Forever - Rome Total War Original Soundtrack - Angela & Jeff van Dyck

The Rome Total War Original Soundtrack was composed by Jeff van Dyck in 2003-2004. It features vocals by Angela van Dyck, and bouzouki and mandolin by Saki Kaskas. Angela wrote the lyrics...
Forever
by Angela and Jeff van Dyck
What awaits us?
A cloud has fallen on our shore
The mighty hand and sword of Roman war
And I'll be brave, be strong, be true, my love
And I'll be waiting for you, forever
My love, you march to war defiant
May god returneth you triumphant
And you'll be brave, be strong, be true, my love
And I'll be waiting for you, forever
(Roman General : And remember this above all: Our Roman gods are watching, make sure they are not ashamed!)
How can I wait unknowing?
This is the price of war
We rise with noble intentions
And we risk all that is pure
We are only as great as our hearts will allow
What awaits us?
Forever
What will become of us? What will be, will be
But I hope and I pray, every single day
You'll come to me, come home to me, come home to me

[@Link2edition]

This is the real reason men are thinking about the Roman Empire.

[@unbreakableldorado7723]

so damn true!

[@King.Leonidas]

We sure miss you in the new total war games

[@blastermaster5039]

Very true.

[@santiagoamado9056]

Just for curiosity What is your profession??!

[@alfiebanana]

@@santiagoamado9056 im a potter, sir

[@domnikoli]

the mod that replaces r:tw 2s music with the music from the first is still one of the most downloaded if not the most on the steam workshop currently.

[@santiagoamado9056]

@@alfiebanana Ive brought more soldiers than you...

[@kfcwarrior]

45 years of age, 20 years of this legacy. I only wish for a return to the quality of old.

[@Crusty_Comrad]

im 25 and I miss it, I grew up on this game and ive been dissapopinted since I was 15 that nothing still compares to it.

[@AstraAndromeda]

This was my fathers favorite game, he died back in 2008, he used to have this track on repeat a lot ,so even after all these years I still remember it, it brings back good memories, thank you.

[@CesorSalad]

May he rest in peace.

[@archaontheeverchosen]

God bless his soul

[@ArchMizantrop]

may his soul find peace

[@togrul4302]

Interesting to see the gamers now have second generation rememberin them. That would never be a case when I was child. Now I am 38. Let your father rest in piece!

[@sirprize5191]

@@togrul4302 I'm 27. My now 36 yo brother got this game for us, my first ever pc game. I will do the same for my kids, tho probably sons only lol, my sister didn't like it while I was hooked. It's truly the best gift. It will pass on the generations.

[@JOHONG2024]

I am 33yrs old and still listening to this. For almost 20years, this has been my favorite game and music.

[@anirootsukaket2420]

32 Yro still here too😊

[@nillynush4899]

She'll be waiting for her Legionnaire, Forever. A powerful and melancholic song to put at the end of your game about leading men in War.

[@aurail_a4534]

You really can’t help but feel somewhat guilty by the end, or at least I did. Being responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the name of your conquest. This song did a wonderful job of switching up the perspective we have on war

[@eust117]

Always pictured it the other way around. A Greek hoplite leaving home to fight against the Roman invaders, and his beloved (based on rhe first two verses).

[@blastermaster5039]

I always feel a tinge of guilt whenever I see one of my unit just die because of an incompetent move I've done. Leading virtual men makes you feel some stuff, so I cannot imagine leading true men in real life...

[@leonardoflorentin]

@@eust117 definitely, this song has to be from he point of view of those who are about to be conquered by rome.

[@bobbyfirmansyah8580]

The song is from Roman Legion Enemy Perspective Read the first three lines of lyrics

[@hurfery]

And remember this above all: Our Roman gods are watching, make sure they are not ashamed!

[@chelsblue7370]

Even though my Christian God may be watching, I'd still kill for Rome without compunction.

[@mimir4965]

@@chelsblue7370 hypocrisy is pretty normal among "christians" isnt it? ;)

[@mimir4965]

@Idk Idk turn the other cheek and slice with gladius like a peaceful christian

[@janehrahan5116]

@@mimir4965 Hating Christians is edgy cringe. Idk if you are atheist, muslim or "christian" lower c, but you are cringeeeee.

[@rebelfriend1818]

@@mimir4965 they would be defending Christendom so it’s fine

[@hayro252]

Best Total War OST that ever created in my opinion.

[@Perseus115]

This and medieval 2 and shogun 2

[@LauftFafa]

for me its rome 2 . sorry but i dont let nostalgia and good soudtracks influence me . the remaster didnt change a thing , it didnt add what rome 2 have for example and what was the reactions of most fans ? they hated it for being too outdated . it a was a reality check and rome 1 failed at it . in other hand rome 2 still prospere to this day even better than 3 kingdoms and attila released after it or shogun2

[@goap690]

@@LauftFafa just... WUT? not a single word with truth in your entire comment. Thats all i can say. I dont understand what you mean here. How it all related to music? And how Rome1 battle marches scripted to what happened on battlefield can be worse than boring music in Rome2?

[@jak00bspyr72]

@@LauftFafa Heresy. Rome TW has superior battle mechanics, it has actual physics, has better building system, doesnt have that irritating commander system when you cant use any units separately, becouse CA was unable to make the AI use generals, and it is more modable. Not to mention soundtrack.

[@mustafacanguvercin]

Keşke coh2 de böyle bir soundtrack’a sahip olsaydı be hayro

[@justincouture4014]

There once was a dream... A dream called Rome.

[@danielsmith9548]

Brought a tear to my eye then I panned towards your profile pic lmao

[@No-ez5fd]

@@danielsmith9548 lol

[@Fleetches]

The dream shall soon become reality once again.

[@TacticalProjectGaming]

@@Fleetches How?

[@QuirkySmirkyIan]

@@TacticalProjectGaming The 7th Reich

[@Gztz168]

"And remember this above all: Our Roman gods are watching. Make sure they are not ashamed !"

[@user-ir2zn1or6x]

всегда плачу когда слушаю эту песню!

[@Hybrid980]

This song is pure brilliance and the perfect end to a game filled with imperialism, militarism, and exploitation. The woman singing is a wife praying and hoping her husband comes back from the war, a war that never ends, her and her children will be left widowed and fatherless respectively. She is a representation of the thousands of wives, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters whose loved ones will never return, who have been sacrificed at the altar of the Roman war machine. In the end, you have your empire, and it is indeed prosperous, but this song reminds you of the abhorrent price you paid to make it so.

[@MsSirAndy]

Very good insight man!

[@GAMER123GAMING]

Legionary didn't have wives tho. they got them after military service

[@Gitsmasher]

Technically it was Mrs van dyck who sing this..

[@dreamer2260]

Well said, and quite touching. I feel similarly.

[@soultrap1078]

Tu sigue con tus old bois

[@XxKINGatLIFExX]

I remember during the Pandemic I'd go on long runs out in the countryside. I'd find the longest straightest roads which seemed to go on forever... And I'd be running none stop for hours in the heat and sun. The cool breeze would wick the sweat off my brow. I downloaded the entire Rome Total War soundtrack and this is found towards the end . By this point in my run, I'd have pain and fatigue but this gave me a second wind and burst of energy that i can only describe as coming from an ancient place within my soul. Almost like my genes were being turned on and remembering the ancient battles that's my ancestors fought in. It's a special and sacred feeling that'll I'll always treasure. God bless Jeff

[@gua5432]

Man is descended from Pheidippides.

[@underarmbowlingincidentof1981]

Every Jeff van Dyck soundtrack has a song where a woman sings and each and everyone is pure fire!!! The songs of Hand of Fate one and two are already on my playlist. Time to add this gem!

[@europeanpatriot8031]

It's his daughter. Father is the composer, daughter is the vocals.

[@antred11]

@@europeanpatriot8031 Oh? I thought she's his wife??

[@oberstul1941]

@@europeanpatriot8031 yeah, that's what wiki says: "His wife Angela van Dyck features in some of the vocals including Forever, which plays during the game's credits; Angela also wrote the lyrics for the song "Divinitus", written in quasi-Latin."

[@thepebbleinstitute7702]

@@antred11 Jeff is Canadian-born Australian, but you can detect Angela’s Australian accent during her spoken parts. I would therefore assume she’s his wife. Yes I do have autism how did you guess?

[@MidnightSvn]

@@thepebbleinstitute7702 wrong she's his australian daughter

[@thewitchking852]

Bro this just brings me back. My parents at the time had almost never allowed me to play games. I watched videos of Prince of Macedon all the time and finally managed to convince them to get it for me at the school book sale. Proceeded to get my ass kicked by the Greeks as the Brutii my first game lol Here I am nearly 20 years later still playing the same damn game. Gods this music takes me back

[@mahino420]

I remember hearing this after accidently clicking on the credits button and from that point on I fell in love, so nostalgic love it.

[@SwordsmanMercenary]

Same I was like oooh what is this song?

[@mahino420]

yea it hooks you after the intro that you stay and sit through the credits, also i like this pattern of us replying 1 year after posts xD@@SwordsmanMercenary

[@wadysawnadolko5279]

The best ROME (S.P.Q.R)! 2024👍👍🔥🔥

[@texasallstar6969]

OUR ROMAN GODS ARE WATCHING! MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT ASHAMED ! - words to die for!

[@jonathanmoh]

All hail Jupiter, the Best and Greatest!!

[@rlruwy]

What awaits us? A cloud has fallen on our shore The mighty hand and sword of Roman war And I'll be brave, be strong, be true, my love And I'll be waiting for you, forever... My love you march to war defiant May god returneth you triumphant And you'll be brave, be strong, be true, my love And I'll be waiting for you, forever... "And remember this above all: Our Roman gods are watching. Make sure They are not ashamed!" How can I wait unknowing? This is the price of war We rise with noble intentions And we risk all that is pure We are only as great as our hearts will allow What awaits us? Forever... What will become of us? What will be, will be But I hope and I pray, every single day You'll come to me, come home to me, come home to me...

[@user-cq5sn5hq4m]

Dear Angela and Jeff, you guys created a song that will always have a special place in my heart. And I'm pretty sure that I'm not alone with this! THANK YOU!

[@dr_Boris]

Да!!! Так есть! 👍

[@crestfallenknight7983]

Они создали "Рим" таким, каким мы его знаем. Квириты! Поднимем же за это чаши!

[@teoargentieri4302]

Still burning in my heart after all these years.

[@blastoff2030]

Yes, burning... burning like Carthage

[@HangrySaturn]

@@blastoff2030 Too soon man, too soon

[@KLM2F]

A banger, still vibing at it since 2004

[@infotrady2178]

I am 50 years old started playing video games, since the Pacman arcade was the trend, played hundreds of games, and I am telling you, this game is still today one of the best games ever made. And one reason is ofcourse its ashtonishing soundtrack!

[@ratkobelajac]

Good old days and memories!

[@user-eu3xe8qd4k]

I always cry listening it 😢 This song is truly beautiful

[@leebennett1821]

Yes it's as if she is singing for you and no-one else

[@gootubesucks9390]

been playing this game since 2005... never head this song until right now... beat all the campaigns like 40 times....

[@SMUPony]

It only plays when you select "Options" in the main menu, and then "View The Credits"

[@user-sm1sj5rl1d]

Просто эталонная работа, качество материала и аранжировка все на высшем уровне. До сих пор восхищаюсь данным саундтреком.

[@PhlilipeAlves]

I get goosebumps listening to this wonderful track. Thanks Jeff Van Dyck, I spent hundreds of hours playing RTW with your amazing soundtracks.

[@PlanetaSugus]

With RTW's music you captured the atmosphere of ancient times through music like no one else. What a fantastic job you did there Jeff, and Angela's voice... something else. Thank you!

[@Kosh800]

I think the key is to chose instruments that could have either existed back then, or sound like they could have. Mix it with modern ones and you have a cool combination of eras.

[@Vicious_Retard]

Unfathomably based - One of the best end tracks to one of the best pc games ever made

[@ktulu310]

Nostalgia. This brings me back to those summer days, rushing home from summer school to log on teamspeak with my classmates across the globe playing back to back 2v2s with cwb rules. Those were the days

[@DanielLopez-vc8rn]

La mejor banda sonora de toda la saga total war sin lugar a dudas. Se nota que la hicieron con mucho cariño

[@noobsultimateguide7842]

Long life to you and your wife Jeff. Both of you carried a generation on your backs. These masterpieces always be remembered

[@allmight1109]

This game was just a masterwork for his time.

[@wintersking4290]

Rome had the best soundtrack ever. Thanks a lot for this.

[@basty1man]

Truly a Masterpiece, your work on the Total war games is deeply appreciated.

[@marcoss6212]

"Death smile at us every day, the only thing we can do is smile back" ..........Marcus Aurelius

[@leebennett1821]

If you are afraid to die then you are afraid to live

[@konstantinospalapanidis6414]

The memories of my adolescence are entwined with the soundtracks of Rome and Medieval 2. Three songs, this, Divinitus and We are all one have a special place in my heart. The last one made me realise for the first time that beligerents each have their own "truth" and most importantly, unlike the video game, war is not a game. Thank you for these pieces of art.

[@LingLingFromQLD]

I disagree. It is a game, just the one with the highest stakes.

[@dragodolce7233]

Una colonna sonora grandiosa, completamente immortale ai tempi e alle mode che arriveranno e passeranno. Sarà sempre un punto di riferimento per chi vorrà comporre anche nel mondo del cinema. La colonna sonoro di un gioco come Rome è parte del gioco, perchè ti immerge nelle storia che vuole rappresentare. Perfetto.

[@nathanofthefranks2955]

the 3 tracks that most convey the emotions to me are Divinitus, Lost souls and Forever

[@shiveringisles3509]

I didn't realize how popular Divinitus is, can't get into it because of the strong accent. For me it is: Lost Souls - Seem to hear the female vocals in other stuff strangely, like they sampled this track. Journey to Rome Part II - This one really stands out for me. The strings, beat and female vocals are most cinematic. Impe! Rome Total War / Soldier's Chant / Rome HQ - mostly nostalgic.

[@princeimrahil6557]

Divinitus is a banger

[@Geoh1990]

Jeff your music stirs my soul and brings me great joy 😊

[@PinacoladaMatthew]

"We are only as great as our hearts would allow" What a great line

[@BootneckAlphaKilo]

Jeff’s an absolute genius, the total war sound tracks and EA NHL 99, rank amongst his best work (that I’m aware of) and really are the sound track to my youth. God bless you and yours mate. And thank you.

[@AmirAli-bl4fp]

My god; I don’t seem to find enough people praise this song and the other ones in this OST and thought I should put emphasis on the fact that at least to me these are all LEGENDARY. Thank you for making all these years of me and many other people’s childhood so much more fun; Jeff.

[@user-js2xn9jv9l]

Childhood? Still playing it dude. Absolute masterpiece

[@arrtemfly]

this chord progression... oof! amazing.

[@PinacoladaMatthew]

what is it? @@

[@fyfoh]

Thanks for uploading this! Though now I know why the other uploads with this soundtrack are gone lol. My work mix list had a glaring omission which led me here.

[@willIV9962]

What better way to think about Rome than listening to its soundtrack.😂

[@skelo9033]

This song really put it all into perspective for me. After all the bloodshed,destruction of entire peoples,the eradication and destruction,this song hit me hard.

[@wingstar3048]

Thats what Ukraian girls sing now

[@anotherguy687]

“The glory of Rome can go to the crows.”

[@jkfd97]

​@@wingstar3048The only thing they're singing is "I'm Walking on Sunshine" as their rich European husbands take them to all kinds of fancy places after the deaths of their Ukrainian husbands, brothers, fathers, uncles and sons. Warbrides, that's all they are. Not one shed a tear for the loss of their men. Russian soldiers shall be gaining many, many Ukrainian wives soon enough.

[@bovbobson6681]

Beautiful- the OST of this game is burned into my memory. Your music really made RTW a classic.

[@catalyst772]

This is... Beautiful.

[@StormKnight1]

This song is legendary. Bless you sir.

[@attaboy7729]

I will always love this song, thank you both for making this masterpiece ❤

[@peasantarcher2486]

Thank you for uploading!

[@togrul4302]

The lyrics are sad to read. We had a war 2 years ago and I am sure many women had the same words in their minds. And many did not return.

[@ConradJD777]

A masterpiece in music...

[@aniellord7088]

I remember last 2013. I got my first laptop. Installed this game, a couple of hours every time I went home from college. went to settings to increase unit count and accidentally clicked credits. One of the best accident that happened in my life. Then after buying myself a PC. I bought Medieval 2. I went to credits immediately. It didn't disappoint me 😍😊

[@vlknlvnt]

Its hard to believe that this song's just a video game soundtrack. But surely its more than that.

[@tonywoutrs]

As the name suggests, these soundtracks are indeed timeless

[@alannguyen5452]

Love your music

[@Aurelioris]

The chills man.

[@maikkeli9827]

This is one of the best soundtracks i have ever heard. So much nostalgia from playing this game since 2004. Shame new TW games are very souless and arcade like games, even the music is bland.

[@user-cq5sn5hq4m]

Absolutely!

[@FlagggRandall]

napoleon had great music though

[@compatriot852]

@@FlagggRandall that was like 13 years ago....

[@joshuacoleman6245]

One of my faves!

[@Sinewmire]

Reminds me of when Rome: Total War was first released. I was in university. I installed, and started playing, looked up and it was somehow 6am.

[@antred11]

Nostalgia overload! 😍

[@user-ir2zn1or6x]

Просто обожаю эту песню, такая красивая !

[@pawechronowski5684]

Najlepszy utwór z całej serii Total War

[@stepheng618]

Been a fan of total war since the Start. Your music made the games.

[@juanignacioottobre329]

Classic and nostalgic

[@five4673]

we love this song

[@yohanesberchmansw1399]

Legendary song 🎉

[@TheWhiteFaction]

A great closing song for a great game.

[@envyXzor]

never have i ever heard better game soundtracks than those made by Jeff and Angela van Dyck

[@user-ib8ss9nj4j]

Only one brilliant music( song) of all the game and this is it.

[@theplayer7199]

best credits theme ever i heard ...its so satisfying for totalwar....dam.... badass that vocal that song all pure insane perfection for this game it hits everytime

[@arthureroma8762]

Pour toujours par Angela et Jeff van Dyck Qu'est-ce qui nous attend ? Un nuage est tombé sur notre rivage La main puissante et l'épée de la guerre romaine Et je serai courageux, fort, vrai, mon amour Et je t'attendrai pour toujours Mon amour, tu marches vers la guerre avec défi Que Dieu te rende triomphant Et tu seras courageux, sois fort, sois vrai, mon amour Et je t'attendrai pour toujours (Général romain : Et rappelez-vous ceci avant tout : nos dieux romains nous regardent, assurez-vous qu’ils n’ont pas honte !) Comment puis-je attendre sans le savoir ? C'est le prix de la guerre Nous nous levons avec de nobles intentions Et on risque tout ce qui est pur Nous sommes aussi grands que notre cœur le permet Qu'est-ce qui nous attend ? Pour toujours Ce qu'il adviendra de nous? Ce qui sera sera Mais j'espère et je prie, chaque jour Tu viendras vers moi, reviens vers moi, reviens vers moi

[@theplayer7199]

its just genuis... a masterpiece of game music....

[@joehill4094]

This oozes 2000s in the best way

[@Tuathadana]

This is a great blend of European and Indian music.

[@wildeyshere_paulkersey853]

Is it Indian?

[@Tuathadana]

@Wildey's Here _Paul Kersey totally, north indian influence for sure

[@dericcheshire4703]

how could someone dislike this?

[@ThePerriannath]

She really sounds like she comes from ancient history. You can't replicate this.

[@TheDebater94]

I used to leave the game running on the credits screen while I did homework because i loved this song and the soundtrack so much hahaha.

[@krystofcisar469]

Unfortunately i never palyed original rome tw but when i heard this via mod for attila i was like - damn who put there such a banger!

[@emperorpalpatine4723]

epic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "and remember our roman gods are watching and make sure they are not ashamed"

[@younousyoutoube]

This is too good

[@adamgardner3768]

Legend.

[@snakeplissken1933]

I'm going to listen to this song with my airpods tomorrow while crossing Teutoburg Forest on our journey back to our winter camp. Long live Legion XVII !!

[@Sturmavk]

One of the best game soundtracks ever made. The Space Marine game OST is a close second. CA and Games Workshop both use sound tracks from each of these games to this day when making informative videos about various current topics.

[@theplayer7199]

this epic like a storm of war

[@Edward-dl3rd]

Masterpiece

[@Edward-dl3rd]

Agreed

[@Edward-dl3rd]

We all agree

[@BlackKnightTWBG]

Back when Total war(and its music) was actually good!

[@camulodunon]

I enjoy modern Total war music, even though I haven't played any of the games post Rome II.

[@GooseGumlizzard]

its still good but definitely missing the magic that this one had

[@Terracraft321]

Banger

[@Tiestonn]

What awaits us

[@selder_7]

It’s a shame the credits don’t play after you get a victory screen and then take you back to the game (or if you skip). Would be nice to bask in this song in victory for a bit before getting back to seizing the rest of the world

[@mustafacanguvercin]

Starting great, yet cent hold this greatness.

[@tzonhose1993]

I was playing that game for about 10 years. Why i never had heared that song?

[@noname2.]

It’s only in the credits

[@MrMadmaggot]

I've been listeing to this song for years and I always paid 0 attention to the Lyrics. Damn it is GOOD!

[@vinniciuselion4544]

best strategy game of all times

[@jarekgajewski7054]

TO JEST SUPER MUZYKA

[@warhawksupreme749]

2013-2015 memories playing Rome Total War on Game Ranger with great players. Shout-out to clans which is from BE(Bullz Eye), TAoW( The Art Of War), USSR(Russian Clan), WOND, HL(Armenian King Gevorg is the leader), RV(Roma Victa), AO,CoH(Crusaders Of Hell),HoS( Harvesters of Sorrow), SoA, BiA(Brother In Arms), GREEK.

[@YoderMemeIndustries]

HOLY SHIT THIS GOES SO HARD!