One listen for this one.

I wasn’t sure what would come forward but I was certain that I wanted to write about this song in some capacity. I think I did okay; some parts are better than others, but overall I feel this reads well enough.

In part I was thinking about an overcast dawn as I was writing but, based on how the song presents itself and how it progresses there’s a bit of openness regarding what imagery can come forward. It will likely be based around a few specific emotions, but there’s a bit of room available.

I first heard a snippet of “Never Let us Die” in the early aughts when it was used in Final Fighting Fantasy, a flash animation series by SplashKhat. I’d hunt for the full song every few years when I’d remember it; There is very little information out there on the song, as well as Moondawg and so, combined with my casual approach to searching for it, the search didn’t see success until 2020.

Moondawg’s “Never let us Die” may be from an album by the name of Southern Heat. I say may as I’ve found only one source that has information about an album, and I don’t know if the source is accurate.

I hope you enjoy.

—

Rustling in the wind, or waves lapping at the shore. A fragile rhythm forms on a light percussive touch. Another sound comes to form a base and alongside it reveals a sadness and strife. Gradually a beat comes forward, more energetic but still “low”, in a sense.

As the beat comes forward the light percussive touch disappears. The beat then starts “emptying” and becomes lighter, then also disappears. The base is there, lingering, languid, though perhaps hopeful. It is heavy in breaths.

A new beat comes along, much more firm and striking. With it another sound comes along and emphasises the rhythm. Eventually a pulse of sorts joins, and these new sounds move at a faster pace. The base remains slow and drawn out.

Gradually the beat pulls away and for a moment it stops. It seems to hold on a moment before it resumes once more.

The sounds continue their motion; they remain heavy, but there is perhaps a sense of warmth and comfort among it all. There is hope and there is drive, and maybe even relief.

Eventually the beat ends one last time and two sounds linger as though a final moment to hold on, as though staring out across a great expanse, then the song ends.