casino royale theme lyrics

casino royale theme song lyrics

The theme song for the 2006 James Bond film “Casino Royale” is a memorable and iconic piece that perfectly captures the essence of the movie. Composed by David Arnold and performed by Chris Cornell, the song titled “You Know My Name” is a powerful anthem that sets the tone for the thrilling adventure that follows. Below are the lyrics to this classic theme song.

You Know My Name

Verse 1: If you take a life, do you know what you’ll give? Odds are you won’t like what it is When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me? By the merciless eyes of deceit?

Pre-Chorus: I’ve seen angels fall from blinding heights But you yourself are nothing so divine Just next in line

Chorus: Arm yourself because no one else here will save you The odds will betray you, and I will replace you You can’t deny the prize it may never fulfill you It longs to kill you, are you willing to die? The coldest blood runs through my veins You know my name

Verse 2: If you come inside, things will not be the same When you return to the night And if you think you’ve won, you never saw me change The game that we have been playing

Pre-Chorus: I’ve seen diamonds cut through harder men Than you yourself, any time again You’re just a face in the crowd

Chorus: Arm yourself because no one else here will save you The odds will betray you, and I will replace you You can’t deny the prize it may never fulfill you It longs to kill you, are you willing to die? The coldest blood runs through my veins You know my name

Bridge: I know you’re still hiding You don’t have to run I know what you’re feeling And you know where I’m from

Chorus: Arm yourself because no one else here will save you The odds will betray you, and I will replace you You can’t deny the prize it may never fulfill you It longs to kill you, are you willing to die? The coldest blood runs through my veins You know my name

Outro: You know my name

Analysis of the Lyrics

• Verse 1: The opening verse sets a dark and mysterious tone, hinting at the moral dilemmas and dangerous situations Bond faces.
• Pre-Chorus: This section introduces the idea of being “next in line,” suggesting the cyclical nature of Bond’s missions and the constant threat he faces.
• Chorus: The chorus is the most powerful part of the song, emphasizing the solitary and dangerous life of James Bond. The lines “Arm yourself because no one else here will save you” and “The coldest blood runs through my veins” are particularly evocative.
• Verse 2: This verse continues the theme of deception and the ever-changing nature of the game Bond plays.
• Bridge: The bridge offers a moment of introspection, acknowledging the hidden aspects of Bond’s character and his origins.
• Outro: The song ends with a repetition of “You know my name,” reinforcing the iconic status of James Bond and the familiarity of his character.

“You Know My Name” is more than just a theme song; it is a narrative that encapsulates the essence of James Bond. The lyrics, combined with Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals and David Arnold’s masterful composition, create a musical experience that is both thrilling and haunting, perfectly aligning with the spirit of “Casino Royale.”

casino royale opening song lyrics

The opening song of the James Bond film “Casino Royale” (2006) is titled “You Know My Name”. Composed by David Arnold and written by Chris Cornell, the song has received widespread critical acclaim for its memorable melody and poignant lyrics.

History of the Song

“You Know My Name” was released in 2006 as part of the film’s soundtrack. The song marked a significant collaboration between composer David Arnold and singer-songwriter Chris Cornell.

Creative Process

Arnold had previously worked on several James Bond films, including “Tomorrow Never Dies”, “The World Is Not Enough”, and “Die Another Day”. For “Casino Royale”, he wanted to create a unique theme that would not only pay homage to the franchise’s history but also introduce a new sound.

Cornell, known for his work with Soundgarden and Audioslave, was approached by Arnold to write the lyrics for the song. The two artists have expressed admiration for each other’s work, leading to this fruitful collaboration.

Critical Reception

The song received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the song’s haunting melody, Cornell’s emotive vocals, and the way it captured the essence of Bond’s character.

Lyrics Interpretation

The lyrics of “You Know My Name” are deeply personal and introspective, reflecting on Bond’s past experiences and his sense of purpose as a secret agent. The song’s themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption resonate with audiences and provide an emotional depth to the film.

Themes and Symbolism

Some critics have interpreted the song’s lyrics as a reference to Bond’s complicated history with women, including Vesper Lynd from the original novel. Others see it as a reflection on his struggle with his own identity and sense of belonging in the world of espionage.

Cultural Impact

“You Know My Name” has had a lasting impact on popular culture, becoming synonymous with the James Bond franchise. The song’s success has been attributed to its memorable melody, which has become an iconic part of the franchise’s legacy.

Legacy and Influence

The song has inspired numerous covers and parodies over the years. Its influence can be seen in various other musical compositions, solidifying its place as a classic in the James Bond theme song canon.

The opening song “You Know My Name” from the 2006 film Casino Royale is a masterpiece that showcases the collaborative efforts of David Arnold and Chris Cornell. The song’s poignant lyrics, memorable melody, and cultural impact have cemented its place in the annals of James Bond history.