Liam Neeson’s Unexpected Singing Debut in The Naked Gun — And It’s Hilariously Awesome
When you think of The Naked Gun, what probably comes to mind are slapstick gags, deadpan humor, and Leslie Nielsen’s iconic portrayal of Frank Drebin. But this time around, there’s a surprising new twist — Liam Neeson, stepping behind the mic for the first time in a professional recording studio. Yep, you read that right.
A Surprise Track in the Credits
Toward the end of the film, during the credits, you’ll catch a ballad called “My Sweet Beth.” It’s a heartfelt — yet totally tongue-in-cheek — tribute from Neeson’s character, Frank Drebin Jr., to Pamela Anderson’s character, Beth Davenport. The song celebrates Beth, a “very special lady,” as Frank sings about her top-shelf curves, brains, boots, and even breasts (yes, the lyrics are cheeky and funny).
What makes this moment even more delightful is that this song wasn’t part of the original plan at all. Akiva Schaffer, the film’s director, told Entertainment Weekly that it was a last-minute addition. While preparing to show a final cut of the movie to a group of around 90 friends and family, Schaffer felt the credits were missing a little something.
The Last-Minute Idea That Stuck
In his words: "I always knew I needed to do something in the credits. Finally, we were picture-locked and in the edit room, and I just recorded the song into my laptop, threw it into the movie, and two hours later, we screened it. It went over really well."
But here’s the kicker: Schaffer originally recorded the vocals himself, and it was only after that initial screening that they replaced his voice with Neeson’s. Talk about a buzzer-beater move!
Schaffer added, "I'm very pleased we got that in at the buzzer, that we snuck it in there."
Liam Neeson’s Take: Not a Frank Sinatra, but Fun All the Same
When asked about the song, Neeson described it as a “surprise addition,” but one he was happy to be part of. “I thought, yeah, sure,” he said. “It’s not supposed to be Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett, so we had a bit of fun with it.”
And fun it is! The lyrics are delightfully silly and self-aware, poking fun at classic love ballads with lines like:
“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 Studio Shenanigans
What makes the sequence even more entertaining is watching Frank (aka Liam Neeson) getting distracted during the recording session. It’s reminiscent of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’s iconic "Endless Love" video, but with a comedic twist — Neeson’s character can’t resist messing around with the bass drum and guitar he finds in the studio.
It’s a charming, goofy moment that fits perfectly with the tone of The Naked Gun franchise, where silliness reigns supreme.
Liam’s Hidden Singing Past
Believe it or not, this isn’t Liam Neeson’s first rodeo with singing for the camera. He actually sang in a 1986 film called Duet for One. And the memory, according to him, is more embarrassing than anything.
“Much to my embarrassment,” he confessed, “I sang to Julie Andrews. I played her lover, and I was basically a third-rate British club singer. I sang Tom Jones’ classic ‘Green Green Grass of Home’ right in front of Julie Andrews. Terrified. F‑‑‑ing terrified.”
So while Neeson might not be taking any music awards soon, his willingness to dive into these quirky musical moments adds another layer of charm to his performance.
Why “My Sweet Beth” Works So Well
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It’s a perfect blend of sincerity and silliness. The song fits the film’s goofy tone without feeling forced.
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It adds a unique flourish to the credits. Instead of the usual plain rolling credits, audiences get a fun encore that extends the movie experience.
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Liam Neeson stepping out of his usual serious roles. Seeing the action star goof off and sing a goofy love song is a delightful surprise.
A Fun Collaboration Behind the Scenes
Akiva Schaffer, known for his sharp comedic sensibilities (you might recognize him from The Lonely Island or Popstar), co-wrote the song. His creative input clearly shines through in the lyrics and delivery.
This unexpected musical number proves that sometimes the best moments in a movie come from spontaneous, last-minute creativity — and a director willing to roll with the punches.
What It Means for Fans of The Naked Gun
The franchise has always been about pushing the boundaries of comedy, and this musical twist keeps that tradition alive. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, “My Sweet Beth” is a neat little Easter egg that adds charm and laughs.
Plus, it’s a reminder that even serious actors like Liam Neeson can have a lot of fun and don’t mind poking fun at themselves.
Final Thoughts
Liam Neeson’s singing debut in The Naked Gun is one of those quirky, unexpected moments that makes watching movies such a joy. From the last-minute idea to the goofy lyrics and studio antics, it’s a memorable and laugh-out-loud worthy part of the film.
And hey, if you’re wondering if Neeson’s vocal chops are ready for a solo album — probably not. But for a comedic, offbeat tribute to “My Sweet Beth,” he nailed it.
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