オベリスク (Obelisk)

Song Meaning

May'n's "オベリスク (Obelisk)" is not just a song; it's a visceral cry for hope amidst ruin. The lyrics, sung in Japanese, paint a vivid picture of a world scarred by loss, where even the faintest glimmer of dawn feels like a hard-won victory. The opening lines, referencing a bird finding the light of dawn, sets the stage for a protagonist determined to notice even the smallest signs of hope, a stark contrast to a world still lost in slumber, oblivious to the potential for renewal. The song's emotional core lies in the tension between despair and resilience, acknowledging the pain of loss ("愛したから絶望を知った" - "Having loved, I knew despair"), while simultaneously clinging to the power to grasp forward. This push and pull mirrors the human psyche's struggle to reconcile trauma with the will to survive. The recurring motif of 'loss' isn't presented as a finality, but rather as a catalyst. The repeated phrase "失っても失っても" ("Even if I lose it, even if I lose it") underscores a persistent struggle, a battle against the encroaching darkness. Yet, this acknowledgment of loss is immediately followed by a call to action: "誓いなさい その涙に" ("Swear on those tears") and "心に鼓動 求めなさい" ("Seek the pulse in your heart"). This juxtaposition suggests that grief, when channeled, can become a source of strength, a foundation upon which to rebuild. The imagery of leaping over rubble and ascending curves further reinforces this idea of overcoming obstacles and striving for upward mobility, both literally and metaphorically. The central question posed by "オベリスク (Obelisk)" is whether redemption is still within reach. The repeated lines "間に合うだろうか / 間に合うといいな" ("I wonder if we'll make it in time / I hope we'll make it in time") inject a sense of urgency and uncertainty into the narrative. It's a race against the clock, a desperate plea for salvation. The lyrics also touch upon the darker aspects of human nature, suggesting that isolation can drive people to cruelty. The phrase "ほんとの孤独に凍えるくらいなら / 人はこんなに残酷になる" ("If you're freezing in true loneliness / People become this cruel") hints at the potential for moral decay in the absence of connection and hope. Ultimately, May'n's song is a powerful meditation on the enduring human spirit, a testament to the will to survive even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the flicker of hope, the pulse of the heart, can guide us towards a brighter future.