it's beautiful how each Jeff van Dyck outro song harnesses lament rather than exacerbating the rush of victory. Not to mention channeling that through a different perspective on life and death. The theme or hint of doubt hidden in each of them is also a beautiful additional layer. 'Forever' has doubt at the purpose of dying for glory and empire when someone who loves you waits at home. Forever. 'We are all one' on the taboo of emphasizing with your foe in the face of religion condemning their existence and demonizing them 'Lift thine eyes' has doubt of self. And whether one is still worthy of the love and protection of their patron when they are unsure of their actions and journey. and 'Bird of time' a song convincing themselves their fate is simply as is and they cannot fight it, suppressing the human instinct to live even as they are taught to accept a 'good death'. just my interpretations though. The fact they hold a different meaning for every person who experienced these songs supports that they are art.
See the golden sun on your face Fallen from your brow all sense of peace In your eyes, the fiercest gaze Through the morning mist I watch you leave Bird of time on the wing How far is she to fly? Come now love, do not weep We all must live and die On the road of destiny There is shadow and there's light For as the leaves fall from the tree so our days will pass us by Blowing in the wind, blossoms fall Falling on me, heavy is my heart In my mind you raise your sword Oh we will endure while we're apart Bird of time on the wing How far is she to fly? Come now love, do not weep We all must live and die On the road of destiny There is shadow and there's light For as the leaves fall from the tree so our days will pass us by Beneath the blossom tree under a watching moon I dreamed but woke too soon Far away the sounds of war but in your arms there is peace For here in goodness I believe Carry this heart -- break it not Oh love out of time, oh dream forgot Carry now this soul and take your fill Oh mind out of time, oh heart so still Bird of time on the wing How far is she to fly? Come now love, do not weep We all must live and die On the road of destiny There is shadow and there's light For as the leaves fall from the tree so our days will pass us by
Because real Total War died with Shogun 2. It began and ended in Japan, as far as I'm concerned. This is a perfect parting song for the whole series, if you think about it.
