**You Know My Name**
**Definition:**
„You Know My Name” is a song performed by English rock musician Chris Cornell. It served as the theme song for the 2006 James Bond film *Casino Royale* and marked a notable entry in the franchise’s musical history.
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# You Know My Name
„You Know My Name” is a song by Chris Cornell, released in 2006 as the official theme for the James Bond film *Casino Royale*. The track was co-written by Cornell and composer David Arnold, who also scored the film. It is notable for being the first Bond theme not to include the film’s title in its lyrics, a departure from the franchise’s tradition. The song received critical acclaim for its powerful rock sound and Cornell’s distinctive vocal performance, and it has since become one of the more memorable entries in the James Bond theme song canon.
## Background and Development
### Selection of Chris Cornell
In the mid-2000s, the producers of the James Bond franchise sought a fresh and contemporary sound for *Casino Royale*, the 21st film in the series and the first to star Daniel Craig as James Bond. Chris Cornell, known for his work as the lead vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave, was approached to perform the theme song. Cornell’s reputation as a versatile rock artist with a strong, emotive voice made him an ideal candidate to bring a modern edge to the Bond theme tradition.
### Collaboration with David Arnold
David Arnold, the film’s composer and a veteran of the Bond series, collaborated closely with Cornell to create the song. Arnold had previously composed scores for several Bond films, including *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997) and *The World Is Not Enough* (1999). The partnership aimed to blend Arnold’s orchestral sensibilities with Cornell’s rock background, resulting in a song that was both cinematic and contemporary.
### Writing Process
Cornell and Arnold wrote „You Know My Name” with the intention of reflecting the film’s darker and more intense tone. Unlike previous Bond themes, which often featured lush orchestration and romantic lyrics, this song embraced a harder rock style with lyrics that emphasized the character’s identity and resilience. The title itself, „You Know My Name,” alludes to Bond’s reputation and the persona he projects, fitting the film’s narrative of Bond’s early days as a secret agent.
## Musical Composition
### Style and Genre
„You Know My Name” is primarily a rock song with elements of alternative and hard rock. It features a driving guitar riff, dynamic percussion, and Cornell’s powerful vocal delivery. The song’s arrangement combines electric guitars with orchestral strings and brass, creating a layered sound that bridges rock music and cinematic scoring.
### Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of „You Know My Name” focus on themes of identity, strength, and confrontation. Lines such as „If you take a life, do you know what it’s worth?” and „We all have our chains to break” reflect the moral ambiguity and personal struggles faced by James Bond in *Casino Royale*. The song avoids direct references to the film’s title or plot, instead emphasizing the character’s persona and the challenges he encounters.
### Structure
The song follows a conventional verse-chorus structure, with a memorable chorus that reinforces the song’s central message. The instrumentation builds progressively, starting with a subdued introduction and culminating in a powerful, anthemic climax.
## Release and Reception
### Release Details
„You Know My Name” was released as a single in October 2006, ahead of the film’s premiere. It was made available in various formats, including digital download and CD single. The song was also included on the *Casino Royale* soundtrack album, which featured David Arnold’s score alongside the theme.
### Critical Reception
Critics generally praised „You Know My Name” for its bold departure from traditional Bond themes and Cornell’s compelling vocal performance. Many highlighted the song’s rock-driven energy and its suitability for the film’s darker tone. Some reviewers noted that the absence of the film’s title in the lyrics was unconventional but effective in focusing on the character rather than the movie itself.
### Chart Performance
The song achieved moderate commercial success, charting in several countries. It reached the top 40 in the United Kingdom and appeared on rock and alternative charts in the United States. While not a major pop hit, „You Know My Name” garnered a dedicated following among Bond fans and rock music enthusiasts.
## Music Video
The music video for „You Know My Name” features Chris Cornell performing the song intercut with scenes from *Casino Royale*. The visuals emphasize the film’s action sequences and the intense atmosphere, complementing the song’s themes. The video was directed to align with the promotional campaign for the movie and received airplay on music television channels.
## Legacy and Influence
### Impact on the Bond Franchise
„You Know My Name” is regarded as a significant evolution in the James Bond theme song tradition. Its rock-oriented style and thematic focus on Bond’s identity influenced subsequent Bond themes, which have continued to explore diverse musical genres and lyrical approaches. The song helped set the tone for Daniel Craig’s portrayal of a more complex and gritty James Bond.
### Influence on Chris Cornell’s Career
For Chris Cornell, „You Know My Name” represented a high-profile solo project that showcased his versatility beyond his work with Soundgarden and Audioslave. The song remains a notable part of his discography and is often cited as an example of his ability to adapt his vocal style to different musical contexts.
### Covers and Performances
Over the years, „You Know My Name” has been covered by various artists and featured in live performances, including tributes to Cornell following his passing in 2017. The song’s enduring popularity among fans of both Bond and rock music underscores its lasting appeal.
## Track Listings
### Standard Single
1. „You Know My Name” – 4:02
2. „You Know My Name” (Instrumental) – 4:02
### Promotional Releases
Various promotional versions included radio edits and remixes tailored for different markets and radio formats.
## Personnel
– **Chris Cornell** – vocals, guitar
– **David Arnold** – composer, producer, orchestral arrangements
– Additional musicians – session players contributing guitars, bass, drums, and orchestral instruments
## See Also
– James Bond film music
– Casino Royale (2006 film)
– Chris Cornell discography
– David Arnold film scores
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**Meta Description:**
„You Know My Name” is the 2006 James Bond theme song performed by Chris Cornell, known for its rock style and departure from traditional Bond themes. It served as the official theme for *Casino Royale* and received critical acclaim for its powerful sound and lyrics.