123

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of an ambitious artist, EASTA, reflecting on his journey and aspirations. He acknowledges the rapid passage of time and his own busy, self-directed path, contrasting it with a dismissive attitude towards superficial encounters and external judgment. The opening verse establishes a tone of confident self-determination, even amidst potential legal troubles and the loss of a mentor, highlighting a refusal to stagnate. He declares a desire for both material wealth and love, alongside a clear focus on his craft and ambition, asserting his unique perspective by stating, "Don't be mad at me, don't mess with me, ho / 俺とお前じゃレベチ, ho" (It's a different level between you and me). The central tension lies in the narrator's drive to progress and achieve his goals against the backdrop of past struggles and present distractions. He moves from "nothing" in rural Nara to a more prominent location like Gotanda, emphasizing a deliberate, step-by-step advancement symbolized by "1から2そして2から3" (from 1 to 2, then 2 to 3). This progression is framed as a personal "life game" where setbacks are expected but temporary, as "results aren't decided in one day." The repeated chorus, "One そして Two そして Three / チャプター 進める これNo reason" (One and Two and Three / Moving chapters, this is no reason), underscores a relentless, almost instinctual push forward, unburdened by the need for external validation or elaborate justification. A key craft element is the use of numerical progression as a metaphor for growth and achievement. The counting from "Uno, dos, tres" to "One そして Two そして Three" and the "life game" analogy grounds the abstract concept of ambition in tangible steps. This is further amplified by the contrast between his past self, who was "heso magari" (a stubborn, contrary person) uninterested in "old stories or baseless fantasies," and his current self who is actively creating his "dream story." The lyrics suggest a deliberate shedding of past negativity and judgment, as he states, "No bad mind 毎日大笑い / 気にしてばっかだったHater 今用はない" (No bad mind, laughing every day / Haters who used to worry me, I have no use for them now). Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw, unvarnished portrayal of ambition and self-reliance. The narrator's directness, from his boastful pronouncements to his acknowledgment of past difficulties, creates a compelling narrative of overcoming obstacles. The repeated affirmation of progress, "Get a crown, I get a juice, get all I need," coupled with the dismissal of detractors, resonates as a powerful declaration of intent. It's this blend of street-level realism and aspirational drive, communicated through clear, sequential imagery, that makes the artist's journey feel both personal and universally understood as a pursuit of success.