The song playing while Peter Quill dances during the opening of the original Guardians of the Galaxy film is “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone.

It originally appeared on the band’s 1973 album Wovoka.

The recording became a major American hit in 1974.

But its appearance in the 2014 Marvel film introduced it to an entirely new audience.

Chris Pratt’s character, Star-Lord, listens to the song while exploring the planet Morag.

The scene became one of the most recognisable introductions in modern superhero cinema.

And Redbone’s story is considerably more interesting than many casual listeners realise.

Who are Redbone?

An American rock band formed by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas.

The musicians had Native American heritage, and the group deliberately developed an identity reflecting Indigenous musical culture.

Their recordings combined rock, funk and other rhythmic influences.

Redbone became one of the first bands with an entirely Native and Mexican American lineup to achieve major mainstream success.

“Come and Get Your Love” became their defining international hit.

When was the song originally released?

1973, on the album Wovoka.

It became a major hit during 1974.

The recording reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

That made it a significant commercial breakthrough.

Its success was particularly important because it increased the visibility of Native American musicians within mainstream rock and pop.

Who wrote Come and Get Your Love?

Lolly Vegas holds the original songwriting credit.

Pat Vegas has also described contributing to its creation.

The brothers developed the music while touring.

The composition reportedly came together unusually quickly during a stop in Philadelphia.

Its direct rhythmic character became central to the finished recording.

What does the song actually mean?

Love, confidence and self-acceptance.

It’s easy to interpret the recording as a straightforward romantic invitation.

But Pat Vegas has described a broader meaning.

The song encourages people to recognise their own worth.

It also communicates acceptance across different backgrounds.

That gives the recording a more expansive message than its familiar chorus might initially suggest.

Why does it fit Star-Lord so well?

Because Peter Quill has a strong emotional connection with the music of his childhood.

His mother gave him a collection of recordings.

Those songs remain important to him as he travels through space.

The music creates a connection with Earth and with the family he lost.

That’s what makes the opening scene so effective.

The setting is extraordinary.

The soundtrack is familiar.

And Quill behaves like somebody enjoying music during an ordinary journey.

Why is the dancing scene so memorable?

Because it deliberately contrasts with conventional superhero introductions.

Rather than beginning with an enormous battle, the film shows its protagonist enjoying a pop song.

He moves through a dangerous alien environment with surprising confidence.

The music makes the scene playful.

It immediately establishes the character’s personality.

Quill isn’t a conventional solemn hero.

He’s somebody whose identity is partly defined by the music he loves.

Is Come and Get Your Love the same as Mr. Blue Sky?

No.

“Come and Get Your Love” is used during the opening of the first Guardians of the Galaxy film.

“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra is associated with the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

That second sequence features Baby Groot dancing while the other characters fight.

The two scenes are connected through a similar creative idea.

Music becomes the focus while dramatic action happens around the characters.

Is the song in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?

It returns within the wider franchise.

The recording has become strongly associated with Star-Lord and the Guardians.

That makes its later appearances particularly meaningful.

A song first heard during an amusing introduction can eventually become a reminder of the characters’ entire journey.

What is Awesome Mix Vol. 1?

The soundtrack collection associated with the first film.

It includes songs from different decades and styles.

The recordings are presented as part of Peter Quill’s personal music collection.

That gives the soundtrack a storytelling purpose.

Rather than simply selecting songs that sound suitable for individual scenes, the film creates a fictional explanation for why the character knows and loves them.

What other songs are on the soundtrack?

The album includes Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling”, Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky”, David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream”, The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”.

It’s an excellent introduction to several generations of pop and rock.

For another memorable musical moment from the same franchise, Radar explains “Dog Days Are Over” at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Why was Redbone’s success historically significant?

Because the band achieved major mainstream recognition while celebrating its Native heritage.

Its members incorporated Indigenous influences into their musical and visual identity.

That was significant during a period when Native musicians frequently experienced limited mainstream representation.

Their success demonstrated that the band could reach international audiences without abandoning that identity.

What genre is Come and Get Your Love?

Rock with strong funk and pop influences.

The rhythm is particularly important.

Its bassline and percussion create a danceable foundation.

The vocals are melodic and accessible.

That combination helped the recording succeed on mainstream radio.

Songs like Come and Get Your Love

Try Redbone’s “The Witch Queen of New Orleans”, Looking Glass’ “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”, Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky”, The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”, Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling” and Sly & the Family Stone’s “Everyday People”.

These recordings explore different parts of the warm, rhythmic classic-pop sound associated with the Guardians soundtracks.

What is the Guardians of the Galaxy opening song?

“Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone.

Originally released in 1973 and made famous to another generation through the 2014 film.

The recording is particularly worth exploring because its history involves an influential Native American rock band whose musical identity reached far beyond one famous Marvel scene.