His World

"His World" is the main theme song from the 2006 game, Sonic the Hedgehog, and it is also Sonic's theme. The song is performed by Matty Lewis and Ali Tabatabaee from the rock band Zebrahead. It features an assortment of rock, rap, and orchestral parts. It also appears in Sonic Generations as an unlockable song.

The lyrics of the song are written in the perspective of a narrator who describes all of the heroic and courageous aspects of Sonic, and what it would be like to live the fearless life Sonic does. The narrator also describes the hedgehog's steadfast and spur-of-the-moment attitude with lines like, "He's a rocket and he's ready to go," and, "So he's breakin' down doors, never following."

Versions
The theme was used extensively in-game, in promotional material, and in the OST. Several versions of the song exist:
 * His World: Theme of Sonic The Hedgehog (4:41)
 * The main version, composed by Tomoya Ohtani, with lyrics written and performed by Matty Lewis & Ali Tabatabaee from Zebrahead. The chorus was written by Johnny Gioeli. Used in the ending credits of the game. An abridged version (2:00) was used in several trailers. A demo cut also exists, with a slightly different opening drumbeat, and in a different key. It should also be noted that the version in the game censors out the use of the phrase "Kickin' ass fast..." (censored as "Kickin' a-- fast..."), whereas it is uncensored on the Sonic the Hedgehog Vocal Traxx: Several Wills CD release. A cut down version of this would have been in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but the instrumental version was used instead, due to copyright reasons.


 * His World: Zebrahead version (3:32)
 * Exclusive to the the Several Wills vocal OST, this version was recorded by the whole Zebrahead band. Arguably the edgiest take on the song, this version exhibits elements of rapcore and hardcore punk. This version was also released on the album True Blue: The Best of Sonic the Hedgehog.


 * His World: Crush 40 version (5:16)
 * Exclusive to Several Wills, this track was recorded by Crush 40, with Johnny Gioeli on vocals, and Jun Senoue on lead guitar. This version combines new metal and synthesized parts similar to Linkin Park with Crush 40's signature thrash vibe. Many lyrics were changed in this version. Oddly enough, it has a piano playing at the closing end of the song, which seems out of place compared to the rest of the instrumentation. Unlike the original version of the song which is based around Sonic's perspective, the Crush 40 version describes the game's events, with cryptic meanings to important events and it references characters like Iblis & Silver.


 * Theme of Sonic The Hedgehog ~2006 E3 version~ (2:03)
 * Composed by Tomoya Ohtani, the sound director of Sonic The Hedgehog, as instrumental placeholder music. The full version is featured on the game soundtrack as a bonus, extracts are used in several of the game's cut scenes, and an abridged version (1:30) was used in several trailers. This was the first version of the song heard by the general public, and omits the lyrics for an electric guitar lead. This version of "His World" was an unlockable track in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, where you had to play on the Green Hill Zone stage 10 times.


 * Event: Sonic Appears (0:53)
 * An instrumental based on "Theme Of Sonic The Hedgehog ~2006 E3 version~", and composed by Tomoya Ohtani. It uses the same instruments as the aforementioned version, but is based on the verses of the Ali and Matty version of "His World". It is used in the game during Sonic's first appearance.


 * Solaris: Phase II (3:01)
 * An instrumental, fully orchestrated version, using a vocal chorus, timpanis, a larger strings section and an electric guitar. Played during the final boss battle with Solaris's second form in the game, and featured on the OST. It was composed by Tomoya Ohtani also.


 * Results (1:40)
 * A mellow instrumental version, consisting of two acoustic guitars playing the chorus. In-game, it is used while totaling up player's scores.


 * Jingle: Invincible (0:23)
 * A drums and guitar arrangement of the opening, played when the invincibility and speed up power-ups are used.


 * Title Screen (Demo) (N/A)
 * A small synth riff based on the opening bars of the song. Used for the title screen of the Xbox 360 demo. This is an excerpt taken from the track off the OST, "Theme Of Sonic The Hedgehog ~2006 E3 Version~.


 * Title Screen (Game) (N/A)
 * A strings arrangement of the demo version title riff. Used in the final version of the game. It is taken from the intro of Ali & Matty version of "His World".


 * Menu Screen (N/A)
 * A looped part of the main theme, sans lyrics. Not on the OST.


 * Multiplayer Menu Screen (N/A)
 * Features a different part of His World, sans lyrics. Not on the OST.


 * The Time-Space Rift (4:13)
 * A slow, orchestral version placed in the cutscene before End of the World in Last Story. Unlike the other instrumental versions of the song, this one is composed by Hideaki Kobayashi, rather than Tomoya Ohtani. It is on the OST.


 * Wishing Upon The Chaos Emeralds (2:31)
 * Features a bit of the main music of "His World" in a slow orchestrated form.


 * Blue World Prelude (2:33)
 * A version of "His World" by Bentley Jones featured at Summer of Sonic 2008 as the theme of the event.

Theme of Sonic the Hedgehog
thumb|300px|right thumb|right|300px|Instrumental version (Final Boss) thumb|300px|right|Instrumental version (Super Smash Bros Brawl) ''C'mon and light the fuse, he's a rocket and he's ready to go 'Cause now the countdown has started and it's ready to blow He's got the dope sounds pumpin' in his stereo (-eo!) He can act fast, puttin on a show Go on and get yourself together, there's no time to rest And if you put the time in, he'll put you to the test He's like a running man, in his world more is less And if you wanna test him best, bring your best Don't make me spell it out, bring your best!!

[Chorus] In this world (His world!) Where life is strong In this world (His world!) Life's an open book In this world (His world!) Where compromise does not exist In his world of worlds, every step means the rest! In this world (His world!) Where one is all In this world (His world!) Never fear the fall In this world (His world!) Where compromise does not exist In his world of worlds, every step means the rest!

Runnin' it back again, well what'dja expect? Comin' out to win ten outta ten, got a real rough neck! Spikes up his liberty, and straps on his shoes 'Cause he's the best there ever was, haven't ya heard the news? Intergalactic, continental champ runnin' things Hyperactive, intstrumental, and pulling strings He is the one who understands when the tides will swing So he's breakin' down doors, never following C'mon and psyche yourself up, 'cause its time to play Bounce to the beats and the rhymes, 'cause they're here to stay The one and only never bored man, livin' the day Movin' up, comin' fast and he'll blow you away! Because the pressures of this world, they can take their toll And it's tough to get away when we take ahold The only way to break free is to break the mold You can't stop now, lock and load Don't stop now, c'mon, rock n' roll!!

[Chorus] In this world (His world!) (Gotta make your own way!) Where life is strong In this world (His world!) (Life is just a game you play!) Life's an open book In this world (His world!) (Nothing's forever here to stay!) Where compromise does not exist In his world of worlds, every step means the rest! In this world (His world!) (Gotta make your own way!) Where one is all In this world (His world!) (Life is just a game you play!) Never fear the fall In this world (His world!) (Nothing's forever here to stay!) Where compromise does not exist In his world of worlds, every step means the rest!

[Guitar Solo]

Light the fuse on this rocket and it's ready to go 'Cause now the countdown has started and it's ready to blow (In his world....!) (Where one is all) Intergalactic, continental champ runnin' things Hyperactive, intstrumental and pulling strings (In his world....!) (Never fear the fall) (In his world....!) The only way to break free is to break the mold! You can't stop now, lock and load (His world!) I said you can't stop now, lock and load (HIS WORLD!!!) Don't stop now, c'mon and rock n' roll!!''

Zebrahead Version
thumb|300px|right|"His World" (Zebrahead remix) 'Cause now the countdown has started and it's ready to blow He's got the dope sounds pumpin' in his stereo (-eo!) Kick'n ass fast... puttin' on a show Go on and get yourself together, there's no time to rest And if you put the time in, he'll put you to the test He's like the runnin' man, in his world more is less And if you wanna test him best bring your best You can't stop now, lock and load Don't stop now, c'mon and rock n' roll!
 * ''C'mon and light the fuse, he's a rocket and he's ready to go

In this world (His world!) (Gotta make your own way!)'' In this world (His world!) (Life is just a game you play!)'' When you leap without a net, you'll find'' So watch your step now''
 * ''Where one is all
 * ''Never fear the fall
 * ''It won't be there all the time.
 * ''Watch your step, Don't fall!

Runnin' it back again, well, what'dja expect? Comin' at ya with ten out of ten, got a real rough neck Spikes up his liberty, and straps on his shoes 'Cause he's the best there ever was, haven't you heard the news? C'mon and psyche yourself up, 'cause it's time to play Bounce to the beats and the rhymes 'cause they're here to stay The one and only marathon man livin' the day Movin' up, commin' fast, and he'll blow you away You can't stop now, lock and load Don't stop now, c'mon, rock n' roll!

In this world (His world!) (Gotta make your own way!)'' In this world (His world!) (Life is just a game you play!)'' When you leap without a net, you'll find'' So watch your step now''
 * ''Where one is all
 * ''Never fear the fall
 * ''It won't be there all the time.
 * ''Watch your step, Don't fall!

[Guitar solo]

Intergalactic continental champ, running things Hyperactive instrumental with pulling strings See, he's the one who'll understands when the tides will swing So he's breaking down doors, never following

Because the pressures of this world they can take their toll The only way to break free is to break the mold You can't stop now, lock and load Don't stop now, c'mon, rock n' roll!

In this world (His world!) (Gotta make your own way!)'' In this world (His world!) (Life is just a game you play!)'' When you leap without a net, you'll find'' So watch your step now''
 * ''Where one is all
 * ''Never fear the fall
 * ''It won't be there all the time.
 * ''Watch your step, Don't fall!

In this world (His world!) (Gotta make your own way!)'' In this world (His world!) (Life is just a game you play!) '' When you leap without a net, you'll find'' So watch your step now''
 * ''Where one is all
 * ''Never fear the fall
 * ''It won't be there all the time.
 * ''Watch your step, Don't fall!

Watch your step, watch your step, don't turn around Watch your step, watch your step, don't turn around Don't stop to look back again! Don't faaalllll...''

Crush 40 Version
thumb|300px|right|"His World" ~ Crush 40 Takin' you back always feared and strong Like the rush of the wind he moves on and on and on and on and on He's the fire, flame, conflicting pain Untouched, uncrushed, and will remain The one, the two, the three, the four Headed straight for an open door He can see, and he can feel'' But it's true, the power lives inside of you''
 * ''Beware of the time as it moves along
 * ''Without one touch, it seems unreal
 * ''Inside of you, yeah!

In this world (His world) Where life is strong (Life is strong) In this world (His world) Life's an open book (An open book) In this world (His world) Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds, every step meets the risk! In this world (His world) Where one is all (One is all) In this world (His world) Never fear the fall (Never fear the fall) In this world (His world) Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds, every step meets the risk!''

A forward push, the clock strikes strong Like the rush of the wind he moves on and on and on and on and on He's the tower, power, admits no shame Untouched, uncrushed, and will remain The one, the two, the three, the four Headed straight for an open door He can see what he can't feel'' But it's true, the power lives inside of you''
 * ''Beware of your mind as it proves you wrong
 * ''Without one touch, it becomes surreal
 * ''Inside of you, yeah!

In this world (His world) Where life is strong (Life is strong) In this world (His world) Life's an open book (An open book) In this world (His world) Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds, every step meets the risk! In this world (His world) Where one is all (One is all) In this world (His world) Never fear the fall (Never fear the fall) In this world (His world) Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds, every step meets the risk!

Beware of your mind as it proves you wrong'' In this world... His world!
 * ''A forward push, the clock strikes strong

[Guitar Solo]

In this world (His world) Where life is strong (Life is strong) In this world (His world) Life's an open book (An open book) In this world (His world) Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds every step meets the risk! In this world (His world) Where one is all (One is all) In this world (His world) Never fear the fall (Never fear the fall) In this world (His world) Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds, every step meets the risk!

Beware of your mind as it proves you wrong A forward push, the clock strikes strong In this world... His world!'' [Soft piano melody] [Fades away]''

Blue World Prelude
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'Cause we can see your strength inside And if you fall, if you may falter We'll be with you, that will not alter'' Oh, well, he can see and he can feel'' But it's true The power lives inside of you Inside of you, yeah
 * ''You can not run, you can not hide
 * ''With that one touch, It becomes surreal

In this world Where life is strong In this world Life's an open book In this world Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds Every step meets the risk'' In this world Where one is all In this world Never fear the fall In this world Where compromise does not exist In this world of worlds Every step meets the risk''

Connections to Game/Character(s)/Events

 * C'mon and light the fuse, he's a rocket and he's ready to go - Sonic always being ready to go to the next adventure.
 * Kickin' ass fast, puttin on a show - Sonic's cocky attitude, Sonic beating his enemies with his speed.
 * Life's an open book - Sonic constantly going from one adventure to a completly different one.
 * Spikes up his liberty - Sonic having spines.
 * Straps on his shoes-Sonic's iconic shoes.
 * Cause he's the best there ever was, I bet ya heard the news - Sonic being a world-wide celeberty/hero.

Crush 40 Version

 * Beware the time that moves along - Solaris' ability to change time & destroy it.
 * A forward push, the clock strikes strong - The Game's focus on time travel.
 * Like a rush of the wind, he goes on and on and on and on - Sonic's trademark speed and no one can stop him, not even complete monsters like Perfect Chaos.
 * He's the fire, flame, conflicting pain - Iblis being the flames of disaster.
 * Beware your mind as it proves you wrong - Silver thought Sonic is the Iblis Trigger after Mephiles met him.
 * Untouched, uncrushed and will remain - Solaris coming back for round 2 after Super Sonic, Super Shadow & Super Silver beat it at full power.

Trivia

 * The game's main theme was not done by Sonic Team's in-house band, Crush 40, who have done the majority of the main themes since Sonic Adventure. However, Crush 40 recorded their own version for the Several Wills album.
 * The songs lyrics seems to be more about Sonic, Tails and Knuckles rather than Sonic, Shadow and Silver.
 * This song has been performed by several bands.
 * This is the only main song of a Sonic game to appear in Super Smash Bros. Brawl that was not from a Nintendo console game. This version is actually the main theme for Sonic '06 that was released at E3 before the game's release.
 * Despite being rated E by the ESRB, Sonic Generations uses the uncensored version of this song.
 * The ESRB rating also does not mention "Mild Lyrics" on the back cover of Sonic '06.