Song Meaning
This track paints a picture of an ancient, cyclical existence, possibly from the perspective of a fish or a consciousness deeply connected to water. The opening lines establish a sense of timelessness, with "ten thousand years of thoughts" existing across past, present, and future, all dwelling within the "shadow of the water." This existence is defined by being thought of and by living, suggesting a passive yet persistent state of being.
The core tension seems to lie in the narrator's movement and perception within this eternal flow. Phrases like "Fish Size Fish Loop" and "Fish Life Fish Song" repeat, acting as anchors or refrains that both "take me away" and "keep me here." This duality suggests a feeling of being swept along by an immense, natural current while simultaneously being held captive or defined by it. The references to "Inca" and "Nasca" add a layer of historical or geographical depth, hinting at ancient civilizations and mysteries that resonate with the song's own sense of deep time.
The lyrics employ a fascinating blend of Japanese and English, creating a unique texture. The recurring English phrases like "Part of One Part of All" and "Ring for One Ring for All", juxtaposed with the more introspective Japanese lines about swimming in schools and the "moiré element," suggest a philosophical exploration of individuality versus collective existence. The "moiré element" itself, a visual interference pattern, implies a complex, layered reality where individual elements create a larger, perhaps illusory, whole. The "harmony, specter noise" further complicates this, hinting at both beauty and distortion within the grand design.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their evocative imagery and the persistent, almost hypnotic rhythm established by the repetition. The narrator appears to be grappling with a sense of self within an overwhelming, ancient natural order. The song doesn't offer easy answers but instead immerses the listener in a feeling of vastness, continuity, and the subtle, perhaps unintentional, beauty of existence, captured in the endless swim of a school of fish.