It actually took inspiration from the 2006 game The Godfather, when you respawn in a back alley doctor's place the first thing he says is "Don't worry, most of my patients are still alive!". Then of over time it took on new meaning as well Boston put it best:
"So many people have come and gone
their faces fade as the years go by,
but I still recall as I walk along
as clear as the sun in the summer sky...
I used to love that game as a kid! This is one of the rare times I've seen it mentioned anywhere.