FLAT (FLAT -Hall Live 2018-)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone feeling overwhelmed by societal expectations and the pressure to conform, yearning for a state of being "FLAT." This isn't about being uninteresting, but rather about escaping the complexities and comparisons that lead to emotional distress. The opening lines, contrasting a "swelling" with a simple t-shirt, immediately set up a tension between perceived inadequacy and a desire for simplicity. The central conflict arises from the narrator's disillusionment with their past choices and desires. Phrases like "I didn't expect this" and "I didn't want this" are repeated, highlighting a disconnect between past aspirations and present reality. The narrator questions their own motivations, realizing that the choices made were often arbitrary, like a "lottery draw," leaving them with a sense of regret and confusion about what they truly wanted. The lyrics employ a striking metaphor of a "flat" existence as a refuge. The narrator wishes to remain "FLAT" so their "heart doesn't get distorted" and they don't "get lost." This state is contrasted with the constant "chase" of comparing oneself to others, which they want to abandon. The idea of a "flat battlefield" suggests a desire for an even playing field, free from the anxieties of competition and the overwhelming noise of external influences, like the "constant ads" on their timeline. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw portrayal of internal struggle and the yearning for peace. The repetition of "FLAT de itaiyo" (I want to be FLAT) acts as a mantra, a desperate plea for stability. The concluding lines, "Because I doubt, I can believe" and "Because I doubt, I can believe," suggest that embracing uncertainty and questioning is the path to genuine self-acceptance, a way to navigate the complex world without losing oneself.