Following the media rush after the Uncovered: Final Fantasy XV event and an announcement of the game’s theme song, director Hajime Tabata reveals to Game Watch that he had chosen the theme, “Stand by Me,” and explains the context of the song.

In Final Fantasy XV, “Stand by Me” is not intended to be a love song but rather a kind of prayer or message from the protagonist, Noctis Lucis Caelum. Tabata says the image he has in mind is that of the song being heard in a church. The song expresses his gratitude for the important people in his life, such as his father, his friends, and his betrothed, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret; the song is his way of saying, “Thank you for being with me.” The theme has less to do with sentimentality and more to do with prayer. For fear of spoiling key plot points, Tabata could not say much else.

On the surface, “Stand by Me” compliments the road movie theme of Final Fantasy XV. However, Tabata explains that once we truly understand the lyrics, we will realize that they have very much to do with Noctis.

“Stand by Me” will be performed by Florence and the Machine and is a reimagining of Ben E. King’s 1961 song.

Source: Game Watch