Days Gone: Deacon and Boozer's Soldier's Eyes

Discover the emotional depth of Days Gone as we analyze the brotherhood between Deacon St. John and Boozer. From the ride to Iron Mike’s camp set to “Soldier’s Eyes” to key moments of loyalty and survival, this breakdown explores why their bond is the heart of the game.

Have you ever played a game where a single moment stayed with you long after you put down the controller? For many Days Gone players, that moment is the ride to Iron Mike’s camp, set to the haunting melody of ‘Soldier’s Eyes.’ 

The scene is more than just a transitional moment—it’s a perfect mix of storytelling, character development, and emotional resonance. But why does it hit so hard? 

Here’s a light spoiler warning before we break it down. If you like this video, check out our other Days Gone video where we explore Deacon’s true turning point.

Brothers In Arms

To understand the emotional weight of this scene, we need to look at the bond between Deacon and Boozer. These two men are more than friends—they’re brothers, forged in the fires of shared trauma. Boozer, once a symbol of strength, is now weakened by blood poisoning and hallucinations. His vulnerability contrasts sharply with the rugged world they inhabit, reminding us that even the strongest can falter.

As Deacon helps Boozer onto the bike, Jack Savoretti’s ‘Soldier’s Eyes’ begins to play. 

While we can’t showcase the entire song due to copyright, you can click the link at the top right corner of the video or in the description to listen to the unedited version of the ride.

The song’s lyrics—'I've been here before but I don't remember when'—mirror Deacon’s hardened perspective. Yet, lines like—’...like the enemies that we are battling

I am nothing but a human alien'—speaks to the burden both men carry. The melancholic melody underscores their shared struggle, making the ride a moment of reflection and catharsis.

Deacon’s dialogue reflects a mix of despair and acceptance. He acknowledges the world’s collapse but finds solace in his bond with Boozer. This ride isn’t just about reaching Iron Mike’s camp for medication—it’s about confronting the past and finding the will to keep moving forward.

He Ain’t Heavy.

At the campsite, Deacon shaves his beard. Boozer’s trust in Deacon is evident, even in his weakened state. His humour, an obvious defence mechanism, underscores the depth of their friendship. It’s a testament to their bond, one of the narrative’s core pillars.

He’s My Brother

One powerful moment comes when Boozer, now equipped with a knife for a prosthetic arm, goes on a rampage against the Rippers, who have been killing stray dogs. In this heartbreaking scene, Boozer identifies with a dying dog, seeing himself in its plight—a creature cut down in its prime by a cruel world. 

This moment is layered with symbolism. Their biker gang, The Mongrels, draws a direct parallel to the dogs the Rippers have been killing. Deacon sees this realisation in his friend and indulges in the righteous vengeance that Boozer desires. Boozer’s rage isn’t just about justice for the dogs; it’s a reflection of his own struggle to survive in a world that has taken so much from him. Through this act, Boozer reclaims a sense of purpose, even as he grapples with his own mortality.

But one of the most poignant moments in their relationship comes when Boozer, drunk and despondent, goes missing. Deacon finds him facing a horde of Freakers, ready to throw his life away. In a raw and emotional exchange, Deacon reminds Boozer of a promise they made long ago to die together. He recalls a time when they drank together, and Deacon vowed to drink himself to death if Boozer ever wanted to.

This moment isn’t just about loyalty—it’s about their shared understanding of pain and their unbreakable bond. Deacon’s words pull Boozer back from the brink, reminding him that even in a broken world, they still have each other.

Til I Collapse

The ride to Iron Mike’s camp resonates because it encapsulates the themes that make Days Gone memorable: survival, loss, brotherhood, and hope. The combination of reflective dialogue, emotional performances, and an evocative soundtrack creates a cinematic experience that has and will stay with players for years to come. 

Do check out our other Days Gone video where we explore Deacon’s ultimate transformation and the game’s themes of hope and survival. If you’ve enjoyed the video, it truly helps if you like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to support us here at Cutscene Collective, where we explore the stories behind your favourite games. Let us know your thoughts below. And ‘til the next one, be good to each other.