Bad Apple

The song 'Bad Apple' by Touhou, a project famous for its bullet hell video games and its rich fan-made content including music, delves into themes of apathy, self-identity, and change. The lyrics, originally in Japanese, express a deep sense of ennui and detachment from one's own emotions and surroundings. The recurring motif of color—black and white—symbolizes the potential for transformation and the stark contrast between different states of being.

The protagonist of the song seems to be caught in a cycle of monotony and disinterest, feeling disconnected from their own heart and the world around them. They acknowledge their own stagnation, being swept away by the passage of time without taking any action. This passivity is challenged by the idea that if they were to make a move, it would be a decisive one, changing everything to black. This could represent a willingness to embrace a darker, perhaps more authentic self, or to bring about a significant change in their life.

As the song progresses, the lyrics oscillate between a desire for change and a resignation to the current state of being. The mention of turning everything to white if they could change suggests a longing for purity or a fresh start. The struggle between the comfort of numbness and the pain of self-awareness is a central tension in the song. The repeated lines about not knowing oneself or the future reflect a profound existential uncertainty. 'Bad Apple' captures the complexity of human emotion and the universal quest for understanding and transformation.