Song Meaning

The lyrics present a complex internal struggle with identity and self-worth, framed by abstract concepts of order and division. The opening lines about choosing a suitcase for treasures or pleasure immediately set up a dichotomy: what one values and how one chooses to carry it. This is juxtaposed with the idea of linear progression and numbers that "defy division," suggesting a search for meaning in systems that might not be easily categorized or understood. The narrator grapples with feeling superfluous, a "cosmic mistake" destined for oblivion, yet clings to a core sense of self, a "tenth of myself" that is "undeniably me." The central tension lies in reconciling a diminished or fragmented sense of self with an inherent, undeniable identity. The narrator describes living a "new kind of life" where their "world has shrunk to the size of an ant's," a stark contrast to the "big picture" they once understood. This shift leads to a more profound understanding of life, suggesting that a smaller, perhaps more focused, perspective can be more revealing. The idea of being a "phantom" further emphasizes this feeling of detachment or altered existence, yet this phantom is also described as having a "war" that knows no defeat, highlighting resilience within this altered state. A key craft element is the recurring motif of the "tenth of myself." This fraction suggests a part of a whole, a diminished but essential piece. The lyrics also explore the concept of "prime numbers," which "can't share with many others," and how this was once perceived as tragic, lonely, and special, but is ultimately "just a number like everyone else." This mirrors the narrator's own feelings of isolation and uniqueness, which they are learning to accept. The repeated phrase "If you want to know what's treasures choose a small suitcase" serves as a constant reminder of choice and perspective, implying that true value might be found in what is contained, not necessarily in what is vast. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they articulate the universal experience of feeling fractured or less than whole, while asserting an irreducible core of self. The narrator's journey involves accepting the "phantom" existence and the fragmented self, finding strength in what remains. The declaration that "Even if I can't win / I will never lose" encapsulates this defiant self-acceptance, suggesting that survival and identity are not dependent on external validation or grand victories, but on an internal, undeniable truth.

Daisuke Ishiwatari & Naoki Hashimoto - Rock, Soundtrack

A Tenth Of Myself

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[Intro] If you want To know what's treasures Choose a small suitcase [Verse] Just like zero to nine, a linear progression From A to Z a simple classification Someone sought to illuminate the universe Numbers that defy division Meaningless words and sounds were also created [Pre Chorus] If you want To know what treasure's Choose a small suitcase If you want To pack pleasure Choose a big one it's all up to you [Verse] I'm a phantom now living a new kind of life Though my world has shrunk to the size of an ant's "The big picture" Only when that phrase finally left my head I came to understand Life more profoundly than when it was a warrior [Pre Chorus] If you want To know what's treasures Choose a small suitcase If you want To pack pleasure Choose a big one it's all up to you [Chorus] Am I superfluous, a cosmic mistake? Am I destined for oblivion? A TENTH Tenth of myself Despite everything else it's undeniably me TENTH Tenth of myself If I want to believe that Life will begin, again, again So, let's forge two realities Side by side Two lies and two truths The phantom will rise up [Verse] A phantom's justice cannot validate me Nor do I seek divine Mercy Though the phantom's war knows no victory It shall never know defeat For it's my most precious fragment [Pre Chorus] If you want To know what's treasures Choose a small suitcase If you want To pack pleasure Choose a big one it's all up to you [Chorus] A mere speck of my being yet It's an indispensable part ATENTH Tenth of myself Despite everything else it's undeniably me TENTH Tenth of myself If I want to believe that Life will begin, again, again So, let's forge two realities Side by side Two lies and two truths The phantom will rise up [Verse] Oh, prime numbers can't share with many others I thought it I thought it was a tragedy I thought it I thought it was only sometimes I thought it was special But it's just a number like everyone else It just waits to be called one day I should accept the fact that I'm tragic, lonely and special At the same time [Pre Chorus] If you want To know what's treasures Choose a small suitcase If you want To pack pleasure Choose a big one it's all up to you [Chorus] A mere speck of my being yet It's an indispensable part ATENTH Tenth of myself Despite everything else it's undeniably me TENTH Tenth of myself If I want to believe that Life will begin, again, again, yeah A tiny truth born in a world of lies Though unaccepted, it's no disguise Even if I can't win I will never lose So, let's forge two realities Side by side Two lies and two truths The phantom will rise up

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Writers: Daisuke Ishiwatari

A Tenth Of Myself

A Tenth Of Myself

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