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Jonathan Coulton - Still Alive (Portal Theme)

"Still Alive" is a popular song from the video game "Portal," written by Jonathan Coulton and performed by Ellen McLain, who also voices the game's antagonist, GLaDOS. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its connection to the game:

  1. End Credits Song: "Still Alive" serves as the end credits song for the original "Portal" game, which was released in 2007. It plays as players complete the game's challenging puzzles and escape the Aperture Science Enrichment Center.

  2. Memorable Lyrics: The song is known for its witty and darkly humorous lyrics, which are sung from the perspective of GLaDOS, the AI antagonist of the game. The lyrics touch on themes of betrayal, testing, and the desire for revenge.

  3. Fan Favorite: "Still Alive" quickly became a fan favorite due to its catchy tune and humorous lyrics. It contributed to the game's memorable and unique experience, earning praise from players and critics alike.

  4. Written by Jonathan Coulton: Jonathan Coulton, a musician known for his humorous and geeky songs, composed "Still Alive" specifically for "Portal." The song's style and lyrics perfectly match the game's quirky and darkly comedic tone.

  5. Iconic Ending: The song's placement at the end of "Portal" is iconic and has become synonymous with the game itself. It provides a memorable and unexpected conclusion to the player's journey through the testing facility.

  6. Cover Versions: "Still Alive" has been covered by various artists and musicians, and it has appeared in other media, including fan-made videos and performances at conventions and gaming events.

  7. Success Beyond the Game: The song's popularity extended beyond the gaming community, with "Still Alive" becoming a viral hit on the internet. It helped introduce Jonathan Coulton's music to a broader audience.

  8. Sequel References: The sequel to "Portal," titled "Portal 2," features another song called "Want You Gone," also written by Jonathan Coulton and performed by Ellen McLain as GLaDOS. It serves as the end credits song for "Portal 2" and continues the tradition of closing the game with a memorable tune.

"Still Alive" remains one of the most beloved and enduring pieces of video game music, and it's often associated with the unique and darkly comedic atmosphere of the "Portal" series.

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