Cigarette
Joji
The Fleeting Nature of Connection
Joji's song "Cigarette" delves into themes of transience and the impermanence of relationships, using the metaphor of a cigarette to symbolize fleeting moments and connections. The repeated line "Cigarette died" suggests the end of something brief and ephemeral, much like the short life of a cigarette. This imagery sets the tone for the song, highlighting the inevitability of endings and the acceptance that comes with it.
The lyrics also explore the idea of understanding and perception, as seen in the line "I can read your mind through the black tint." This suggests a deep, albeit temporary, connection between two people, where one can see through the facade or barriers the other has put up. However, despite this understanding, the relationship is not meant to last, as indicated by the line "She knows she'll never go back there ever." This reflects a sense of finality and the realization that some experiences, no matter how intense, are not meant to be revisited.
Joji's use of the "running man" metaphor further emphasizes the theme of moving forward and not looking back. The lyrics convey a sense of determination to keep progressing, even when faced with the temptation to return to past experiences. The mention of "every word every smile every frown every crack" suggests that while memories can be revisited and analyzed, they ultimately remain in the past. The song captures the essence of accepting the transient nature of life and relationships, urging listeners to embrace the present and let go of what cannot be changed.