Mario 64's Dire Dire Docks: Music Theory

A look inside the music theory of Super Mario 64's Dire Dire Docks.
Viewer rewards include getting your name in the credits, sheet music library, and vgm soundtrack of the week: / alexyard
Triple B Music's Dire Dire Docks
• Dire, Dire, Docks [fea...
Clips
5:27
Diddy Kong Racing footage by KZbin user JuddMan
True Widescreen in Diddy Kong Racing - GLideN64 plugin
• True Widescreen in Did...
6:38 & 7:03
Koji Kondo Interview by Nintendo / KZbin user NintendoOnline
Interview with Video Game Composer Koji Kondo
• Interview with Video G...
6:49
Computer Station footage by KZbin user The Computer Chronicles
The Computer Chronicles - Programming (1984)
• The Computer Chronicle...
6:53
Nintendo Offices footage by Nintendo / KZbin user NeoGamer - The Video Game Archive
Nintendo Headquarters in 1993
• Nintendo Headquarters ...
6:55
Nintendo 64 Hardware footage by KZbin user EEVblog
EEVblog 491 - Nintendo 64 Game Console Teardown
• EEVblog #491 - Nintend...
7:13
Super Mario Bros. Gameplay by KZbin user Mathieu Pronovost
[4K / 60fps longplay] Super Mario Bros. - NES (tool-assisted)
• [4K / 60fps longplay] ...
7:39
Super Mario World Gameplay by KZbin user Nintendo Unity
Super Mario World - Worlds 1 to 9 (Full Game 100%)
• Super Mario World - Wo...
7:54
Dire Dire Docks Cover by KZbin user Triple B Music
Dire, Dire, Docks [feat. BadHairlineProductions] - Super Mario 64 || Rock Cover by Triple B Music
• Dire, Dire, Docks [fea...
9:46
Banjo-Tooie Gameplay by KZbin user MVGMoe
Banjo-Tooie 64 Walkthrough HD
• Banjo-Tooie 64 Walkthr...
Audio
0:01
Inside the Castle Walls, Super Mario 64
Composer: Koji Kondo
0:21 & 1:45 & 2:43 & 5:38 & 8:58
Dire Dire Docks, Super Mario 64
Composer: Koji Kondo
1:09
Ice Mountain Act 1, Sonic Advance
Composer: Yutaka Minobe
2:09
Dire Dire Docks (Music Box Arrangement)
Arrangement: R3 Music Box, Original Composer: Koji Kondo
• Dire, Dire Docks/Super...
2:27
Bob-omb Battlefield, Super Mario 64
Composer: Koji Kondo
3:13
Labyrinth Zone, Sonic 1 (Piano Arrangement)
Original Composer: Masato Nakamura
5:26
Diddy Kong Racing Title Theme
Composer: David Wise
7:18
Balloon Park, Sonic 3 (Piano Arrangement)
Original Composer: Jun Senoue
7:31
Underwater Theme, Super Mario Bros.
Composer: Koji Kondo
7:38
Underwater Theme, Super Mario World
Composer: Koji Kondo
7:50
Dire Dire Docks (Rock Cover)
Arrangement: Triple B Music, Original Composer: Koji Kondo
• Dire, Dire, Docks [fea...
9:32
Banjo’s Theme, Banjo-Tooie
Composer: Grant Kirkhope
9:47
Atlantis, Banjo-Tooie
Composer: Grant Kirkhope

[@TripleBMusic]

I had a feeling this was gonna be the song when you said you were featuring one of my covers in your next video! I think this is the first time I've seen sheet music of my covers too, because I don't write anything down, even in tab form 😅 Thanks for featuring me here! This was a great in depth analysis of this great song. The lighthouse analogy was really cool.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

You Should do the Opening/Ending Jingle of Sonic 3, Sonic and Knuckles, both the Genesis and Collection Versions. Even the Ending Credits

[@beanzthumbz]

I give you massive props for that malina poster on your wall

[@ronin9288]

" underwater swimming was still in its infancy" and "Water level historians" are the best takeaway lines from this vdeo

[@ridethelapras]

"3D swimming was still in its infancy", he said. I laughed.

[@thomas18823]

i wish i could have become a water level historian when i grew up

[@themusicaljunkie37]

"Water Level Historians" great name for an electronic band.

[@PhirePhlame]

This actually makes me curious how you'd tackle the Clock Town from Majora's Mask. It cycles through three different versions of its theme as the three days until the apocalypse pass you by, so I wonder if you'd more likely take them separately or combine them into one video?

[@JPBrooksLive]

I would think one video, as the main song stays the same just with different tempos and added instruments to evoke panic. And, "Final hours" that plays after midnight is the best (my favorite) "sad" video game song ever, it's so emotional and scary!

[@michaelromick9596]

Yes I would love that!

[@IxisNaugus]

Dire Dire Docks is my absolute favorite music track from any game ever. I am always sad that it never returns or is remixed for the water levels of succeeding games, smash bros. or anything else. Thank you, Alex Yard & Knuckles, from the bottom of my heart, for doing a music theory on this absolute masterpiece.

[@blakeblends]

Aquatic Ambience from Donkey Kong is pretty good too.

[@VideoGameAnimationStudy]

How?! How do you continue to blow my mind with your music/visual theories!?

[@duffman18]

The same way your videos are always mind blowing. You always reveal stuff in video game art that I've seen for decades, and reveal brand new things about them that I've never spotted before. You're great, man

[@Trefl_The_Catboy]

Ahhh, I remember inserting the Super Mario 64 cartridge and booting up my N64, just to run to Dire Dire Docks so I can listen to this calming track and do my homework after a stressful day at school... Good times

[@thewanderingchelmet]

Woah, you really don't realize how in depth music can get once you examine it's properties. It's, fascinating.

[@toasturhztoastbunz896]

One thing I always loved about this song was how different it sounded compared to the other tracks in any Mario game. Being a really calm and atmospheric water track, a far cry from the usual jazzy and goofy tracks that the series had been known for up to that point. Sounds like something you'd hear from Donkey Kong Country or Pikmin instead of Mario.

[@dominiccasts]

7:25 Of course you would demonstrate a waltz by arranging Balloon Park as one. Well played.

[@sanicmaniac]

Oh I didn't even notice lol

[@CookieCrescendo]

Love this song, the B section actually has a very similar chord progression to Luma’s theme from Mario galaxy. I found that out when I learned them on piano

[@JPBrooksLive]

Yeah! And "grandma" from wind waker! (Granny?... I forgot- links grandma's theme) but of I remember correctly, both of those start on the I chord and move down, but it's nearly indistinguishable from the IV-iii-ii-I that is the B section of Dire Dire Docks!

[@poisonpop328]

Not related to the video, but I just had to say that your username is fucking awesome.

[@DarnallDubois]

I was very very upset when you announced that the next song wasn't going to be from Sonic 3 but this.... this my jam

[@BraviaGames]

It''s a true testimate to your ability when you can go from analyzing Sonic to Mario music without missing a beat

[@MrAGame]

This was so beautiful, thank you good sir!

[@yukariyakumo9407]

First comment in verified

[@ReReCoil]

YOU CANT RUN FROM CHROME GADGET FOREVER, ALEX. IVE BEEN WAITING SINCE THE MARBLE GARDEN VIDEO. Side note, great video, almost finished it as of this comment.

[@mateuspokemon01]

He should do Hydrocity Zone too

[@ChilliusVGM]

Dire Dire Docks means a lot to me as it was the one song from SM64 that I could make a connection to as a kid, and now as an adult learning about what went into that song to make that exact connection answered so many interesting little questions I had as a kid. Great video! :)

[@cringeman7169]

Such a good song! Happy to see you covering this game

[@DemRupees]

The editing is so charming at times. I love it. I was halfway expecting to see Ulillillia swimming somewhere down there

[@magic3383]

I know absolutely nothing about music but Dire Dire Docks makes me so happy and it has for going on 30 years now.

[@cornshot9857]

I'd love to see a video on rooftop run(day) and all of it's derivatives.

[@Hamster_Pants]

This

[@ThatRandomNova]

It's mind blowing how easily you're able to communicate more advanced topics to people like me who only have basic music theory knowledge. Fantastic video!

[@Sparkette]

I wonder how many of those analogies you mention (like the thing about the lighthouse) were actually what the composer had in mind.

[@BMORRIS_]

Dire dire docks makes me tear up everytime it's so beautiful and nostalgic it really is a work of art on the soundtrack of my childhood!

[@dj980918]

Dire, Dire Docks has been my favorite Mario music since 2003 (the year I played my first video game). It's so great to see someone finally analyzing this masterpiece after decades. Your analogies are, as always, ecstatically fantastic and appropriate too. The lighthouse, baby mobile, chords showing Mario's movement and emotions, etc. It's great to know why so many people love this song. Thank you for the video. -Oh, by the way, G - F - G - F progression at the intro sounds really cool. I don't know much about music theory, but is this I - VII - I - VII progression?- Edit: It's written in the video (I - bVII - I - bVII). I always love this progression, but I still don't know why XP

[@KidLeavesStoop]

I appreciate your editing, you’re creative in how you chose to visualize the info

[@Wolverage]

Sometimes life has a funny way of showing you something you were never looking for, yet always needed. Instant subscribe

[@newoldstock_]

Your channel is going to absolutely blow up soon, man. No question. Superb work as always, thank you so much for making these.

[@solidgamer6160]

Once again knocking it out of the park. I love these music theories so much. Thank you

[@venomsx113]

Man your analyses are so compelling. This channel is so entertaining and enjoyable to watch!

[@strat2tele]

Only halfway through and you’ve earned a sub. I can’t wait to go back and watch some other game music theory videos. Amazing work.

[@davidflores5907]

Incredible content! Love how you explain the musical tricks through metaphors because it helps me better understand what’s going on in the music.

[@FrankTheStud]

9:24 - "growing comfortable with solitude in moderation can help you find life's metaphorical stars... It worked for Mario!" bruhhhhh that hits home 😭😭😭

[@typreegamingtpg2198]

The thing I love about your videos is how it extends out to so many other places than just the level at hand, it’s wonderful

[@LapperDev]

Been addicted to these videos! Great song choice to look at

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

Dire Dire Docks is still one of my favorite video game songs, and it's crazy that it's basically an arpeggio strung out across multiple measures.

[@ace131484]

Fantastic theory explanations/metaphors! And with the visual cues to bring it all together: the lighthouse shining on the tonic note, the school of fish in the measure, love it!

[@popsiclyes4121]

your work is so underrated, i have no idea how you could dig so far into such a minimalistic song. love your videos as always!

[@Teimo]

Such a beautiful video man. I was hoping this exact song had a video on the theory behind it. You went above and beyond here man, thank you!

[@Sl1kz]

Understanding music is one thing.. have good examples in words the other.. but your visuals help understanding so much more. You are doing such a good job!

[@Rushiryu]

I was thinking it was gonna Titanic monarch or even The bridge from Sonic game gear, but this is even better I think. If you are gonna choose such fan favorites, songs that have left an impact to our hearts, and that we will always remember fondly, then I implore you, spread your wings to other series more. Excellent editing btw. It's evident in every video how it takes a great deal of work to get the timing right as well as keep it visually pleasing and understood, but this is another level. It's so cute and calming to watch Mario swim in response to the music while we see the theory in the works. You know how to make your videos charming and appealing, beyond just the explaining of music. I genuinely can't say enough good things about them. I'm always looking forward to your uploads, friend.

[@akpost8780]

The mood reminds me of the Twin Peaks opening theme… Serene with a twinge of ominous foreboding.

[@GabeTStarman]

Just found your channel randomly as I was listening to insaneintherain covers, so glad I clicked. Easy new sub!

[@angelostsavdarlis8308]

I was pondering on this music for years! Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@CrashAshes43]

I really enjoyed the particular way you annotated and visualized the score in time with what section you're discussing. My foundation in sheet music is not too strong but it made it extremely easy to follow your points. It's clear it takes a lot of time to edit so I just wanted to let you know it's appreciated.

[@19murkigurki95]

Wow. This is one of the most beautiful videos I’ve ever watched on KZbin. I too try to find some similar interpretations in songs here and there as I learned some of these techniques in school. So curious now about what more there is to discover on your channel!

[@Lukz243]

oooh, I love on how tangible you make music theory using vgm as an example. Keep up the good work!

[@budderguy2128]

This is a beautiful video, especially with the descriptions you’ve given them

[@alexalani10101]

I love the effort and detail in this video, great video!

[@IronicSonic83]

Love yor editing!! youtube give a medal to this man!

[@BluDragon-lt4og]

A couple days ago, I sat down and saw your channel while browsing videos about S3K, and I was surprised anyone had gone into the music theory of the game; I used to do a little music theory myself, I took a couple classes because I wanted to know how to write down the sounds in my head, and frankly your explanations combining the action of the song with the action of the characters opened up a new perspective for me. Sure, I knew about chords and overtones and the ways the Great Old Ones used to compose their work, but I hadn't been taught how to see the efforts of the composer, which you delivered. I binged most of your videos yesterday, and then I sat there like, "damn. I can't wait for the next one." And hell, you delivered. Thanks for the vids man, and congrats on 15k.

[@takeshmode]

love that you reference other video games (especially sonic) when you are describing a point! I studied music theory by myself for a year and grew up with these games so I love these videos! Keep on keeping on good sir!

[@FinchReznor]

Video game music theory is something I wish I could have pursued. It makes me happy to see someone is doing it. Your videos make me so happy. Finding these dimensions in music I've been listening to for decades at this point. Fuck yeah, thank you.

[@ningbosmash6750]

Earned a sub from a theory teacher. The editing and visuals are too good. Going to check out your other videos, i'm sure there are plenty which i can share with my students.

[@DekuWolf64]

I love how this explains the notes in the underwater music for SM64

[@jackodonnell3463]

This video essay quality is off the charts. Subscribed for the lighthouse.

[@filenotfound_2416]

Okay, haven’t finished the video, I only just got to the part where you compare the “1” note in the song to a lighthouse in the sea, and just wow. I’m only barely a minute in and you’re already blowing my mind with this analysis. That’s so clever and such a good way of looking at the song. Incredible.

OMG I loved the video editing. I love this theme since I was a child. Thanks for doing this, new subscriber. (also I love the name "Mario cadence" to the bVI-bVII-I progression)

[@avakan5218]

This is a really informative, well edited and interesting vid!

[@TanderXS]

Now you've gone and done it! Now I want more of these videos but with Kirkhope's compositions! Excellent video man, keep 'em up!

[@Mopsie]

This is amazing, instant sub! Thanks for your great work!

[@strohhutxP]

Great choice for a music theory and great job as always!

[@sebastianmalmsteen]

You just made a new subscriber with this video I liked the analysis a lot, keep it up!

[@HoshizakiYoshimasa]

Showed this video to my father, a music aficionado who grew up listening to classic rock, blues, soul and classic during the 60's and 70's. He was intrigued. He then listen to the song itself. He was amazed at how well composed it was and how great it sounded!

[@someobscuremusicchannel]

i just learned what an arpeggio is like a few days ago

[@bongparty]

this is the first video i've seen of yours and i love it

[@Conradlovesjoy]

God I love this channel. Speaking of subversion…. Didn’t expect a Mario 64 track. Great as always!

[@ObeyedDog]

Great explanations and super cool editing!

[@DanmakuAki]

I really love your Videos and im happy that you make music theorys about Mario Games too now :D Cant wait for the Music theorys of Certain boss themes ^^

[@NostalJackMusic]

Oh man I can already tell this is going to be one of my new favorite channels!! :)

[@Fritzafella]

Can I just say, the editing, the consistently water metaphors, its perfect. I especially adored the hint of danger in the diminished I chord being on that creepy as all hell fish. Its just beautiful.

[@unicornman147]

Hey, great video! I always liked Dire Dire Docks but now I can appreciate it on a technical level. It's a very melancholic peace but to me, SM64 is a melancholic game.

[@AlexYardZone]

Agreed. The comment featured on screen near the end, really captures it well.

[@yusufanything]

This video was so good, I thorougly enjoyed it. As an avid watcher of retro videogame essays this is a 10/10 video. Play guitar as well and can really apprciate the music theory amazing work wow. Please be proud of yourself!

[@naytron210]

As a life long lover of video game music, this one is among my favorites, like many other gamers that grew up in this era. This video is definitely the best breakdown of this piece I've ever seen, technical and entertaining. Great work! Sub earned.

[@Allplussomeminus]

0:54... I swear these illustrations are beautiful. You're making me rethink the way music can be written.

[@arielbgarcias]

What a wonderful content!! Happy to find!

[@AlexYardZone]

Thank you! And I may have something else you'll enjoy coming down the pipeline....😎

[@adamwilsonholmes8261]

Thank you for this. It was wonderful !

[@OanSMM]

I don't have any advanced knowledge (only done basic piano as a musical experience) but this truly fascinated me! And the video and editing quality is excellent too!

[@skylarky]

youve been killing it man amazing!!

[@retromec4757]

Superbly written, flawlessly executed, brilliantly analyzed. A masterclass in gaming music theory. Simply stunning.

[@BAVBAVBAV]

This is a fantastic video. Love this kind of music content

[@OldMovieRob]

I really loved this analysis and learned a few things too.

[@ElonDusk14]

Absolutely loved this video. New sub

[@carpathia808]

This was one of the first songs I learned to play on piano and I consider his the reason why I still play piano today! Amazing video as always!

[@GamingNostalgiaRemastered]

I just uploaded a cool new version of Super Mario's "Dire, Dire Docks". I think you'll enjoy this. Come check it out.

[@thishouseofglass]

Really nicely done

[@Aaron4Prez720]

Why did it take me so long to find this video and more importantly your channel? Quickest subscribe of my life.

[@AlexYardZone]

Thanks so much. 2023, year of Alex Yard!

[@wishiwerespecial]

This is really cool and Mario 64 had such iconic music. Thanks for making this.

[@roywilliams7229]

You guys take this music hobby to a new level

[@DragonHeartHisMajestyX]

To Alex Yard & Knuckles. If it isn’t too much trouble, I would love to see a music theory video done on “Untamed Heart” form Klonoa: Door To Phantomile. I feel that would be a great video to see a music theory video on!

[@s.k.o.e.2191]

There no music that takes me back to my child hood like this beat. I feel happy and sad at the same time. Wish i could go back but of course life don't work that way. Thank god for memories..

[@Tisisrealnow]

One of my favorites of Super Mario, glad you picked this for your first non-sonic 3 music analysis. For more Mario songs i would recommend 3d world, it had some great and memorable songs.

[@liamschermer7901]

This is certainly a surprise, but one I welcome. Amazing video, I would love to see you cover other Franchises/Games besides Sonic 3 in the future, you've got talent.

[@BrokeWeekends]

man your visuals are so cool and smart and clever and creative

[@liambaron7112]

i was far from expecting this video to be what it is. it's amazing ! so interesting ! it's crazy how, as a child i never liked this song but i grew to appreciate it more and more

[@braddemille5359]

I saw 10 minutes on the thumbnail and I thought “that’s too long, but I still wanna hear the song.” 10 minutes went by and I was sad there wasn’t more theory! Nice video!

[@nimnone]

Wow visually amazing video!

[@thealientree3821]

The strings at the beginning of the loop I do feel is just... oddly satisfying. Like very much so. It might be the 2nd notes at the higher octave the electric piano pulses that helps the lower notes reach the metaphorical air that is the long lasted strings on the high 3rd note. This long drone honestly sounds like the end of the song, but of course, it won't end until you grabbed that star. So the strings proceed, following the chords the electric piano sets up by slowly flowing and gliding down and up to the notes. The transition from the tense outro to loop with the strings might honestly be my favorite part of the track.

[@goodhope3784]

Wow great video, subbed!

[@artschrettbba]

The narration of this video is immaculate

[@quinn562]

What an excellent surprise! I used to play this on guitar all the time and just get lost in it. When I was younger I recorded the song on an emulator, edited it a bit and had myself a nice 7 minute loop of the string section. Arguably a top 3 song in the Mario series, the most melancholic thing this side of the forest of illusion.

[@thend4427]

U deserve more subs hope u continue ur vids with other series

[@chia1jon]

Just watched 3 of your videos in succession. At 1:00 AM. So thank you. I think I can go back to sleep now 😌