Totemo Itai Itagaritai (Hurting for a Very Hurtful Pain)

The song 'Totemo Itai Itagaritai' by 25-ji Nightcord de (Nightcore at 25:00) delves into the profound and often overwhelming experience of emotional pain. The repetitive questioning of 'nani ga itai nande itai' (what hurts, why does it hurt) and 'doushite konna ni totemo itai' (why does it hurt so much) underscores a sense of confusion and desperation. The lyrics reflect a struggle to understand the source of this pain, which is both physical and emotional, and the desire to communicate this suffering to someone special, as seen in 'kimi ni tsutaetai' (I want to tell you).

The song also explores the theme of self-inflicted pain and the internal battle that comes with it. Lines like 'kikkake wa jibun datta no desu' (it was my own doing) and 'kizu wo tsukete shimatta no desu' (I ended up hurting myself) suggest a recognition of personal responsibility for the pain. This self-awareness is coupled with a sense of helplessness, as the pain persists despite efforts to ignore or suppress it. The lyrics 'itami ga ichiichi shuchou shite kuru yo' (the pain insists on making itself known) highlight the relentless nature of this suffering.

Culturally, the song taps into the Japanese concept of 'gaman,' which means enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity. The repeated phrases 'mou itai totemo itai' (it hurts, it hurts so much) and 'mou tsurai totemo tsurai' (it's painful, it's so painful) reflect a stoic endurance of pain. However, the song also hints at the need for release and the importance of seeking help, as seen in 'chanto tasuke wo motomete ne' (properly seek help if you can't). This duality captures the complex nature of dealing with emotional pain in a society that often values perseverance and resilience.

The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics create a powerful emotional experience, resonating with anyone who has felt the weight of unspoken pain. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing our inner struggles, rather than suffering in silence.