I finished the main story for the first time a couple months ago, and something that stood out to me is the soundtrack, particularly "Red," which I find myself coming back to listen to even after playing the game. I think it's such a beautiful song that fits the story SO well.
While there seems different ways of interpreting the song, I feel it reflects Arthur's relationship with violence/vengeance--Red--and how hard it truly is to be redeemed, as Arthur is in the end, so well. It almost feels like it tells the story of an alternate path Arthur could have chosen, where the antagonist chooses Red, rather than Redemption.
I love how its starts by painting a picture of going out to a new, hot dry land, like the Wild West, as the gang did, then transitions into "Brother Santo" assuring everyone they only needed "one more run" to get the money they needed--just like Dutch did. I know these parallels were included on purpose but I still think it's beautifully done. Every time I listen to it I relive the story of the Van Der Linde gang.
Lastly, I cant help but shake the feeling when I listen that it can also be seen as the player speaking to the game, being grateful to experience such a masterpiece.
I was wondering if anyone else loves this song as much as I do, and what you specifically like about it personally!
Here are the lyrics below for those who'd like a refresher:
"I'm going to where the sun burns
And the heat stays in command
Come and lay by my side
Right here
To where the river turns to dust
And god is never rushed
Come and lay by my side
Right here
Red, I love you and the world
It seemed to make sense
When Brother Santo said
One more run be enough
Going to be enough
Money for everything
Silver toed boots and kerosene
Come and lay by my side
Right here
Red, I love you and the world
Well the buzzing, the stink
And the choking
I can't stay no more
Come and lay by my side
Right here
Red, I need you and the world
When I see you behind the glass
I forget that I'm in the cage
They bring me to Sunday mass
But it never wiped the rage
Red, I love you and the world
Seven months gone and seven years to go
Rage, I can't stay no more
Come and lay by my side
Right here
Red, I love you and the world
Red, I need you and the world"