You Know My Name

Album: Carry On (2006)
Charted: 7
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Songfacts®:

  • This was the theme from the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. It looks at the character of James Bond in a very cold, negative manner. Some of the references to Bond and the casino scene in the movie:

    "The Odds will Betray you" - Referring to the odds in a card game.

    "When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me?" - A question of loyalty.

    "Try to hide your hand" - Card games.

    Life is gone with just a spin of the wheel" - Roulette reference. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Larry - N'Djamena
  • Chris Cornell has said inspirations for writing this theme came from Paul McCartney's theme for "Live And Let Die" and Tom Jones' theme for Thunderball.
  • This was the first Bond theme since 1987's "The Living Daylights" by a-ha to feature a male vocalist, and the first with an American male singer. It was also the first since 1983's "All Time High" by Rita Coolidge not to feature the film's title in the song title or lyrics.
  • This was released as a single in 2006 when the film came out, but was not on an album until 2007's Carry On. It was the first James Bond theme not included on the movie's soundtrack.
  • This received a first round nomination for the Academy Awards, but did not advance into being nominated and performing on Oscar night. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bert - Pueblo, NM, for all above
  • Cornell discussed the writing of this song to The Sun, March 26, 2009 and explained why he didn't mention the film's title in the lyrics: "Lyrically, it was really easy. It was the only book where Ian Fleming wrote this vulnerability into the character, not yet this invincible super spy. On one hand, I was unlucky that I was given this film that had a really s---ty title to write a song to, not like Thunderbird or Live And Let Die. Nobody wrote a song called 'Octopussy' but I think that was a mistake! They had a great opportunity and they squandered it."

Comments: 5

  • Aztcfireflower from Ca"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?
    I've seen angels fall from blinding heights
    But you yourself are nothing so divine
    Just next in line"

    He's a killer. Live by the sword, die by the sword
    Who stands next to him when he's on the hunt?
    There is someone who has seen the fall of the angels and watched lesser mortals lose.

    "Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
    The odds will betray you
    And I will replace you"

    Who is Bond going to replace? His enemies? Bond goes after his targets, enemies of the state.
    He isn't replacing those he hunts, he works for MI6!

    "It longs to kill you, are you willing to die?
    The coldest blood runs through my veins
    You know my name

    His assignments have taught Bond to have nerves of steel, but, sometimes there is a flicker of doubt for what he does. He did fall in love once.

    No these words are from another entity calling on Bond
    someone who has no empathy for life or pity for loss.
    His name is Death.
  • Joe from MinnesotaOne of the greatest Bond themes, ranks up there with the extremely memorable Shirley Bassey’s Goldfinger and Duran Duran’s View to a Kill.

    I remember seeing the movie and hearing this for the first time. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear one of my favorite artists belting out his trademark scream in the middle 12 and the ad lib chorus at the end.

    Check out the composer’s story on the creation of the theme along with Cornell. https://www.thewrap.com/chris-cornell-james-bond-theme/

    To me, the voice of the song is not necessarily Bond himself. It’s “Chance” or the thrill of risk and cheating death. The film itself revolves around Bond being drawn to risk, even dying and being resuscitated at one point. He kills bad guys reflexively. But those victories come with just as many losses.

    At the same time, we might hear this as as the character’s internal monologue, with a degree of ego and resignation to suffering. One thing that unites most Bond films is that the character always introduces himself using his actual name. This is in line with his blasé attitude toward risk. He does not care if you know his real name.

    It’s also, finally, a introduction of unapologetic masculine swagger and hubris. Based on 40 years of popular culture, this is a new take on a well known character. We’re going to see him get seriously wounded and furious in all of the Daniel Craig films. Being who he is will exact a dear cost.
  • Seventhmist from 7th Heaven"Thunderbird?"

    And no, the world did not need a song with the word "Octopussy" in it.
  • Henry from Bedrock, InHands down my favorite Bond theme.
  • Erik from Brownwood , Txum... thats cool and all but what does the song mean????
see more comments

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