Echoes of the Eye Soundtrack - Travelers’ Encore

Composed by Andrew Prahlow for Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye
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[@craftboy338]

My dream is to one day, learn the banjo. Then, sit on a street corner and play that tune for an hour or so, once a week. The ultimate goal, would be that eventually, somebody gets it, and joins in with me. That'd be sick.

[@c4sualcycl0ps48]

Once the Whistler, Drummer, harmonica player, and oboe(?) join in, y’all play for a bit. Then someone rolls up with a piano. Then the vibe gets real.

[@craftboy338]

@@c4sualcycl0ps48 Then some mad lad with an electric guitar shows up and somehow, makes it work. Then the xylophones emerge from the shadows. Followed by the legendary cat-yodellers.

[@soupbane1688]

@@craftboy338 Then you hear _"End Times"_ coming from the skies and realize what's happening.

[@craftboy338]

@@soupbane1688 Oops. Anybody see a weird looking statue nearby? No? Ah well

[@andrewprahlow]

can i play banjo on the street corner too?

[@thespheregridisrunonchemtrails]

"When my kind found the Eye and realized what it was capable of, they were terrified. It was too difficult a truth. Like a light too bright to look upon directly, it burned them. What they could not unlearn was hidden away in darkness - obfuscated, then lost. They did not want to see their story end. My kind weren’t always like this. We weren’t always so afraid. I did what I could to set things right, yet I am still of my kind, and you know now what they did. I cannot promise our fear won’t stain your mind. And so, a choice: Are you certain you want to remember me?"

[@mokatha]

i cry evertim

[@jackgruw7290]

I would always....my friend.

[@zifer123]

i spent 10 hours trying to unknowingly rescue you so why in the hell would i not want to remember you.

[@l9m241]

>Join us. Let’s see what happens. "I don’t want to repeat my kind’s mistakes. But if you’re willing to take the risk, then so am I."

[@Jaynat_SF]

What happens if you tell him he's done well and can go now? He just disappears?

[@WhiteSama0]

I did not think this track could be improved, but the prisoner's singing feels like it's always been there.

[@Jaynat_SF]

This basically describes the way I see this expansion. Before I played it I thought the game is complete and cannot be improved. After playing I feel like it's a part of the game that's always been there.

[@noemspark9989]

@@Jaynat_SF bruh, i just got spoiled

[@jakethenolif5334]

@@noemspark9989 ???? Why are you looking at the ending dlc theme??????

[@Rajclaw]

@@noemspark9989 why you lookin at it then, don’t look up content from the dlc and not expect some spoiler lol

[@mellinghedd267]

[S P O I L E R S] From what I understand that may well be the case. Apparently data miners found evidence of the DLC pretty much when the game first came out (Things about invisible planets, virtual realities with candles...). I wouldn't be too surprised anymore if everything from the DLC was planned from the beginning, and they just needed time to actually implement it.

[@obothehobo173]

I like how the prisoners theme feels disconnected from the rest of the tune, but somehow still perfectly intertwined.

[@mechanicpluto2430]

It somehow feels like it’s always been there. Just like the Stranger.

[@mrspiffy8587]

It's just how I'd describe Echoes of the Eye, especially it's music, like Elegey for the rings: Alien and strange, yet beautiful and perfectly fitting

[@Mabra51]

You could say the same for Solanum.

[@obothehobo173]

@@Mabra51 solanums is a bit more linked but definitely is not quite in sync. I think it's on a polyrythm of some kind, but that falls in line every bar whereas the prisoner's theme only matches up time wise about every 2-4 bars, however it's always melodically synced with everyone else

[@Ike92240]

@@obothehobo173 Solanum is just syncopated, mostly on the off beat

[@soupbane1688]

"I learned a lot, by the end of everything. The past is past, now, but that's... you know, that's okay! It's never really gone completely. The future is always built on the past, even if we won't get to see it. Still, it's time for something new, now." _-Riebeck_ "You cut it a little close, don't you think? Well, it worked out all right in the end, I suppose. Ahh, I hope there are beasties in the next one." _-Feldspar_ "I tell you what, this has been really fun. And I got to help make something pretty cool, so I've got no complaints. I mean, not me, exactly, but close enough. It's the kind of thing that makes you glad you stopped and smelled the pine trees along the way, you know?" _-Gabbro_ "Even if it's over now, I had a good time learning. But I think the rules are about to change." _-Chert_ "Wow... How long has it been since I got to make music with everyone around a campfire? I'm really happy we're all here." _-Esker_ "I believe we've reached the end of our journey. All that remains is to collapse all the innumerable possibilities before us. Are you ready to learn what comes next? I admire your curiosity, friend. Let's find out together." _-Solanum_ "...How beautiful. It's different than I'd envisioned. Whatever happens next, I do not think it is to be feared." _-The Prisoner_

[@Crmsnktty]

No feldspar I do not hope there are beasties in the next one

[@nevinmyers1245]

I love how the ending quotes sum up all the themes of the game

[@WoeUponThee]

I love how Solanum’s quote automatically assumes you answered yes to her, because let’s be honest who’d actually say no.

[@leavesofthebranch5938]

@@WoeUponThee I mean at that point in the game there is literally no way to go back right? which is also pretty awesome in terms of the themes of the game cause this event you've brought forth will happen with or without you and there is no way around it

[@finleymorris04]

It’s absolutely genius how each character basically shows how they taught our character certain traits they needed or link into the meaning: Riebeck: Accepting the loop will happen and accepting the Eye. Build on the past (link to scientific method) Feldspar: Bravery Gabbro: appreciation for what you have Chert: learning is important and fun. Change will happen and you get to learn again. (Also clearly links into the scientific method and the whole story being like metaphor for the scientific process) Esker: appreciating others but also accepting when they’re gone Solanum: obviously is important due to their link with quantum mechanics, but the emphasis on friendship and what the Nomai did also mirrors the scientific method, building on the work of others who are often gone The Prisoner: Change can be beautiful and is not to be feared. They all kinda blend in together but my favourites are Solanum, Prisoner and Chert.

[@henryaung7229]

To me, the addition of Solanum's piano as an alternative accompanying melody that perfectly compliments the main melody of the Travellers is symbolic of how the Nomai were your partners in reaching the Eye. The Prisoner's feels like it was a piece of the tune that was always meant to be there, supporting the main melody in the background, just like how their actions made reaching the Eye possible, however subtle or hidden.

[@Natiform]

this is my favorite interpretation.

[@adampower3475]

Thanks, now Im crying again lol

[@pikupixel]

ah... I really like this. the piano fills up so much of the song, too. Once you've heard the song with the piano, hearing it without feels so empty. Pianos have a very... filling effect. Maybe it also does that because of how it's mixed, but-- what I really like to think is, every instrument is just another part of the whole. You're here because of everyone who came before you. You're not playing the music, you're here to bring all the musicians together, and hear what the final song sounds like. You aren't here to make history. You're here to find out what happened here, and by following in the foot steps of the travelers before you, you alone have the complete picture of what happened, and how it's going to end. This game really gets me.

[@ThePerfectSonic]

@@pikupixel simply to agree and add to this, your interpretation is very powerfully enforced by the fact that you've only done two significant things when it comes down to it. released the Prisoner, and pressed the Universal Reset Button. everything else is a quest for information.

[@sorrynamebroke]

Bonus points for having it be *slightly* drowned out by all the others

[@BaneHydra]

Moebius devs: So we're gonna make a sci-fi space game can you give us some futuristic tune- Andrew Prahlow: Banjo Moebius: Yeah, you know, sci-fi sou- wait did you say banjo? Prahlow: Harmonica Moebius: We were thinking something a bit more space-y... Prahlow: Literally just some guy whistling slightly off-key

[@Klavin]

You should check out the Fig Crowdfunding Video they did

[@fromtheotherguy3284]

In the kazoo credits, next to Andrew's name is quoted "It should be on a banjo!"

[@CaptainWobbs]

That’s just part of the diegetic music’s nature, in my opinion- Hearthians have hurled themselves headlong into the space age whilst being completely unprepared for it. Their ships are made of wood, for Pete’s sake. The Hearthians are not a sci-fi species, and their music reflects that.

[@thomasw7908]

@@CaptainWobbs "Country folks go to space"

[@matakm8749]

Prahlow: Fine. you get a weird synth violin-like instrument. But only in the DLC.

[@FearlessGamer27]

It’s so fitting to that you blow out the candles for everyone, as it’s time to let go of the past and create a new future

[@MCoffeeeee]

That part gave me chills. It was so emblematic of the DLC with such little information.

[@Polomance862]

That part, my god hit me the most. I never quite sobbed in this game, but I choke up and have misty eyes the entire playthrough. In a way, the ending hit so much harder with the DLC. Letting us say goodbye to everyone and everything. That was the missing bit of the ending of how you had to let go and kept looking forward. Rescuing the Prisoner allows us to put the memories to peace. I saw the photos and when you extinguish the candles and the people are gone... I just stared with saddened awe.

[@rance0892]

its all good until the little jump scare

[@Just_Matty]

@@rance0892 As soon as I saw the mirror I knew he would be behind us. I just didn't expect a skeleton.

[@ShadowEclipse777]

@@Just_Matty i mean technically its a mummy

[@XxBulletproofxX1]

It sounds like the warbling of a lone owl, stained by doubt, faded by tragedy, but ever enduring. I always felt like that ever-so-faint sense of fear and uncertainty was missing from the track, and the prisoner’s addition definitely provides that feeling. What a wonderful DLC.

[@mythgraven]

I love your comment so much. The nostalgia and the loss, the "echo" of what we had so long ago, when days were brighter, smiles were warmer. When we look forward, all we see is scary and unknown. Is it any wonder we look back and mourn? I finally know which traveler is me.

[@extremelycatty4040]

But it's not just uncertainty and fear. It's a sense of hope. For forgiveness, and the strength to move on and right your wrongs.

[@jediblackbelt2443]

"We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are, One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

[@XxBulletproofxX1]

@@jediblackbelt2443 Ulysses, by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Love me some Victorian Poetry

[@sook-iii]

To me, this entire DLC represents a side of a coin that the base game didn't explore. The Hearthians represent endless curiosity, and courage - courage to face beasties with Feldspar, courage to face your fears with Riebeck, courage to face yourself with Esker, and courage to cross time and space with Gabbro and Chert (respectively). The Nomai represent science, logic, and progress - but also hope. Hope for discovery let them persevere a botched warp, crashed escape pods, quantum trials, impossible odds to find a planet that barely exists, supernova(e), and one of them even survived a radioactive extinction event, in a way. The game is a beautiful story about hope and curiosity into accepting our deaths, and the fact that everything is temporary. Everything we do and hold dear will someday disappear, but also, it carries on in those who still live to saw it. We only pass on the torch of art and beauty. The Strangers represent how some don't like to see how their story ends. Hope and curiosity fall away into malice and secretiveness, homesickness and loneliness, and ignorance enough to almost doom the entire universe to die. But the deed of just one good person can change all of that badwill. WIthout even knowing, our prisoner passed that glowing green torch onto a species thousands of light years away, long after everything he knew had vanished. His people committed bad acts, silencing knowledge for all in the future - but even if the Eye is silenced, the universe will still end, and at the end of everything, I'll see you there, reader, and once everything is gone, maybe we'll play a song to pass this torch of art and beauty ... and of life, and sorrow, and homesickness, onto a universe with different rules and mantis people. Struggle all you want to avoid the truth but we'll all be playing this song; But for now, it seems a Stranger approaches the campfire; and I'll say he's as welcome here as anyone! Stay safe, my travelling friends. Tell me about your journey when we see each other again. :;)

[@clocked0]

I agree for the most part, though I would say the Nomai were more representative of curiosity and courage - The Hearthians were neutral. Yes you had those curious and brave like Feldspar and the player character, but in the face of many Supernovae, Chert responded with fear, denial, and regret. Not to mention Riebeck didn't want to go any further along Brittle Hollow because he was paralyzed out of fear. If the Hearthians knew about the eye of the universe and saw what the strangers saw, it could have gone either way. You nailed it on the head with the strangers though, they are the flipside of the coin - They are the part of Outer Wilds we didn't realize was missing until it was given to us

[@Bluq16]

@@clocked0 Chert does freak out about the supernova, but eventually accepts his destiny and makes peace with it. Riebeck's fear was of space, and he already faced it to reach Brittle Hollow.

[@zacnizib]

why am I crying in the club rn

[@CAVALO-QUENTE]

this kinds of reminds me the movie Arrival

[@ramblhor979]

Heartwatming, nice

[@Kruxien]

I lost my father 6 days ago, he saved many lives and was the best dad I could have wished for, kindest man ever. I showed him outer wilds 1 month ago and he seemed genuinely interested by it, I wish he could have given it a try. I also wish I could see him again and tell him I miss him. Stay safe everyone and enjoy time with your loved ones, present looks timeless but only after you realize how great it was and that you can never live it back.

[@anicetoganador]

Stay strong, you will come out of this❤️

[@TheOnlyOne516]

“I learned a lot, by the end of everything. The past is past, now, but that's… you know, that's okay! It's never really gone completely. The future is always built on the past, even if we won't get to see it." - Riebeck

[@CrispyGFX]

God, the prisoner's part in the song is so melancholy it destroys me.

[@adamapple8638]

They had a really hard life. But the cool part is, we freed them from that and gave them hope. We allowed them to finally rest and be part of the new universe

[@Excelsior1937]

Yep, the pain is real. Like the musical manifestation of someone who has just been through so much that now, all they want is rest

[@lazyboii735]

Im a simple man, i hear the owl man song, i cry

[@Brickman430]

I feel so bad for the prisoner, he waited hundreds of thousands of years, for a friend to come rescue him and ride the river out to the sunset with. Maybe one day.....

[@Snauss]

There's always the next 14.3 billion years

[@ThePlanetes]

I think his vision was a metaphor. He didn't want to go home but maybe enter in the eye of the universe and create a new world with his new friend

[@archytas3115]

Try not to cry 2:05 cry a lot

[@w4rpiglet]

It really hits the hardest, it feels so sad compared to the others instruments and yet it fits perfectly in

[@ordinarytree4678]

Thousands of years, afraid, sad, regretful, lonely. All in that song

[@alby1529]

On their own, the individual instruments of the Travelers, Solanum, and The Prisoner sound melancholy, but together they are a heartfelt goodbye to everything. For countless loops, you persevered to find knowledge beyond your world, braved nigh-insurmountable challenges, and faced the ultimate existential dread. This is a story of unbound courage and curiosity, about overcoming the fear of impermenance and the unknown. The Prisoner's sacrifice led the Nomai to the solar system, and their persistence led to you finally completing the Eye's purpose. Outer Wilds perfectly wraps up this message with this final goodbye, one last song for the Universe, the final encore.

[@SnowdropHill]

I wanted to cry when I saw my new friend's headstone sitting there in the dark. Having to dig them out of their grave to have them join us at the campfire was both painful and beautiful.

[@roneybill]

I like how they decided to make the prisioner's instrument a bit faint and sad, representing a part of the strong sense of nostalgia, fear and sadness their race seemed to carry.

[@notansencillo85]

I just finished dlc yesterday. Can't hear prisoner's instrument without a tear falling. Sadly, I can't stop humming and thinking of it...

[@jamesclark6949]

Interesting little detail, that your species parts to the song are hopeful and inspiring, while Solanum and the Prisoner’s parts are melancholy.

[@alfonshedstrom9859]

The Hearthians are literally reckless and near suicidal by nature. Of course they’ll play a jaunty tune when the sun is about to explode

[@arahelis2038]

I always though Solanum part as a calm comfort. When you collect her mask you get overwhelmed by the sound going off all around the ship, but if you focus your signalscope on the mask, you just hear Solanum's piano, eclipsing every other sound. It's a bit like having a panic attack and having every sound assault you all at once, and someone tells you to focus on their voice and that everything will be okay

[@pigfish99]

Solanum's feels bittersweet, yet hopeful. They know their species was a key role in making it all happen, even though they couldn't see the end themselves. They're curious about what the new universe will be. Meanwhile, the prisoner's theromin is also bittersweet, but more... relieved, grateful. A burden was lifted off of them. Catharsis for exposing the eye. While imprisoned for what they did, this one act helped, and for that they're happy.

[@TheFuzzyOcelot]

i know its just a theremin but its so haunting and perfect for the song it makes me so emotional every time i hear it, to the point of bitter-sweet tears. you were a hero, bird man. you were a hero and you are my friend.

[@noxious.vertigo]

It's not a Theremin, Andrew himself has said so

[@TheFuzzyOcelot]

@@noxious.vertigo when? not that im doubting you its just if andrew was talking about the development of the ost i want to read that

[@noxious.vertigo]

@@TheFuzzyOcelot unfortunately it was a one off statement he made on Twitter in response to someone else. Unsure if I can link it but if you go to Andrews page you'll be able to find the response on the 20th Oct. He just states "the new instrument is not a theramin. excited to talk about how i crafted it sometime though!" so we should be hearing more soon hopefully!

[@MrHamncheez]

Whether or not its a Therimin, its meant to emulate an Erhu, or Chinese Fiddle

[@kieronireikets7884]

When I reached the end, I asked just him to play, and sat and listened for several minutes to his mournful song.

[@bopman1578]

At the end of everything, all there needs to be is a group of friends, making music together

[@grilledwaffle]

More reasons for this game's music to make me cry, not because its that good, but because it has a story, that I got to find myself.

[@levipollack2524]

I never played the game, so I don't know the full context. But just, this song. I've searched for it everywhere when I heard a friend of mine humming it, and it makes me smile everytime. It's as if it's the perfect ending, where everyone comes in, joins in, and slowly departs same order. I love it.

[@tikkirej1196]

i think there will be plenty of people in the comment sections to tell you to just… one day, taking the time to sit down and play it. it might change how you look at video games. it’s a one of a kind experience, and it can only really be experienced once

[@uthergoodman401]

Play it. Dew it

[@Melgorias]

Please do not read too many comments under these videos... you could read spoilers about that very unique experience that is Outer Wilds, and that would be extremely sad. Find the time to play this masterpiece, you will not regret it !

[@Billabong1264]

Play it play it play it play it play it play it play it play it play it play it play Iy play it play it play it play it play it

[@zerohasbeendivided]

This DLC was literally all I could have asked for.

[@CuteFriendlyLobster]

Made me cry again lol. When it shows the slidereel of them going together towords the sun on the raft... 😢

[@quantumblauthor7300]

Sickest quantum hotboxing session of all time

[@gratingasshat2995]

One fat rip to bring in the new universe.

[@PopADoseYo]

Just played this for the first time the past couple months. Completed my logs and did the DLC. The experiences, tension/fear, process of discovery and solving was absolutely the best time I've had ever playing a game. I play games of every genre, beat 100s and 100s of beloved games. This wasn't even a struggle to place in my number 1 spot. I've seen people ask "If you could erase your memory of a game to play again, what would it be?" I always had trouble answering because there were multiple favorites I had. This is the one answer I have now, Outer Wilds. This is a genuine Masterpiece and the best game ever created in my 33 years of being alive. Hope you all have a wonderful day/night!

[@Kait0s]

It's going to take a long time before i can hear this and not cry... The new instrument with the context of the DLC makes the music much more melancholic.

[@chromesuffering]

dude i never played the game, only watch some streamers play it, and i love it, but this part 2:04 is so hard to tank, i always feel bad for the owl, what a masterpiece!

[@chromesuffering]

i wanna cry right now fuck

[@alcolito7265]

Welcome to outer wilds

[@kissofdejavu]

I don't play this game..my son does but I love 5his music.. nobody has mentioned the cicadas in the background.. did you know that they live many years in the soil waiting for the last 24 hrs of their lives where they will emerge from the ground fly around a bit.. mate and lay eggs before dying..the shrill sound is saying "shag me quick before I die" 😃😃🤩

[@thatwaygaming8679]

"In this moment, you are not a stranger or a prisoner. Here, I name you friend."

[@Midwinter_Snow]

I'm actually in tears with how much I love this game and how this music is so emotionally overwhelming in a good way.

[@lucas.p.f]

I am in one of the toughest phases of my life right now, and this reminds me that is not that bad. The world could end right now and I would be smiling. This is how beautiful life is. Thank you, Outer Wilds, for keeping my heads up. Even in the toughests times. The end is an opportunity for a new beginning.

[@AlexDuSixO]

Be strong buddy, don't hesitate if u wanna talk about it.

[@TJ413]

"But above all else, there is one thing you need to know. From one maker of music to another, across all worlds, all times, no matter what you do or what you become: You are nothing less than beautiful."

[@seantaggart7382]

The eye calls May it be evil or not We shall still follow it

[@adammaher403]

Why did I think this was a haiku at first glance, I'm such a dumbass lmao

[@legoman7041]

I'm a little sad by the suddenness of the end of the song, but it still never fails to bring a tear to my eye. This game is in my top 5 of all time and I never even played it, just watched others do so. What a magical thing it is.

[@mage9111]

This song makes me cry so much. I love this game... Never fails to bring me to tears. Genuine art. Would do anything to play it again for the first time

[@avv1027]

Each new instrument joins the jam 22 seconds after the last.

[@ninjasloth6386]

And now i feel like the strangers, as they were forced to watch again and again pictures of their old world in sadness to remember it, im forced to listen to this OST to remember this awesome game that i would never experience for the first time again.

[@maryhearn692]

If there's one thing I absolutely love about the DLC, is that it fits perfectly with the base game. As if it was always there, like they said it would be. During this last scene before the DLC came out, you can actually see that there's room for 1 more person around the campfire.

[@Jaynat_SF]

I wish there was a way to mix and match the different instruments to see what they sound like without having to go into the game and reach the end every time... Like a "campfire" option in the menu for anyone who finished the game that just lets you hang around a campfire with all the travelers you've already met and play around with their instruments, maybe even a few that have retired by the game's start like Gossan.

[@fransiscofranco641]

Boy do I have the video for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5S7l3V6gZerqsU

[@Awesomeuserdude]

@@fransiscofranco641 I hope they make an updated version that includes the Prisoner's song.

[@wsketchy]

That is... Humongous big brain actually.

[@laumotan8862]

@@fransiscofranco641 I haven't even clicked on the link, and I know it's the video that introduced me to this incredible experience

[@g80gzt]

@@laumotan8862 What are you talking about? What link?

[@TheOnlyOne516]

There was a quote commented by Noah Zuckman on the original Reprise video, later quoted by Blammbek on the 14.3 Billion Years x Reprise video that I'd like to quote here, though I'd like to modify it a bit: "I hope you may find bravery like Feldspar; bravery to break new ground and do what others won't. I hope you may find peace like Esker; peace to be with yourself, because sometimes you're all you really have. I hope you may find curiosity like Chert; curiosity to learn about the universe, even if it means discovering uncomfortable truths. I hope you may find passion like Riebeck; passion that lets you overcome even your greatest of fears. I hope you may find time to stop and smell the pine trees like Gabbro; time to take everything in, and simply be. Most of all, I hope you may seek out and understand whatever it is you might be searching for in the universe like the Nomai And this is my own personal tidbit: "I hope you learn to be like the Prisoner, and realize it's ok to grieve for what is lost. To realize that because you hurt, that the love you felt was real" The universe can feel very scary, hopeless, and overwhelming at times - we're always dealing with something that feels like the end of everything. But it also comes with an infinite promise of beauty and wonder, and I hope that promise can help you overcome whatever challenges you may face. I look forward to seeing you at the end of the universe. Don't be a stranger when you see me."

[@ashercandelario4374]

Truly fantastic

[@pseudo3100]

Why must you hurt me like this Andrew?

[@deovolt]

The prisoner´s instrument sounds so melancholic, so lonely, just waiting for someone to find its beautiful sound...

[@nth_account]

I started writing a comment and ended up basically writing an essay for 2 hours. Please help it's 2am. Feel free to read if you have literally nothing better to do I think that the Elk represent the fear of letting go that resides in all of us. The fear of giving up everything we worked so hard to build up, to achieve. The fear of losing the things or people most dear to us. The fear of delving into the unknown with no way back, and no way of knowing if we'll like what we find. So often we try to entrench ourselves in our comfort zones, refusing to leave. We'd rather change the entirety of our reality than sacrifice even the most minor detail of our own tiny, precarious slice of the world. We will do anything to avoid moving forward, because it feels safe. But both in this game and in real life, the universe just doesn't care. It's not malicious; it's not out to get us; it's just indifferent. In spite of all the fear and hatred displayed by the Elk after learning of the nature of the Eye, despite preventing, not only themselves, but the whole universe, from moving on, regardless of their efforts to literally live eternally in their nostalgia, the fact still remains; it is only by letting go of everything we know that we can grow. To resist change is utterly senseless. It might be natural, but senseless nonetheless. Each individual aspect of our lives will change until eventually it has nothing in common with it's original state. Even then, the effects, or the 'Echoes', of our past will still be felt. Letting go doesn't mean it was all for naught, but it does mean accepting that you're powerless to decide whether it will have a bearing on the future or not and living with it either way. The Elk, like we so often do, could not accept their fate. They couldn't fathom that their story could be over. They would rather live in denial of the blinding truth than accept the nature of the Eye, the universe, and life itself. If you can't see any parallels between this and your own life, then I absolutely cannot empathise because this personally hits far too close to home. I am afraid. I am afraid of my future, of the next chapter of my life. I am afraid of the chapter after that, where I will be expected to begin the rest of my life. But most of all, I am afraid of the end of my life. I worry about the impact I will have, what purpose I will have served, the legacy I will leave. I wonder what my 'Echoes' will be, if I will have any at all. This all leads me to be highly apprehensive to begin the next stage of my life. To let go of everything I have come to know and become familiar with. To begin anew, a clean slate, a new universe. But inevitably, I will do it. I will plunge headlong into the unknown. It will be terrifying and unlike anything I've ever experienced, but I will be greater for having done it. And when I die, the universe will not stop for me. Regardless of my impacts or 'Echoes', it will not acknowledge me. Like the Nomai, my name, my face, my achievements will crack and crumble over time until there is no trace of them. My very existence will be hypothetical. Even then, at the end of time, the universe will be greater having had me in it, the universe will be greater having had all of us in it. As Riebeck says, "The future is always built on the past, even if we won't get to see it". The Prisoner, to me, represents the courage we must have in order to venture into the darkness. The fact that they are punished so harshly and cruelly shows just how difficult it is to make the leap, to go against our fear and abandon what we know. It's not easy, in fact it's exceedingly difficult, but we, like the Prisoner, must have the strength to do what is right. The Prisoner is left forlorn and guilty, as evidenced by their interactions in the final scene. They feel shame for not only themselves, but their people as a whole for allowing things to get the point they did. They feel guilty for the actions of their species, they question if the damage they did could ever be forgiven, if the sins of their kind have tarnished them, too. Their instrument adds a mournful wail to the final song, a lamentation that acts as an epilogue to the events of the game. They, of all people, accept that they must move on and allow the universe to die, but even still, they are pained to do so. It is imperative to realise that just because embracing change in all it's forms is necessary and logical, it doesn't make leaving things behind any less heart wrenching. If, in the end, we can just let go of our fear, if we can simply enjoy each moment for what it is, if we can accept importance of letting go, then the end of the universe won't be frightening, it will be beautiful. And even though we will be long gone, the memory of us long forgotten, nothing more than 'Echoes', I think that our essence will be there to witness the death of the known and the birth of the unknown, and help the universe shape something spectacular. "Whatever happens next, I do not think it is to be feared." ~ The Prisoner

[@andrewprahlow]

thanks so much for writing this essay - I absolutely connect with it on many levels and it means a ton that you connected with the music and the game. the whole thing is a dream for all of us - and I hope we continue to connect, as we all are travelers uniting together on our different planets.

[@nth_account]

@@andrewprahlow wow this is insane, you're an literal legend. your music made this game even more haunting and beautiful than it already was, thank you so much!

[@-foca]

this is beautiful -- you write very well. thank you

[@davidlescano8688]

Thank you! Read it whole, thanks for helping me realize I'm holding onto small bastions of what should be forgotten already. May it be memory, but as they say "You did it because at the time, it was right. Now, forgive yourself and let it go."

[@JayFiCreator]

You have a future of being an author someday!

[@marcimao622]

Years after beating the base game, friends old and new, we joined again around the bonfire for the dlc. Our theme changed and so did we, but something will remain the same no matter how much time passes and how far we travel. Kinda poetic if you ask me.

[@madmanwithaplan1826]

of all the songs to sing the universe to sleep... you'll never feel so sad while smiling so much. You'll never notice how much something is missing till an instrument is gone. its one last crescendo into an uncaring universe a shout into the long and silent dark that you were here and it doesn't matter that you wont be soon. You Lived, you Loved, you were Loved, and you made some great friends, You Sang songs into the vast darkness for no other reason than you could, and that it made you and those around this fire happy. it doesnt matter if nothing is after this, or if everything is after this, because this was Real this happened, and Nothing Not an exploding sun not the heat death of the universe can ever undo that fact. in the end nothing will be remembered not the song around the fire not the sun exploding but it all happened and thats enough.

[@beartic_le]

I finished the dlc just an hour or so ago as of writing this, and the very first thing I did afterwards was cry about not being able to die with the prisoner. Straight away, I went to the atp, turned it off, went to the stranger, but then the credits rolled when I entered the dream world. I wanted to die with it, for it not to be alone like it was for so long. But yet, I have to live. Because I am the last being that could ever enter the eye. It was then that I cried again for the loss of such a wonderful game.

[@EtherealAmoeba]

I have this song saved for whenever I want to have a crying session. Playing the ending for the second time with the added dlc made me sob more than the first! They really perfected this game beyond the perfection that the base game was. Truly astounding.

[@GerardofRivia]

Sometimes I would like to go with my friends to a convention dressed as travelers, so when we split up, we could always find each other with the sound of our instruments.

[@TheOnlyOne516]

That would be hella fire

[@fennelfin]

@@TheOnlyOne516 fr!!!! 💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🗣🗣🗣

[@or10nsharkfin]

Solanum's melody coming in as a counter-melody before the Prisoner's always gets the waterworks going, then I break apart quicker than the Dam does on the Stranger.

[@mutantcacti4209]

my god this soundtrack. andrew prahlow is a genius

[@jarod6714]

(Spoilers) Wait, that voice that joins in around 2:04, is that our new friend's contribution to the song?

[@Klavin]

👁

[@asaltytwixbar788]

It's kinda like a cello

[@santiagomx4546]

👁

[@Toby704]

@@asaltytwixbar788 i think the instrument is a theremin

[@verkhvo]

@@Toby704 That's what I thought too, although it looks way different in-game. But then again, Solanum's wand doesn't exactly have piano keys either

[@lyt664]

*_There has to be some sort of meaning in the fact that the Protagonist (The Hatchling) doesn't play an instrument like everyone else, but instead watches. I like to think that they play the role of the Observer, and that would never make sense until you've seen and done everything, giving that new, fresh perspective_*

[@Flamesonwater1]

I don't remember exactly where this was from, but the reason why the hatchling don't have an instrument is because they are the conductor!

[@lynxthereal4064]

or... maybe he is playing, who knows ::)

[@Wither_Strike]

one idea i heard (and 100% agree with) is that the hatchling has the most important role of all. think about the events leading up to the song: you wander around a forest, watching lights go out, not entirely sure whether those lights are stars, galaxies, or even entire universes. slowly, as the lights go out, the trees start to disappear too. and when everything is gone, the last thing that remains is your breathing. while wandering this voidscape you eventually come across... you. as you approach yourself your flashlight malfunctions for a split second and in the spot the other you was once standing is a small tree. as you keep re-observing this tree it withers and turns into a campfire, the same campfire that everyone else gathers around for the song. everyone plays their song because of you, and only have a place fit for their song while around the you that turned into a campfire, you may not have an instrument of your own, but you bring together everyone that does and give them a place to play till their hearts are content. without you gathering their instruments, riebeck would still be trapped in the nomai ruins, stuck in the past. chert would still be orbiting faraway stars, unable to live in the here and now. gabbro would still be hanging out on a hammock without a care in the world, but far from his friends, and unable to talk to them outside of riddles and poems left behind. feldspar would still be stuck in dark bramble, guarded by some of the fiercest of wardens in the anglerfish, everyone thinking him to be dead. the fate of the nomai, solanum, and their greatest creations, would have forever gone unknown, lost to history, and become skeletons of their former glory. the inhabitants would still be trapped in between life and death, in a grave of their own making, never able to forget what they left behind. and esker would never be able to realize his dream of being able to play some music around a campfire with all his friend, one last time. without the hatchling gathering everyone and giving them a place to play together, they would all still be in these various situations. each playing their own part of a song, but never being able to complete the song alone

[@lorettabes4553]

I like to think that the protagonist's instrument is the translator tool

[@Allacara]

Spoilers: Realizing the prisoner is the only reason the eye of the universe was found really adds to the tragedy of him. Locked up for over 280,000 years all because he wasn't afraid and with the thought of what he did being for nothing. Then you freed him and he realized what he'd done might have actually made an impact. Because of the courage of one owlk standing against his own tribe, his seemingly insignificant act of defiance... saved the universe. Face your fears don't run from them that's what I like to think Echoes of the eye is about.

[@Vonias]

Just finished the game again with the new friend and even though I'd seen the ending before I wept through the whole credits sequence. Something about the new instrument just hit me like a bag of emotionally charged bricks. I came to listen a little more but I clearly haven't had enough time to process cause the *millisecond* the new instrument came in I broke down again. I'll have to come back a little later. Jeez Andrew you can't keep doing this to me.

[@kappaisrad]

When I first played this game back in 2019, years after hearing about it during it's early 2013 phase, I was blown away by what it became. Fast forward to now, having beat the DLC a few days ago, I once again have the same feeling that I once had after completing this game for the first time. I absolutely love the story Mobius provided us, I can't wait for my mind to be blown again by them :)

[@nyce175]

This tune, kind of like friendly jam session is always so emotional. That's very impressive, I always find it resonating with my present life choices and will always make me feel like my favorite person in the world is here, hugging me, even when I miss him the most. The memories of playing Outer Wilds together will last in my heart. I hope this song will be here the time people I care will see their time on earth fade, including him, I'm so scared. But in the same time it's the best adventure in the world to have so much inspiring friends and a great family. I feel so proud when the Prisoner part plays, like the timid part of us, and our fears intertwine. Oh my, that game cured my depression and fear of the future, and will be here again when I need it I'm sure. I hope that one day as a Game Designer, people with find their fears, ease them, and think of people they want to hug playing my games. Travelers passing by, take care, and I hope we will all find our place in the music. Just need to go clear my eyes a minute, enjoy your musical stay!

[@da_real_Fish]

This game will stick with me forever and when I dream of home ill also dream of the wilds

[@seagull5976]

i like that banjo starts at the very first place and keeps going until the very last, like a captain in the ship

[@janwithbanan]

The most beautiful piece of videogame soundtracks ever. God I would give anything to just play this game for the first time. I kinda ruined it for myself by watching streamers and youtubers play the game instead of going at it myself...

[@miner_fabs]

I know exactly how you feel. I sometimes wonder how different my own experience with it would be. In a few days, after I've done my last exam for the year, I'm getting The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. I'm not making the same mistake I did with Echoes of the Eye, let alone the game itself. I recommend you do so too. And if you can't, and don't think you'll be able to later, there's a video where the creator's brother goes through it with him (presumably, I obviously haven't watched it yet) and I'd be happy to link that for you.

[@janwithbanan]

@@miner_fabs I was literally gonna do the exact same thing once Stanley goes on sale and when I have enough money! I've kept myself spoiler free since I found the game on Steam before it was even released and have heard so much good about the game that I'm so excited to get the game myself.

[@miner_fabs]

@@janwithbanan Great to hear you haven't been spoiled! Unfortunately the algorithm hasn't been as kind to me, but I only know a few bits and pieces, not anything overarching or any major themes. And if you need help getting the game, though I don't usually send or even use money (I'm still 17, sue me), I'd be happy to lend you some, but that would probably need to happen after I've done my exam.

[@janwithbanan]

@@miner_fabs yeah, some people I subscribe to play the game, thus my homepage is sometimes filled up with recommendations of the game but through the sheer willpower of wanting to experience the game myself, I've stayed off of those videos. That's very generous of you, but it's fine, I'll just wait until I'll get a job of my own and get the money for the game that way. Thanks anyway!

[@eloquentsarcasm]

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my best friend's death. I played 14.3 Billion Years for her on her deathbed, as she loved that song, and this soundtrack will forever make me think of her. I miss you Karen, you were truly someone special, and you changed so many lives, mine included.

[@hyperx72]

Prisoner: Are you sure you want to remember me? Hearthian: Hell yeah bring your antlery ass over here you magnificent owl boi!

[@jumnyum]

I really like how the banjo is the core thing bringing everything together. Riebeck was a pretty important character for me as I discovered that I have a pretty bad phobia of space playing this game for the first time. I just enjoy the central theme of everything in this game being courage and hope despite all odds, and Riebeck pretty simplistically encompasses that.

[@PopADoseYo]

It's interesting because when you first fly into Space and the song "Space" starts playing. You hear Riebeck banjo in the first few seconds of the song. And same, this game cause me a lot of suspense and tension. Lots of scary moments. My first big one was when I accidently fell into Giants Deep. Don't remember how it exactly happened, but I was going full speed into it and entering the atmosphere was a nightmare. Kept pulling back only too plunge into it's ocean and I'm absolutely terrified of the Ocean in general, so the helplessness of trying to pull up, the tornadoes, the atmosphere, crashing into my own worst fear. I actually closed my eyes for a second lmao. I've completed tons of horror games with good amounts of me being scared, but nothing like this game.

[@Atte_Rios]

i don't want it to end... this hurts so bad

[@atinygoose6199]

The addition of the prisoner into this track hit me like nothing else. Feels like he was always meant to be there. And more than that, he represents something i felt needed to be explored in the base game. Its ok to be a little afraid, unsure, and sad. Its ok to mourn the end. And only through that can some find acceptance. The sombre, mournful and heart-wrenching melody just weaving its way through this joyful, hopeful song made it feel so much more human and real to me.

[@edmndw]

(EotE ending spoilers) When you try to use the signalscope on the Prisoner's instrument, it makes weird sounds, I wonder if it's because it's like a Theremin so maybe the signalscope can't pick it up

[@thepethyn]

I'm very glad Echoes of the Eye was a DLC and not just part of the main game. That made me appreciated it so much more. Every day was one day closer to Echoes of the Eye. It was worth the wait.

[@nah1205]

I tried using the Signalscope on Ember Twin after travelling to The Eye for the first time. Every planet aligned, realizing that every traveler are on sync with their instrument. I teared up during my Discord stream and I had to mute up lol I fucking love this game

[@saturn_v42]

The Traveler's part in this song is a perfect metaphor for this DLC. It didn't feel missing from the base game, but once you play it it feels like it's always been there.

[@7ach110]

Even months later, can't stop from crying a bit once all the parts are playing.

[@TOPAZTAZE]

If all the instruments represented a creature type from earth I think it would be like this, Banjo = mammals Harmonica = insects Flute = fungus Drums = reptiles Vocal chords = plants Piano = sea creatures Theremin = birds

[@dangerouslysafe3]

What I love most about this song, is the feeling the choice in instruments invoke. They could've made it out pf synthetic electronic instruments to phone in the sci fi feel, but they went with more traditional instruments like the banjo and drums. These intruments feel, at least to me, more organic.... the Sci Fi synths are more something born of the stars and the age of space travel, but these instruments harken back to your origin, your home. The song then becomes a piece of your home, to carry with you to the end like the memories it reminds you.

[@miicro1]

spoilers when i was about to do the ending of the game, (the normal new universe ending with the bigbang thing) I gathered everyone to the campfire including the Prisoner. I talked to the prisoner and after that they asked "Are you certain you want to remember me?" then I chose the "Your journey is over. You did well." , then I approached Solanum to start the piano part before everyone else, but then I looked back on the tree where the Prisoner was and they aren't there (he straight up disappeared), then I felt bad for the prisoner because he was so excited to join us in the band or the song and ended up not joining cause I felt like I said the wrong thing . I felt so bad I had to force close the game and do start the ending again because I thought the prisoner felt like they don't belong to be with us cause he is different than us the Hearthians. And with that he wasn't able to join in the song, but since i resetted the game and did the thing, I chose the first one and I can really tell he was excited.

[@adammendaluk7493]

Through all my life, different experiences joined the song of my existence. All brought something new and made the journey of my life more and more complete. And just as with the original song, I did not know that it was missing something, to get it all, to finally truelly be myself and aware of my existence. The missing part was suffering, the maddening sadness, the feel of loss, the betrayal, when I lost the love of life. It was needed to complete the song of my human existence and to finally understand it, that suffering and pain are part of the journey and the loss of everything is something to be expected. One should never be afraid to encounter the pain or loss, because running from it will rob you from a chance to have a full life and to be grateful when things lasts, without the shadow of fear that they will end. Dont let fear to consume your mind and corrupt the things you cherish. You can enjoy your life to the fullest only when you accept that suffering and loss are a part of yours lifes song and it is as beautiful as the rest of it, making it a whole and letting you experience new things through constant changes. If you read this, have a wonderful journey, traveler. It is sure as hell worth the trouble

[@veritasm.5032]

I play this song a lot, I played it when my cat passed away, played it when a story I had loved writing ended, played it when marching band ended, it’s a song I’m pretty sure means an end is approaching. An that’s ok

[@XPyrokai]

A Story that Has no Beginning but also no end...

[@katherine4299]

0:00 banjo 0:21 harmonica 0:42 bass flute thing 1:02 percussion 1:23 whistle 1:44 piano 2:05 theremin

[@noxious.vertigo]

It's not a Theremin

[@ordinarytree4678]

@@noxious.vertigo irl it is, isnt it?

[@addzay3135]

@@ordinarytree4678 it's an personalised instrument similar to a theremin

[@noxious.vertigo]

@Virus I know what a Therimin is, and the instrument in the song is not one. If you look up the song you'll find Andrew Prahlow has stated as such himself

[@wieney_police]

My boyfriend says that this song reminds him of me. This is what he said: It's each part getting added on, I like to imagine each part of the song being added to be a conversation between us, and how we grew closer and closer. I know it's weird, I just think weird Brought a tear to my eye

[@basementdustproductions1069]

The way you collect the prisoners instrument is really well done and creative. I’d recommend, if you get the chance, only playing solanum and the prisoner together. They fit very well

[@NA-nz9lv]

if somebody asked me to cry on command I'd probably just need to listen to this, both the main game and the DLC hit like a gut punch when you finish them, it's like the conclusion to a perfect adventure that you don't want to end so soon.

[@Nobodyandthegiant]

I CRY EVERY TIME

[@Benzotgg]

Listening to this for the millionth time and tearing up once again. I really need to appreciate life a little bit more, and just live. It doesn't have to be crazy special or anything. We all have our part to play. Just try your best, try to be kind and helpful when you can. But most importantly just live

[@zombiehawk9776]

I absolutely love the extra instrument it sounds so beautiful

[@zacharyon65]

I used this song in a school assignment for my music teacher who for no other reason then he needed something for the end of the year decided to do it on soundtrack and sound effects in film, I got him to allow me to use video game soundtracks

[@pennyfrost1788]

This game is amazing. Just hearing this brings back memories.

[@endertwelve]

As if the game couldn't make me cry even more than I already do at the end.

[@irecordwithaphone1856]

I love this version so much

[@7gabwayne]

juro por Deus, eu acompanho esse jogo há muito tempo, ele NUNCA e NUNCA deixou de ser meu jogo favorito e nem vai deixar. sério, pode não parecer, mas ele marcou boa parte da minha vida, sempre me alegra assistir gameplays dele e até jogar ele, eu fico muito feliz mesmo só de ouvir algo sobre outer wilds, é tipo meu hiperfoco, além da história ser linda e ter trilhas sonoras impecáveis... eu sou tão apaixonado por esse jogo.

[@AustinRiggsFire]

Oh my god I streamed the dlc after beating the base game on a different co sole, and some of my viewers suggested I beat the game again, but I couldnt remember how to get to the vessel, so I stopped. After listening to this I understand why they suggested I finish the game again and I have just one question. HOW COULD THEY LET ME STOP? HOW COULD THEY NOT TELL ME THAT I MUST DO IT AGAIN. I MUST DO IT AGAIN. I MUST BEAT THE GAME AGAIN

[@CrispyGFX]

I think the prisoners part of this song perfectly encapsulates my feelings on the DLC overall. I was really really worried when the DLC was first announced because I couldn't imagine how they could add on to what felt like a perfect story and make it not feel out of place, but just like the prisoners song, it really feels like outer wilds was just missing that extra piece. Like it was always there, and we always needed it, but we didn't really know it at the time.

[@superspider64]

I dunno what it is about this song but after the shitshow that's been these past few months for me and my family, this song, so somber yet full of hope for what comes next, it's been able to help me get through the worst of it

[@Nex_0906]

Listening to this after finishing the DLC made realize that in this part of the story we don't only explore horror as players, but also we get to understand fear from the Strangers. At first they scare us, then we realize they are afraid, too. It fits so well and for some reason it makes me a little bit sad.

[@afilthyweeb8684]

I wish there was a version that was a mix of this and travelers. All the instruments come in one at a time until they all disappear into an ethereal soundscape only for the lone banjo slowly fade back in.

[@JiottoCaspita]

Everyone present at this moment had their time cut short by cruel and unforeseeable circumstances... except the Prisoner. Their journey was brought to and end by the cowardice of their own people. :/

[@lucascooney9418]

When the Prisoner's part starts I never fail to get emotional

[@duffinthemuffin5792]

See you in the next universe friends

[@jaootaviou]

i always cry, impossible to resist

[@ASBpro70]

I felt like I should use my time in this world in more important things, because, when all of this finishes, there won't be another like these. This game teached me 2 important things in life : 1.Nothing but only the universe lasts forever 2.I have to take advantage of my time and use it better in more important things (Carpe Diem).

[@extazine22]

Merci Antoine Daniel de m'avoir fait connaitre ce jeu extraordinaire