I actually found the alternate ending before I got to the regular one. (Because I'm kind of good a exploring but not so good at jumping.)
Hearing your voice adds a lot to the experience. As for the question posed at the start... I'm not sure I have any answer myself, but the poetic words in the sky at the end of the game are definitely poignant.
On a lighter note, I enjoyed that the game "self destructs" to exit. 😄