You Know My Name

Chris Cornell's 'You Know My Name' is a song that delves into themes of identity, survival, and the high stakes of life's gambles. The song was written for the James Bond film 'Casino Royale' and serves as its theme. The lyrics reflect the dangerous and solitary life of a secret agent, a life filled with deception, risk, and the constant presence of death. The opening lines, 'If you take a life, do you know what you'll give? Odds are you won't like what it is,' immediately set the tone for the moral and existential quandaries that come with the job of a spy like James Bond.

The chorus, 'Arm yourself because no-one else here will save you,' speaks to the self-reliance and resilience required in the face of betrayal and adversity. The song suggests that the allure of victory or 'the prize' may be enticing, but it comes with a cost, potentially leading to one's downfall or even death. The repeated line 'The coldest blood runs through my veins' emphasizes the hardened, almost inhuman nature that is required to survive in the world of espionage.

The song's powerful and gritty tone, characteristic of Chris Cornell's style, complements the narrative of 'Casino Royale,' where the protagonist is portrayed with more complexity and vulnerability than in previous iterations. 'You Know My Name' is not just a theme for a film; it's a commentary on the isolating effects of power, the seduction of danger, and the personal sacrifices made by those who live on the edge.