Top 10 Video Game Songs with Lyrics (2023)

VOICE OVER: Dan Paradis
Script Written by Nick Spake

Prepare yourself for the greatest playlist video games have to offer. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Video Game Songs with Lyrics.

For this list, we're taking a look at the most memorable songs from video games that aren't purely instrumental. To qualify, the song must be specifically written for a video game. Licensed songs such as Mad World already have a list of their own, and because of the tough competition, only one song per franchise will be allowed.

Special thanks to our user Heather Leebert for submitting the idea on our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest

Script Written by Nick Spake

Top 10 Video Game Songs with Lyrics

Prepare yourself for the greatest playlist video games have to offer. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Video Game Songs with Lyrics.

For this list, we’re taking a look at the most memorable songs from video games that aren’t purely instrumental. To qualify, the song must be specifically written for a video game. Licensed songs such as Mad World already have a list of their own, and because of the tough competition, only one song per franchise will be allowed.

#10: “Sins of the Father” - Donna Burke

“Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” (2015)

Initially premiering with the 2013 E3 trailer for “Metal Gear Solid V,” “Sins of the Father” is one of the most powerful pieces of music you’ll ever hear in a video game. The song immediately submerges us into a state of uncontrollable sadness with Donna Burke’s melancholy humming. About halfway through, Burke kicks in with lyrics that practically sound biblical and sum up the game’s themes, which is fitting since you it kicks in just as Skullface’s evil plan has been revealed to you in full. We didn’t think anything could ever top the title song from “Snake Eater,” but “Metal Gear Solid” is a rare franchise that continues to top itself on every conceivable level.

#9: “Carry On” - Avenged Sevenfold

“Call of Duty: Black Ops II” (2012)

Here’s yet another song that captures the essence of war, but in a very different way. With a heavy metal sound, “Carry On” almost makes the listener feel like they’ve been trust into combat. With explosive lyrics and an epic beat, it’s a truly triumphant song that encourages us to keep fighting, even if the road to victory appears endless. If there were ever a song that got us pumped to accept the call of duty, it would definitely be this stimulating ballad by Avenged Sevenfold, even if you’re listening to it at the end of the campaign.

#8: “Late Goodbye” - Poets of the Fall

“Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne” (2003)

You know that exhausted sensation following a long, hard night shift? That's probably the best way to describe "Late Goodbye." There couldn't be a more fitting song to close out "Max Payne 2," expressing the depressing nature of the title character. As dreary and dark as Max Payne is, there's also something very driven and engrossing about him. The most interesting part about this song is that it’s sung by multiple NPCs throughout the game – making it a binding thread that’s woven throughout the neo-noir tale.

#7: “Suteki Da Ne” - Rikki

“Final Fantasy X” (2001)

While “One Winged Angel” from “Final Fantasy VII” is among the most rousing battle themes you’ll ever hear, it didn’t touch our hearts like “Suteki Da Ne” did. “Final Fantasy X” has one of the franchise’s most beautiful love stories at its core. This song plays a crucial part in Tidus and Yuna’s relationship as they finally share a passionate kiss. Even if you don’t understand the Japanese lyrics, you feel every emotion in the song as if you’re embracing a loved one of your own. There’s one word to describe “Suteki Da Ne” and that word is romantic.

#6: “Live and Learn” - Crush 40

“Sonic Adventure 2” (2001)

So many great songs from the Sonic series to go for, His World, All Hail Shadow and the highly motivating Escape from the City were also considered, but in the end it was the theme used during the epic climax of Sonic Adventure 2 that took the honour. Kicking in as Sonic and Shadow unleash their super form’s to take on the Final Boss, it’s a tune that really makes you feel like the world is on your shoulders as you rush to save said world. As a testament to how epic the theme is, it was used again in a trailer for Super Smash Bros Brawl to highlight Sonic’s debut appearance to fight his greatest rival.

#5: “Want You Gone” - Ellen McLain & Jonathan Coulton

“Portal 2” (2011)

This song pretty much epitomizes everything that makes GLaDOS such an entertaining character. It’s haunting and disturbing, but also witty and downright hilarious. As the credits roll, this song further demonstrates that the lethal operating system has reclaimed at least a little of her humanity and is capable of compassion. After spending a good portion of two games trying to kill Chell, now GLaDOS is just content with her going away forever. That’s progress, right? Although “Still Alive” from the original “Portal” continues to stick with us, “Want You Gone” from its exceptional sequel simply takes the cake.

#4: “Still Alive” - Lisa Miskovsky

“Mirror’s Edge” (2008)

Speaking of songs titled “Still Alive,” the main theme to “Mirror’s Edge” is certain to leave anyone feeling uplifted. Set against the backdrop of an oppressive totalitarian city, the game follows Faith Connors, a riotous Runner who can’t be nailed down. “Still Alive” overflows with Faith’s liberating spirit and the game’s message regarding individualism. Listening to it, you feel like you’re running up walls and leaping across buildings right with Faith. It’s a song that encourages people to be themselves and never apologize for it.

#3: “The Wolven Storm” - Emma Hiddleston & Marcin Przybyłowicz

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (2015)

With almost 200 hours worth of gameplay, “The Witcher 3” is full of unforgettable moments. One of our favorite instances from the entire game is when the bard Priscilla takes the stage and sings this lovely song. While “The Wolven Storm” gets off to a slow start, Priscilla completely entrances us once she opens her mouth and unleashes her angelic voice. Of course, to our hero Geralt,and the player, the lyrics do sound a bit too familiar to be coincidental. Clearly, your old buddy Dandelion has been gossiping up a storm about you with Priscilla.

#2: “Le Ali del Principio” - The Sakuraba Family

“Baten Kaitos Origins” (2006)

Coming in at number two on this list is our number one choice for the greatest RPG boss battle theme of all time. Translated into Italian, “Le Ali del Principio” isn’t the kind of song you would expect to hear during a final boss battle. Yet, it impeccably ties into the game’s heartfelt climax in which Sagi and his companions find the strength to keep fighting. This is also notably one of the most personal pieces of music from composer Motoi Sakuraba. As his wife Yuko wrote the lyrics, and their nine-year-old daughter Mio providing the vocals.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“The Bird Chirps, I Sing” - Kanon
“Tales of Legendia” (2005)

“Simple and Clean” - Hikaru Utada
“Kingdom Hearts” (2002)

“I Was Born for This” – Lisbeth Scott & Austin Wintory
“Journey” (2012)

“We All Become” – Ashley Barrett
“Transistor” (2014)

“Beyond the Sky” - Sarah Àlainn & Yasunori Mitsuda
“Xenoblade Chronicles” (2010)

#1: “Baba Yetu” - Christopher Tin & The Soweto Gospel Choir

“Civilization IV” (2005)

“Civilization IV” blew our minds from its opening title screen and that’s primarily because of this grand, all encompassing theme. “Baba Yetu” is a song that speaks to us on several different levels. Hearing it, you almost feel as if you can hold the entire world in the palm their hand. At the same time, it will make you feel as if you’re just a small part of something much greater. This made “Baba Yetu” the perfect song to be performed in front of the UN General Assembly – even though many members of the Assembly probably didn’t know it was essentially just the Lord’s prayer in Swahili. Regardless, it was the first video game song to win a Grammy – hows that for cross genre recognition.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite lyrical video game song? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.