当たり前 (Atarimae)

Song Meaning

The lyrics of "当たり前 (Atarimae)" paint a stark contrast between past hardship and present success, centering on the shifting definition of what is considered 'normal.' In the past, survival meant resorting to desperate measures like shoplifting just to eat, a reality the narrator now views as foolish. The core tension lies in this transformation, where basic necessities once felt unattainable, but now, material comforts are acquired with ease. The song’s power comes from its direct confrontation with the word "当たり前" (atarimae), meaning 'obvious' or 'natural.' The narrator acknowledges that what feels natural now—buying clothes and shoes—wasn't the case before, and that the 'unnatural' struggles of the past have paradoxically become the 'natural' foundation of their current life. This cyclical perspective highlights how circumstances redefine our perception of normalcy. LEX’s verse injects a different energy, focusing on the acquisition of wealth and the dismissal of detractors. His lines about money, haters, and legendary memories add a layer of bravado, contrasting with Only U's more introspective reflection on past mistakes and a plea to his mother. The juxtaposition of these two perspectives within the track underscores the multifaceted nature of achieving a life where '当たり前' shifts so dramatically. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw honesty about the struggle for survival and the subsequent, almost disorienting, arrival into a life of comfort. The repeated emphasis on