction to the Role and the Song’s Style
Neeson described his participation in the song as a surprise and an enjoyable final joke. Though not a professional singer, he approached the track with humor and a relaxed attitude, knowing it did not need to be polished or traditional. The quirky lyrics add to the comedic tone of the film’s closing moments.
I thought, yeah, sure,
Neeson recalled.
It’s not supposed to be Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett, so we had a bit of fun with it.
The lyrics themselves humorously celebrate Beth’s charms with lines such as:
Beth, ooooh / Top-shelf curves, and brains to boot / And boots that would top my brain’s top-10 list / Aboot boots, and the curvy brains that bought them / Also, breasts / My sweet Beth.
The Playful Atmosphere During the Recording Session
In the music studio, Frank Drebin’s character breaks from singing to play with instruments on hand, including a bass drum and guitar. This playful moment echoes iconic scenes like Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’ recording of Endless Love, adding a layer of lightheartedness to the credits.
Context of Neeson’s Previous Singing Experience
This is not Neeson’s first time singing on screen. Back in 1986, he performed in the film Duet for One, where he played a lover to Julie Andrews’ character. Despite his nervousness, he sang Tom Jones’ classic Green Green Grass of Home during a pivotal scene.
Much to my embarrassment, I sang to Julie Andrews,
Neeson admitted.
I played Julie Andrews’ lover, and I’m a third-rate British club singer. I sang Tom Jones’ classic ‘Green Green Grass of Home’ in front of Julie Andrews. Terrified, f‑‑‑ing, terrified.
Significance of the Surprise Song in The Naked Gun
Liam Neeson’s last-minute recording of My Sweet Beth adds a memorable and comedic touch to The Naked Gun’s closing credits, showcasing his willingness to participate in an unexpected and humorous moment. The inclusion highlights the collaborative spirit behind the film’s final stages and adds a unique layer of charm that fans will likely remember. This song marks a rare but delightful instance of Neeson stepping outside his usual dramatic roles, while reinforcing the affectionate bond his character forms with Beth Davenport.
