Videogame music is a unique beast, capable of elevating gameplay to new heights or leaving players scratching their heads over questionable lyrics. In this dive into the best and worst of videogame song lyrics, we explore the spectrum, from cringe-worthy to profoundly impactful, highlighting titles like Portal, Metal Gear, and Nier: Automata.
The allure of videogame lyrics lies in their unpredictability. On one end, there's Final Fantasy 14's "Sugar Riot" with its perplexing:
"Now we come to orange / Gotta rhyme something with orange / 'Cept that nothing rhymes with orange / Think that I'll just forget 'bout orange"
While thematic, the lyrics induce whiplash. On the other, Devil May Cry's "Devil Trigger" goes hard but with ridiculous flair:
"All of these thoughts runnin' through my head / Arm on fire, veins burnin' red / Frustration is gettin' bigger / Bang, bang, bang, pull my Devil Trigger"
About the Extremes in Videogame Lyrics
The worst might just be Dead Island's "Who Do You Voodoo?" with its outrageously bad yet hilariously good lines:
"Handful of fingertips, toss 'em up like confetti / Stable of corpse bitches, I'm a pimp of the dead"
A product of its time, it's a masterclass in walking the line between terrible and entertainingly so.
Not all videogame music falters; some shine brightly. Portal's "Still Alive" is a masterpiece, blending dark humor with depth:
"Now these points of data make a beautiful line / And we're out of beta, we're releasing on time / So I'm glad I got burned, think of all the things we learned / For the people who are still alive"
It's the perfect post-game reflection, offering a glimpse into GLaDOS's fate.
Metal Gear Series: A Special Mention
The Metal Gear series boasts a rich musical heritage. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater's main theme, sung by Cynthia Harrell, is both ludicrous and deeply meaningful:
"Someday you go through the rain / Someday you feed on a tree frog / This ordeal, the trial to survive / For the day we see new life"
Meanwhile, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance's soundtrack, likened to a mix of Judas Priest and My Chemical Romance, features intense tracks like:
"Being tracked by a starving beast / Hungry for its daily feast / A predator on the verge of death / Close to its last breath! / Getting close to its last breath! / Rules of nature!"
A Haunting Gem: Nier Automata
Nier: Automata's "Weight of the World" stands out, with a chorus that encapsulates 2B's journey:
"Cause we're gonna shout it loud / Even if our words seem meaningless / It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world"
Theorised to shift perspectives based on the language, it's a powerful narrative culmination.
What This Means for Players and the Industry
The diversity in videogame lyrics reflects the medium's experimental nature. While some tracks like "Still Alive" from Portal enhance the gaming experience with thoughtful, well-integrated lyrics, others, such as Dead Island's "Who Do You Voodoo?", become memorable for their sheer audacity. This mix of quality and questionable creativity keeps videogame music intriguing, often sparking community discussions and memes.
The impact of these lyrics on players can be significant. Meaningful tracks like those in Nier: Automata deepen the emotional connection to the game's narrative, while humorous missteps can foster a sense of shared experience among gamers. However, the prevalence of nonsensical lines also highlights the challenges of videogame storytelling and the balance between music as an enhancement versus a distraction.
Your Turn
Do you have a videogame lyric that's stuck with you, either for its power or its ridiculousness? Share in the comments below, from the beautifully impactful to the so-bad-they're-good gems hidden in your favourite games.
Key Takeaways
- Final Fantasy 14's "Sugar Riot" features perplexing lyrics about the word "orange".
- Portal's "Still Alive" is praised for its dark humor and depth.
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater's theme has ludicrous yet meaningful lyrics.
- Nier: Automata's "Weight of the World" is noted for its powerful, narrative-driven chorus.
As videogames continue to push boundaries in storytelling and audio design, their soundtracks will remain a fascinating aspect of the gaming experience, full of surprises—both delightful and bewildering.
