Singer-songwriter Caroline Polachek has released a new song titled “On The Beach”, created in collaboration with legendary video game director Hideo Kojima. The track is part of the upcoming soundtrack for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, which launches later this week.
Although Polachek is not a gamer, she has long admired Kojima’s storytelling. Kojima, in return, has praised Polachek’s previous albums, including Desire, I Want To Turn Into You and Pang. Their mutual appreciation led to this creative team-up.
The song began as an instrumental Polachek co-wrote with Danny L Harle during a snowstorm in 2017. It was originally considered too intense for her album Pang, but found new life in the cinematic world of Kojima’s game.
Before writing lyrics, Kojima gave Polachek a 60-page treatment of the game’s story. Inspired by its themes of life, death, and connection, she crafted lyrics that reflect the game’s atmosphere. Kojima is credited as a co-writer on the track.
“On The Beach” features dark electronic sounds with emotional vocal flourishes. One lyrical reference is to the Sanzu River, a mythical Japanese border between life and the afterlife—an idea that ties into the game’s narrative.
Chorus:
All I ask is, go on
Sanzu, songline of sorrow
Somewhere under the rainbow
Polachek said the song came together faster than usual for her. “He really handed me the content on a plate,” she explained.
The track also has a “Timefall Mix,” which removes the drums for a more stripped-back version.
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