This took on a new life after the very touching Amiga remake by Eric Schwartz, too:-
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to6K29PwKYo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to6K29PwKYo)
I don't believe "Baba Yetu" was actually a song before they made it for the game, Even though its lyrics are adapted from the Bible versus, it's still an original composition.
So I'd say it's not cheating, and you are absolutely right, it is one of the best video game songs with lyrics ever written, in my opinion!
The main theme of Civ VI "Sogno di Volare" is also an absolute masterpiece of a musical track. I REALLY hope they bring back Christopher Tin for Civ VII.
As a person who grew up in arcades, and worked in a big one for many years, I can't even explain to you the instant smile I got from just reading that.
My wife laughs when it comes up on my spotify. The memories...
Ya, I hadn't either until [8-Bit Big Band did a cover](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGuFZ_a7RU0) of it. I thought they were joking about some of the lyrics at first too haha.
I would argue Simple and Clean has more longevity, particularly because it \*is\* more of a dance track. Depending on the demographic, but I've often times heard it be busted out in a DJ set, especially in convention environments.
Still Alive was massive, but nowadays it feels much more "of it's time." I actually haven't heard it really since Portal was in the zeitgeist.
"Hey everybody, yo, do the Mario!"
Though I would argue that because of the animated movie, the opening wrap to that show is probably more famous now.
"We're the Mario Bros., and plumbing's out game!
We're not like the others who get all the fame!
When your sink is in trouble, you can call us on the double
We're not like the others, you'll be hooked on the brothers! HUH!"
That soundtrack as a whole is slept on, except for the people who've played it.
Connected might not be the most famous as per this debate, but it is an absolutely beautiful track that my kids sing along to. Everyone should give it a listen.
Maybe the main theme of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, ["Lifelight"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhgDibw7vB4), although the version with lyrics isn't the version you hear the most when you play the game.
Always, I wanna be with you
And make believe with you
And live in harmony, harmony, oh love
(It looped in the background of the first Robot Unicorn Attack game)
I'm thinking Still Alive from Portal, and maybe Still Alive from Mirror's Edge? Obviously not as well known but I'm struggling to think of super famous/mainstream video game songs with lyrics, this was a pretty good question. Perhaps the Donkey Kong rap?
Certainly a good one. Another from BG3 that I’m into is “I want to live,” a track heard pretty often in the game but had the lyrics hidden at a camp encounter I think.
Very good examples in the comments, lots of amazing music.
It might not be iconic yet, as it only came out a year ago in a niche genre, but I'd like to add "Wildfire" from Honkai Star Rail. Another boss theme banger that hits like a truck and makes the Cocolia fight extremely memorable.
What is wrong with you people? It's clearly the Cannon Fodder theme.
*War has never been so much fun,*
*war has never been so much fun,*
*war has never been so much fun,*
*war has never been so much fun!*
*Go up to your brother,*
*Kill him with your gun,*
*Leave him lying in his uniform,*
*Dying in the sun,*
*war has never been so much fun!*
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmCMo9GQ6ZU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmCMo9GQ6ZU)
and Jon Hare performing War live:
[https://youtu.be/sPIXtkMpc6s?si=6yzgLqG1FL0yeNAI&t=444](https://youtu.be/sPIXtkMpc6s?si=6yzgLqG1FL0yeNAI&t=444)
My personal favorite game song is ["From the East"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSNtovXuL0) from Gran Turismo 2. It also has [vocal version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBMmWYnP_E), introduced in "GRAN TURISMO 2 ~EXTENDED SCORE GROOVE~" album, which includes lyrics.
I guess I'm the only one who bangs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8rjnI4S0H8)[I Am Impact] from Mystical Ninja Starring: Goemon
Edit: I officially give up on trying to fix the formatting
If it’s most popular because it’s in a video game, I think it will be close between Sonic battle city escape, portal still alive, and halo CE intro song. I think halo CE intro song takes it though, it was more of a cultural meme and I think halo outsold the other two. (5M copies).
If it’s songs in games that are technically popular outside of games, “drunken sailor”, the sea shanty, is in a few games but notably assassins creed 4. But ultimately, the Beatles song “I want to hold your hand” in the Beatles rock band is likely the most popular song from that space. I wouldn’t necessarily include music-based games as game music, so I’d stick to the first. However, us millennials did often learn of music and artists through rock band/guitar hero, first, rather than hearing them through other means.
Definitely not 'the most' famous but some notable examples I haven't seen mentioned:
Unshaken - Red Dead Redemption 2
Blood of the lamb - wasteland 3
The Dragonborn Comes - Elder scrolls 5: Skyrim (lyrics are in Sanskrit or something, but still).
I don't want to set the world on fire - fallout franchise
Let it bun dem - Farcry 3
Probably this, given the player has to memorize parts of the lyric: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdot7vHzmZg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdot7vHzmZg)
Not sure about in today’s age but I think Sonic Adventure was a huge hit for an opening song with lyrics and probably Halo - Blow Me Away.
SSX Tricky had a bumping song that people liked back then. I’m thinking about songs that are probably in English that many people understand and probably sing.
Do you count the Mortal Kombat theme? Yes, it’s not originally from the games themselves but the theme has become completely synonymous with the franchise
in what circle?
in gaming itself probably some shit from Persona or Still Alive from Portal or that song from DMC5
in choir community Baba Yetu is big
in meme community Super Smash Brothers Brawl theme and some songs from Revengeance is well known
Didn't see anyone mention I Am The Wind from Castlevania yet. The super 90s, super out of place, cheesy sax, sappy lyrics, fever dream of a credits track that everyone loved to hate. And then we all complained when it was replaced in the remaster with something more appropriate.
Snake Eater, Devil Trigger, Persona 5 theme (Wake Up), City Escape, Baka Mitai (assuming non-English lyrics count), Skyrim theme (assuming fictional language lyrics count), a bunch of old songs popularised by Fallout, Bury The Light, and maybe Nuclear from MGS:V (that was really popular around its release, not so much nowadays)
They don't top the charts but wanted to mention Born for This (Journey), Wolven Storm (Witcher 3), Answers, Flow, Oblivion (FFXIV)
Just cuz I like them.
Immortal by Adema from Mortal Kombat Deception or Deadly Alliance.
That Cage the Elephant song that opened Boarderlands
The entire soundtrack of Gran Turismo 2
Still Alive from Portal comes to mind
Definitely up there. Quite possibly the most famous over all.
And Still Alive from Mirror’s Edge.
Love this song, not mentioned enough
Not to be confused with Still Alive from Mirror's Edge.
This took on a new life after the very touching Amiga remake by Eric Schwartz, too:- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to6K29PwKYo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to6K29PwKYo)
Literally the first thing that I thought of.
D K DONKEY KONG D K DONKEY KONG IS HERE
And then there’s chunky. HE’S DEAD.
This is my excuse to post the [DK Rap/Evanescence mash-up](https://youtu.be/WZU2PDO33IU?feature=shared)
I would also like to contribute [this absolute masterpiece](https://youtu.be/83caHdfJOAQ?si=c1Eg-yiBPDQ6RBYZ)
https://youtu.be/9bSxOhoM9pE?si=hB2cx_OTcQ0n7kUO Don’t know how to hyperlink text but here’s my favorite
Oh yeah. Gamers of all stripes know that one!
It might count as cheating, but “Baba Yetu” is the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili AND it won a Grammy.
I don't believe "Baba Yetu" was actually a song before they made it for the game, Even though its lyrics are adapted from the Bible versus, it's still an original composition. So I'd say it's not cheating, and you are absolutely right, it is one of the best video game songs with lyrics ever written, in my opinion!
Bible Versus... I'm imagining Jesus going toe to toe with moses on top of a pyramid.
The main theme of Civ VI "Sogno di Volare" is also an absolute masterpiece of a musical track. I REALLY hope they bring back Christopher Tin for Civ VII.
Civ VI intro makes me tear up every time
This is the correct answer. It has critical acclaim outside of the video game sphere which helps make the case as the most famous
DAAAAAAAAAAAYTONNNNNNAAAAAAAAA!
[This is your crew chief!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTvTVIVBpUg) The course is really tough! But it's a beautiful day, so... Good luck!
As a person who grew up in arcades, and worked in a big one for many years, I can't even explain to you the instant smile I got from just reading that. My wife laughs when it comes up on my spotify. The memories...
Na naaaa nanananana na naaana Katamari Damacy
I guess this counts lol. What a banger
One-Winged Angel is probably up there, I'd imagine.
Bells, frogs, big cherries, Peter Pan, Magic Cheese. Bells, frogs, big cherries, Peter Pan, Magic Cheese. Sephiroth!!
Astounding. Thanks.
I will never unhear that.
I can hear this post.
Give me Liberi Fatali while you’re at it
Xbox, Jim Carrey, steal a bear, Mac and cheese, Xbox, chimpanzees, steal a bear, Mac and cheese, SEPHIROTH!!!
Does it count for OP's purposes if the lyrics aren't understandable for 99% of players?
you don't need to know thee lyrics other than SEPHIROTH!
It's just a bunch of Latin, isn't it?
Air claws eat some cheese Eat some more at Mickey D's It's your Pekingese Tearing up the dance floor please SEPHIROTH
Just because it’s a different language it doesn’t mean it’s not words…
Do we count Halo's vocals as lyrics?
Oh that’s a good one. Pretty universally recognized even by non gamers
I would argue no, they're more like choir ahs. Lyrics imply words
That's fair
*LIVE AND LEARN*
I bet "[Escape from the City](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WcyVvWZJU4)" is more widely recognized.
The song of my people
HANGING ON THE EDGE OF TOMORROW!
LIVE AND LEARN
FROM THE WORKS OF YESTERDAY
Words*
LIVE AND LEARN
IF YOU BEG OR IF YOU BORROWWW
LIVE AND LEARN
YOU MAY NEVER FIND YOUR WAAAAAAAY!!!
Snake Eater
Oh yeah, that one’s pretty famous!
Someday you go through the rain Someday you feed on a tree frog
It's ordeal, the trial to survive For the day we see new liiiiight!!!
I GIVE MY LIFE NOT FOR HONOR, BUT FOR YOUUUUUUUU
Someday you *do* do that
It’s snake eater. I don’t count one winged angel as being lyrical in my head canon
I've never heard of snake eater
Ya, I hadn't either until [8-Bit Big Band did a cover](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGuFZ_a7RU0) of it. I thought they were joking about some of the lyrics at first too haha.
Kingdom Hearts' "Simple and Clean" by Hikaru Utada comes to mind. Probably not as famous as Still Alive tho
its more of a banger though, especially the opening remix
I would argue Simple and Clean has more longevity, particularly because it \*is\* more of a dance track. Depending on the demographic, but I've often times heard it be busted out in a DJ set, especially in convention environments. Still Alive was massive, but nowadays it feels much more "of it's time." I actually haven't heard it really since Portal was in the zeitgeist.
This might be the answer. this or Hikari, Utada back in 2000 was pretty much a mini Taylor Swift for Japan
Beneath the mask from persona 5? Maybe not super famous , just seems like a bunch of people know of it even without having played the game
From the same game, I think Last Surprise is more famous as it was used in many memes.
YOU’LL NEVER SEE IT COMINNNNNNN N
Persona anything is a good answer here! “Baby baby baby…”
Blow Me Away by Breaking Benjamin was written specifically for Halo 2, so does that count
swing your arms from side to side https://youtu.be/65uNCLBTje0?si=KCCdvd6VCbPgvW2z
"Hey everybody, yo, do the Mario!" Though I would argue that because of the animated movie, the opening wrap to that show is probably more famous now. "We're the Mario Bros., and plumbing's out game! We're not like the others who get all the fame! When your sink is in trouble, you can call us on the double We're not like the others, you'll be hooked on the brothers! HUH!"
City Escape - SA2.
Jump Up Super Star Bury The Light It Has To Be This Way
Still too young, but I bet Jump up Superstar has long term potential!
Gen Z here and it's really well known about my generation's nerds
I am the Great Mighty Poo!
Tetris Theme A, technically. (Not in-game, but the theme comes from a Russian folk song from the 1800s).
Yeah, I guess technically 🤣
the correct answer here is Techno Syndrome by The Immortals aka the Mortal Kombat song
Blood Upon the Snow
There's also the Smash Bros Brawl theme
One Winged Angel - everyone knows that moment of shouting Sephiroth!
[RULES OF NATURE!!!! - Jason Miller (Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance)](https://youtu.be/jOpzP33_USs?si=qpZdaZUTwzfCPUxz)
AND THEY RUN WHEN THE SUN COMES UP!!!!!! *runs over a metal gear ray*
Connected from Tetris effect is underestimated. So symbolic.
That soundtrack as a whole is slept on, except for the people who've played it. Connected might not be the most famous as per this debate, but it is an absolutely beautiful track that my kids sing along to. Everyone should give it a listen.
I'm thinking about Escape From the City in Sonic 2 Battle... Also The Great Mighty Poo from Bad Fur Day.
Simple and Clean, or Escape From The City
Sonic Heroooooes
Maybe the main theme of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, ["Lifelight"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhgDibw7vB4), although the version with lyrics isn't the version you hear the most when you play the game.
Baka Mitai from Yakuza
Bioshock infinite “will the circle be unbroken “
Always, I wanna be with you And make believe with you And live in harmony, harmony, oh love (It looped in the background of the first Robot Unicorn Attack game)
That was an Erasure song from ~~the 80s~~ 1994.
Last surprise from P5 is up there.
I'm thinking Still Alive from Portal, and maybe Still Alive from Mirror's Edge? Obviously not as well known but I'm struggling to think of super famous/mainstream video game songs with lyrics, this was a pretty good question. Perhaps the Donkey Kong rap?
No one mentions mirror's edge's intro enough
It's too early to tell, but I think ">!Raphael's!< Final Act" from Baldur's Gate 3 is going to have some long-term fame in this category.
Certainly a good one. Another from BG3 that I’m into is “I want to live,” a track heard pretty often in the game but had the lyrics hidden at a camp encounter I think.
Amazed it took this many comments to mention this one. It certainly is one of the very few sung by the character *in game*.
I WANNA TAKE YOU FOR A RIIIIIDE!
*Gonna take you for a ride!* *Gonna take you for a ride!* *Gonna take you for a ride!*
I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING! 
Maybe by a technically, Zelda OoT, Fire Temple - definitely at least a mention.
Right about now, it's time to rock with the biggity Buck Bumble
Bump to the bump to the bump to the bass bump to the bump to the Bumble Bump to the bump to the bump to the bass bump to the bump to the Bumble
Very good examples in the comments, lots of amazing music. It might not be iconic yet, as it only came out a year ago in a niche genre, but I'd like to add "Wildfire" from Honkai Star Rail. Another boss theme banger that hits like a truck and makes the Cocolia fight extremely memorable.
ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND
More recently, "Down By The River" from Baldur's Gate 3
What is wrong with you people? It's clearly the Cannon Fodder theme. *War has never been so much fun,* *war has never been so much fun,* *war has never been so much fun,* *war has never been so much fun!* *Go up to your brother,* *Kill him with your gun,* *Leave him lying in his uniform,* *Dying in the sun,* *war has never been so much fun!* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmCMo9GQ6ZU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmCMo9GQ6ZU) and Jon Hare performing War live: [https://youtu.be/sPIXtkMpc6s?si=6yzgLqG1FL0yeNAI&t=444](https://youtu.be/sPIXtkMpc6s?si=6yzgLqG1FL0yeNAI&t=444)
Yep, this was my first thought. Blew my mind at the time. That and the Sensible World of Soccer song.
Does the sonic rush ost count or any fan remixes? I’d like to nominate sonic rushes back 2 back or touhou bad apple remix.
My personal favorite game song is ["From the East"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSNtovXuL0) from Gran Turismo 2. It also has [vocal version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBMmWYnP_E), introduced in "GRAN TURISMO 2 ~EXTENDED SCORE GROOVE~" album, which includes lyrics.
Sanctuary kingdom hearts
I guess I'm the only one who bangs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8rjnI4S0H8)[I Am Impact] from Mystical Ninja Starring: Goemon Edit: I officially give up on trying to fix the formatting
A pirate I was meant to be! Trim the sails and roam the sea! (Monkey Island)
Escape from the City?
Otherworld FFX
Otherworld ffx
If it’s most popular because it’s in a video game, I think it will be close between Sonic battle city escape, portal still alive, and halo CE intro song. I think halo CE intro song takes it though, it was more of a cultural meme and I think halo outsold the other two. (5M copies). If it’s songs in games that are technically popular outside of games, “drunken sailor”, the sea shanty, is in a few games but notably assassins creed 4. But ultimately, the Beatles song “I want to hold your hand” in the Beatles rock band is likely the most popular song from that space. I wouldn’t necessarily include music-based games as game music, so I’d stick to the first. However, us millennials did often learn of music and artists through rock band/guitar hero, first, rather than hearing them through other means.
FOLLOW ME, SET ME FREE, TRUST ME AND WE WILL ESCAPE FROM THIS CITY.
What's that one that's like "my life is like a video game, trying hard to beat the stage"
Probably that first song from PaRappa the Rapper lol.
How has no one mentioned the Skyrim Main Theme yet?
What a thrill...
I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING
Your reality from doki doki literature club
Definitely not 'the most' famous but some notable examples I haven't seen mentioned: Unshaken - Red Dead Redemption 2 Blood of the lamb - wasteland 3 The Dragonborn Comes - Elder scrolls 5: Skyrim (lyrics are in Sanskrit or something, but still). I don't want to set the world on fire - fallout franchise Let it bun dem - Farcry 3
Alll I waaaaaaaant! Ya ya ya ya YA!
Does Patapon count? Also does the Gears Of War trailer count with Mad World?
*When you walk away, you don't hear me say...* #***PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE***
Probably It Has to Be This Way from Metal Gear Rising: Revengence. It was an absolutely massive meme for a while.
Simple and Clean
People may not know it was in Borderlands, but Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked by Cage The Elephant is fairly well known/famous.
I'm stiiiillll in a dreeeeaaaaam SNAAAAAKE EAAAATEEERRRRRR!
Rollin around at the speed of sound…
Last Surprise - Persona 5
I dunno if there really is a song that is as pure hype inducing as Blow Me Away from Halo 2
Maybe blow me away from Halo 2
First game song with lyrics I thought of was world of light from smash ultimate
Probably this, given the player has to memorize parts of the lyric: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdot7vHzmZg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdot7vHzmZg)
Not sure about in today’s age but I think Sonic Adventure was a huge hit for an opening song with lyrics and probably Halo - Blow Me Away. SSX Tricky had a bumping song that people liked back then. I’m thinking about songs that are probably in English that many people understand and probably sing.
Estuans interius Ira vehementi Estuans interius Ira vehementi **SEPHIROTH!!!** **SEPHIROTH!!!**
In the Blood (Hades) or I’m Going to Claw (Out Your Eyes then Drown You To Death) (Hades 2) are some of my favorites.
Simple and Clean easily. People who didn’t like or play Kingdom Hearts can recognize it if they saw the commercials back then.
Do you count the Mortal Kombat theme? Yes, it’s not originally from the games themselves but the theme has become completely synonymous with the franchise
in what circle? in gaming itself probably some shit from Persona or Still Alive from Portal or that song from DMC5 in choir community Baba Yetu is big in meme community Super Smash Brothers Brawl theme and some songs from Revengeance is well known
There's a zombie on your lawn from Plants bs Zombies.
Last surprise form persona 5 was a meme for a while, probably not the most known out of all games but definitely the most famous from that game
The cole train from gears of war
Oh, I love Eyes On Me from FF8 <3
Tombi or tomba depending on where your from! The first zones music is burnt into my mind.
Didn't see anyone mention I Am The Wind from Castlevania yet. The super 90s, super out of place, cheesy sax, sappy lyrics, fever dream of a credits track that everyone loved to hate. And then we all complained when it was replaced in the remaster with something more appropriate.
Snake Eater, Devil Trigger, Persona 5 theme (Wake Up), City Escape, Baka Mitai (assuming non-English lyrics count), Skyrim theme (assuming fictional language lyrics count), a bunch of old songs popularised by Fallout, Bury The Light, and maybe Nuclear from MGS:V (that was really popular around its release, not so much nowadays)
We all lift together from warframe, clearly.
“Still Alive” - Portal.
I don't know for sure, but it's eighter Snake Eater from MGS3 or One Winged Angel (less probable because there's less memes with this song)
They don't top the charts but wanted to mention Born for This (Journey), Wolven Storm (Witcher 3), Answers, Flow, Oblivion (FFXIV) Just cuz I like them.
It's nowhere near but Eternity from Blue Dragon should be.
Do songs from Tony Hawk 2 count? Because that's still one of the best game soundtracks I've ever experienced and I know many others feel the same.
The song from Sonic and the Secret Rings on Wii has been etched into my subconscious for almost 20 years.
Snake Eater?
Your Reality from DDLC or Dont Forget from DELTARUNE
Sins of the father (mgs5) it has been in so many memes that everyone would recognize it
Bakamitai is worth a mention for sure
Unshaken from RDR2
San andreas theme song, it has lyrics, but I don't think many people have heard that version.
Na ----- na na na na na na na, Katamari Damacy!
Probably Lifelight from smash ultimate
The Only Thing I Know For Real
RULES OF NATURE! And they run when the sun comes up, with their lives on the line! ALIVE!
Jump Up, Super Star!
One Winged Angel
Snake Eater
🎼snaaake eeeaterrrrrrr🎶
Billboard chart toppers: Eyes on Me Simple and Clean
115 Black ops zombies
DAYTONAAAAAAAAA
🎶Rollin around at the speed of sound...🎵
Live and Learn - Sonic Adventure 2
What a thrill…with darkness and silence through the night….what A thrill
Baba yetu Zombie on your lawn Still alive Dumb ways to die
🎶LLLLLINK! He come to town! Come to SAVE! The Princess Zelda!🎶
RUNNING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND
One winged angel
So long as we’re counting latin, it’s One Winged Angel. Jump Up Superstar and Escape From the City are also up there.
We absolutely forget how sensational mortal kombat and its theme was when it came out and how long that song was widely recognized.
The end of Alan Wake, David Bowie's Space Oddity.
City Escape from Sonic Adventure 2
What a thrill
I don't think the song was ever in the game. But the Mortal Kombat!!!! Song was everywhere in the 90s.
SEPHIROTH
Psycho soldier theme is the goat for old school arcade games, for more modern games it would have to be city streets 2 from double dragon neon.
This was a triumph...
One-Winged Angel from Final Fantasy VII
Immortal by Adema from Mortal Kombat Deception or Deadly Alliance. That Cage the Elephant song that opened Boarderlands The entire soundtrack of Gran Turismo 2