Be Affected

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a stark view of interconnectedness, suggesting that individual identity and outcomes are not self-generated but are instead a product of external forces. The opening lines immediately establish this theme: "Not a thing, not a thing will change / In this world yourself [or] others / And the results are all affected by each other." This sets up a core tension: if everything is influenced by everything else, where does personal agency reside? The narrator grapples with the idea that our thoughts, actions, and very selves are shaped by our environment and interactions. The central argument is that isolation is an illusion. The post-chorus reinforces this with "No such life that can live by itself / All lives and things are linked with each other." This isn't presented as a comforting thought but rather a fundamental reality that dictates our existence. The repeated emphasis on being "affected" by what is around us, whether it's education, sustenance, or encounters with others, underscores a sense of determinism. The lyrics suggest that our "humanity" and the "results" of our actions are ultimately granted or shaped by external factors. The most striking aspect of the writing is its relentless focus on external influence, almost to the point of negating the individual. Phrases like "All being made up by fate" and the constant refrain of being "affected" by "what is around" create a powerful sense of external control. Even the call to action in the chorus, "Ima tokihanate" (Release now), feels like a desperate plea to break free from these pervasive connections, though the lyrics offer little hope of true escape. The repeated "Yeah! Uh, nah, yeah-yeah!" in the chorus adds a layer of almost frantic energy to this existential dilemma. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their unflinching portrayal of a world where individuality is constantly being shaped and perhaps subsumed by the collective. It forces a listener to question the origins of their own thoughts and desires, highlighting the profound, often unseen, ways in which we are all bound together. The song's power comes from this stark, almost bleak, articulation of interdependence, leaving the listener to ponder the true extent of their own autonomy.