ALIVE

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of disillusionment in a sprawling metropolis, where the narrator feels adrift and disconnected. The initial verses establish a sense of stagnation, with past aspirations fading and present realities proving harsh. The narrator is past the age of youthful dreams, now engaged in mundane tasks like buying cigarettes and withdrawing cash, yet feeling perpetually unsatisfied. Relationships have faltered, and the reasons remain unclear, deepening a sense of isolation within Tokyo. The core tension emerges from the conflict between a desire for escape and the inescapable grip of reality. The narrator clings to the current situation, acknowledging that running leads only to being chased by circumstances. Despite a defiant "I don't care," there's an underlying struggle against the "muddy blues" of a life that feels gritty and unglamorous. The imagery of a cluttered desk and bills stacked high contrasts with the "clear smoke" in a small room, suggesting a confined existence. A powerful shift occurs with the declaration, "My dictionary has no 'give up'." This line, set against the backdrop of a "dirty city" and "cloudy vision," signals a refusal to succumb to despair. The narrator expresses a fierce determination to forge their own future, using "brat's music" to transform their struggles. This internal resolve is further emphasized by the recurring phrase, "I chase the feelings of that time," revealing a yearning for past passion amidst adult compromises. What makes these lyrics resonate is their raw honesty about the gap between ideals and reality. The narrator acknowledges the "lies getting better" and the distance between "reality and ideals," yet finds solace and purpose in hip-hop. This music becomes an "idol," a driving force that helps them "survive" and "dive" into challenges, pushing forward "Alive" despite the uncertainty and the "thumping heartbeat."