'Game of Thrones' fans were surprised and pleasantly taken aback during season 2 when HBO announced that modern-day band The National would cover George R.R. Martin's in-universe song "The Rains of Castamere" for the show's soundtrack, appearing over the credits of the legendary "Blackwater." Now, 'Game of Thrones' season 3 will dip into real life as well, recruiting The Hold Steady for a cover of Martin's "The Bear and the Maiden Fair," but how will it be incorporated into the new season?

As the recent 'Game of Thrones' season 3 trailer and its extended counterpart proved, modern music makes for a hauntingly beautiful companion to the iconic, old-world imagery of HBO's Westeros. Now, following a much-publicized collaboration with The National in season 2, Entertainment Weekly has announced that 'Game of Thrones' season 3 will incorporate modern group the Hold Steady for a cover of the George R.R. Martin-penned song "The Bear and the Maiden Fair."

“As with The National, we went after one of our favorite bands and were happily surprised when they agreed to do it,” said showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss. “This is one of the most popular songs in Westeros, beloved by nobles and commoners alike, sung at taverns and feasts and etc. We wanted our rendition to be bawdy and a little sloppy — drunken musicians getting up on the table and jamming while the rowdy party continues around them. There was no one better for the job than The Hold Steady, and the song they delivered has been stuck in our heads for the last four weeks.”

Entertainment Weekly points out that the song may not be used exactly where readers of George R.R. Martin's book "A Storm of Swords" might expect, but we couldn't help noticing a bear in the most recent trailer! The Hold Steady will also release a 7″ record on April 20 that will include “The Bear and Maiden Fair” and the song “Criminal Fingers.”

Well, what say you? Does The Hold Steady's involvement have you even more excited for 'Game of Thrones' season 3? What do you hope to see from the new season, premiering March 31? Give us your thoughts after the trailer below!

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