See The Lights

THE ORAL CIGARETTES' song 'See The Lights' delves into the complex emotions of grief, gratitude, and the passage of time. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of loss and the desire to turn back time to moments spent with a loved one. The opening lines, 'iki o tome sono shunkan ni / kono mama toki ga modoreba ī,' express a wish to freeze time and relive precious moments, highlighting the pain of losing someone dear. This sentiment is further emphasized by the recurring thought that these feelings are remnants of the love shared with the departed person.

The song also touches on the theme of self-reflection and the struggle to come to terms with past actions and words. Lines like 'semeru na jibun o semeru na kinou o dorekurai / no uso ga atta toka kyori ga atta nante sa' suggest a sense of guilt and regret, as the narrator grapples with the distance and unspoken truths that existed. However, the song shifts towards a more hopeful tone, acknowledging the impact the loved one had on the narrator's life and expressing gratitude for the time spent together. The repeated phrase 'We can see the lights, don't cry anymore' serves as a comforting reminder that the memories and lessons from the past can guide them forward.

Culturally, the song resonates with the universal experience of mourning and the process of healing. The lyrics 'anata ga konoyo ni nokoshita mono / anata ga konoyo de mita mono mo / anata no tonari de mite itadeshou?' reflect a shared journey and the enduring presence of the loved one in the narrator's life. The repetition of 'I recite: I never lose my way' reinforces the idea of finding strength and direction through the memories and love left behind. 'See The Lights' ultimately conveys a message of resilience, encouraging listeners to cherish the past while looking forward to the future with hope and gratitude.