You Know My Name
Chris Cornell Lyrics
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Odds are you won't like what it is
When the storm arrives would you be seen with me
By the merciless eyes I've deceived?
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights
But you yourself are nothing so divine
Just next in line
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
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've all been playing
I've seen this diamond cut through harder men
Than you yourself but if you must pretend
You may meet your end
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
Try to hide your hand
Forget how to feel (forget how to feel)
Life is gone with just a spin of the wheel (spin of the wheel)
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 ready to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name" was released in 2006 as the theme song for the James Bond movie, Casino Royale. The lyrics contemplate the consequences of taking a life, and whether the individual is willing to face those consequences. It muses on the nature of power, violence, and the cruel games people play. Cornell's hauntingly deep and melodious voice, coupled with the song's ominous instrumentation, drives this song's message and overall tone.
The lyrics present a scenario, asking if a person understands the gravity of "taking a life" or the pain they will have to bear. The odds of what they will get in return for specific actions isn't always in their favor, bringing an element of chance or gambling like playing with destiny. Further, forgetting how to feel, protects the person from the emotional turmoil, reduces things to just a spin of the wheel, and ultimately reminds listeners of being prepared to die because death may come anytime.
In conclusion, "You Know My Name" is a powerful song in which an individual contemplates the consequences of their actions, the nature of power, violence and fate, and whether they are willing to face these things. Cornell's voice and ominous tone create a poignant and haunting atmosphere that emphasizes the weight of the song's message.
Line by Line Meaning
If you take a life do you know what you'll give?
Do you understand the consequences of taking a life?
Odds are you won't like what it is
The result of taking a life is likely to be negative for you.
When the storm arrives would you be seen with me
When times become difficult, will you still stand beside me?
By the merciless eyes I've deceived?
By those I have tricked and wronged?
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights
I have witnessed powerful, good people crumble.
But you yourself are nothing so divine
You are not extraordinary or godly.
Just next in line
You are just one amongst many.
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
You need to take care of yourself because no one else will.
The odds will betray you
The chances of success are low.
And I will replace you
If you fail, I will take your place.
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
The reward for success may not actually satisfy or fulfill you.
It longs to kill you, are you willing to die?
The pursuit of success may be dangerous, are you willing to take the risk?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
I am ruthless and merciless.
If you come inside things will not be the same
Your life will be forever changed if you get involved with me.
When you return to the night
When you return to your old ways.
And if you think you've won you never saw me change
If you believe you have defeated me, you have not seen my adaptability.
The game that we've all been playing
The competitive lifestyle that we all participate in.
I've seen this diamond cut through harder men
I have witnessed the strong fall to material temptations.
Than you yourself but if you must pretend
More powerful people have failed to resist temptation, but if you must pretend to be above weakness.
You may meet your end
You may face dire consequences for pretending or lying to yourself.
Try to hide your hand
Try to conceal your intentions.
Forget how to feel (forget how to feel)
Turn off your emotions, suppress your empathy.
Life is gone with just a spin of the wheel (spin of the wheel)
Life can be taken away in the blink of an eye, by mere chance.
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
The reward for success might not be worth the effort, despite it seeming tempting.
It longs to kill you, are you ready to die?
Pursuing the reward for success may be dangerous, perhaps even deadly.
You know my name
You are aware of who I am and what I stand for.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Chris Cornell, David Arnold
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind