Monday, March 23, 2015

Fantasy Writing Focus: Bastion: Build That Wall Lyrics

As a video game enthusiast, I love spending my time immersed in that world as much as possible. The only thing I love more though? Music, particularly of the video game variety. Gaming soundtracks have come a long way since the blip-bloop-bleep of days gone by. That doesn't mean it wasn't awesome back then. Even with the hardware limitations of the time (thank you Yuzo Koshiro!), there was a lot to be said for the talent it took to truly capture a mood without the aid of realism in those days.

Music Sets the Mood of a World in Motion


Today's game soundtracks are much more lavish and will often feature lyrics, such as the opening track from Legend of Dragoon, titled If You Still Believe or the James Bond-esque Snake Eater from Metal Gear Solid 3. But there was one tune in particular that really captured my fancy:






I dig my hole, you build a wall...



Such simplistic lyrics yet so much behind them. This song is rather intriguing because it doesn't directly relate to the gameplay but the backstory. After hearing it on internet radio a few times, I assumed it was designed for a puzzle game that had to do with digging holes and building walls. Surprise! It's more of an in-world secret, a folk tune played by a lone girl as she strums her guitar. Each time I listened to it, I was drawn in more and more.


This is a really juicy bit for fantasy writers especially because this song goes right to the heart of worldbuilding. With no preface, Zia's singing lulls you in and makes you want to know more of the what and why of the environment in which you play. This deceptively calming tune is actually a war song of the Ura people in the world of Bastion. Should you ever pick up a controller and play, you can learn a lot more, but for now just enjoy this striking melody. I challenge you not to hum along.

Lyrics to Build That Wall




I dig my hole, you build a wall
I dig my hole, you build a wall
One day that wall is gonna fall

Gon' build that city on a hill
Gon' build that city on a hill
Someday those tears are gonna spill

So build that wall and build it strong
'Cause we'll be there before too long

Gon' build that wall up to the sky
Gon' build that wall up to the sky
Someday your bird is gonna fly

Gon' build that wall until it's done
Gon' build that wall until it's done
But now you've got nowhere to run

So build that wall and build it strong
'Cause we'll be there before too long



Some great fantasy writers have drafted folk tunes and incorporated them into their writing. Hans Bemman, J. R. R. Tolkien, and G. R. R. Martin are just a few. Can you think of any others to add to this list?

The Lost Remnant Banner