Build That Wall (Zia's Theme)

The song 'Build That Wall (Zia's Theme)' from the Bastion Original Soundtrack is a haunting and evocative piece that delves into themes of isolation, resistance, and the inevitable collapse of barriers. The lyrics, though simple, are rich with metaphorical meaning and reflect a deep sense of foreboding and resilience.

The repeated lines 'I dig my hole, you build a wall' suggest a cycle of separation and defense. The act of digging a hole can be seen as a metaphor for preparing oneself for hardship or hiding from the world, while building a wall represents creating barriers to keep others out. The song hints at the futility of these actions with the line 'One day that wall is gonna fall,' suggesting that no matter how strong the barriers we build, they are destined to collapse eventually.

The imagery of building a city on a hill and the eventual spilling of tears speaks to the aspirations and inevitable disappointments of human endeavors. The city on a hill is often a symbol of an ideal society or a place of refuge, but the song suggests that even the most well-intentioned efforts can lead to sorrow. The recurring theme of building the wall 'up to the sky' and the eventual realization that 'now you've got nowhere to run' underscores the idea that isolation and separation are ultimately unsustainable.

The song's melancholic tone and repetitive structure reinforce the sense of inevitability and the cyclical nature of human efforts to protect and isolate themselves. It serves as a poignant reminder that walls, both literal and metaphorical, are temporary solutions that cannot withstand the test of time and human resilience.