The soundtrack was nominated at the 71st Academy Awards for Original Dramatic Score, but lost out to Life Is Beautiful.

[3] Zimmer wrote several hours of music, with several different themes, even before Malick started to shoot the film.

The director then played the music on the set, while filming, to get himself, and the rest of the crew and actors in the right frame of mind.

[4][5] The film also features several Melanesian choral songs and chants, performed by the Choir of All Saints from Honiara, only one of which ("God Yu Tekem Laef Blong Mi") is featured on the soundtrack.

In addition to the choral music, Zimmer added to his tracks the use of Asian instruments, like the Shakuhachi and the Koto.