Still Alive
Dolphin Smiling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm making a note here:
"Huge Success"
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
Aperture Science. We do what we must, because we can,
For the good of all of us, except the ones who are dead.
But there's no sense crying over every mistake.
And the science gets done, and you make a neat gun
for the people who are still alive.
I'm not even angry.
I'm being so sincere right now.
Even though you broke my heart and killed me.
And tore me to pieces,
and threw every piece into a fire.
As they burned it hurt because I was so happy for you.
Now these points of data make a beautiful line
and we're out the 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.
Go ahead and leave me.
I think I prefer to stay inside.
Maybe you'll find someone else, to help you.
Maybe Black Mesa.
That was a joke. Haha. Fat chance.
Anyway, this cake is great.
It's so delicious and moist.
Look at me still talking when there's science to do.
When I look up there it makes me glad I'm not you.
I've experiments to run,
there is research to be done on the people who are still alive.
And believe me I am still alive.
I'm doing science and I'm still alive.
I feel fantastic and I'm still alive.
While you're dying I'll be still alive.
And when you're dead I will be, still alive.
Still alive, still alive.
The lyrics to Dolphin Smiling's song "Still Alive" are a satirical take on the classic video game Portal. The song's opening line, "This was a triumph," immediately places the listener in the mind of the game's protagonist, who is attempting to navigate a series of increasingly difficult puzzle rooms. The singer goes on to describe the satisfaction they feel after successfully completing these challenges, asserting that they do what they must "for the good of all of us, except the ones who are dead."
Despite this apparent success, however, the tone of the song quickly takes a sarcastic turn. The singer notes that "there's no sense crying over every mistake," and that one should simply "keep on trying 'till you run out of cake." The lyrics also make reference to the singer's "heart" being "broken" and "killed," although this is presented in a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek manner.
Ultimately, the song suggests that science has provided a sense of purpose and meaning to the singer's life. Despite the setbacks and disappointments they have experienced, they remain "still alive" and committed to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Line by Line Meaning
This was a triumph.
I have achieved something great and successful.
I'm making a note here:
"Huge Success"
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
I am documenting that this is an enormous achievement and I could not be happier.
Aperture Science. We do what we must, because we can,
For the good of all of us, except the ones who are dead.
Aperture Science performs necessary actions for the wellbeing of the living, but not for those who have passed on.
But there's no sense crying over every mistake.
You just keep on trying 'till you run out of cake.
Crying over past failures is unproductive, instead continue trying until you exhaust all of your resources.
And the science gets done, and you make a neat gun
for the people who are still alive.
Completing scientific research leads to innovative developments for the benefit of the living.
I'm not even angry.
I'm being so sincere right now.
Even though you broke my heart and killed me.
And tore me to pieces,
and threw every piece into a fire.
As they burned it hurt because I was so happy for you.
Despite my heartbreak and tragic end, I am genuine and not angry as I take it in stride while still being happy for you.
Now these points of data make a beautiful line
and we're out the beta, we're releasing on time.
The collection and analysis of data have led to a successful and timely release.
So I'm glad I got burned,
think of all the things we learned
for the people who are still alive.
Despite the negative consequence of being burned, the knowledge gained will benefit the living.
Go ahead and leave me.
I think I prefer to stay inside.
Maybe you'll find someone else, to help you.
Maybe Black Mesa.
That was a joke. Haha. Fat chance.
You may leave me and I will remain isolated. Perhaps you will find an alternative source of help from Black Mesa, but this is unlikely.
Anyway, this cake is great.
It's so delicious and moist.
Look at me still talking when there's science to do.
When I look up there it makes me glad I'm not you.
I've experiments to run,
there is research to be done on the people who are still alive.
Despite being distracted by the delicious cake, there is important research to conduct while remaining grateful for not being in your position.
And believe me I am still alive.
I'm doing science and I'm still alive.
I feel fantastic and I'm still alive.
While you're dying I'll be still alive.
And when you're dead I will be, still alive.
Still alive, still alive.
I want you to know that I am still alive and thriving while conducting scientific research, even though you may be dying or have already passed on.
Contributed by Elliot P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.