Incubus

Acid Black Cherry's song 'Incubus' delves deep into the torment of living through constant nightmares and the emotional pain that accompanies them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone trapped in a cycle of despair, unable to escape the clutches of their own mind. The recurring mention of an 'incubus'—a demon believed to prey on individuals while they sleep—serves as a powerful metaphor for the relentless nature of their suffering. This figure symbolizes the inescapable and consuming nature of their pain, which haunts them both day and night.

The song's protagonist expresses a profound sense of hopelessness and isolation. They lament their inability to find solace in sleep or dreams, as even these are plagued by nightmares. The lyrics 'I don't want to cry in the pain. I can't do this anymore. I can't sleep. I can't dream. It's all a nightmare.' encapsulate the depth of their anguish. The use of both English and Japanese in the lyrics adds a layer of complexity, reflecting the universal nature of such emotional struggles.

Throughout the song, there is a yearning for love and connection, as seen in the lines 'Mou daremo aishite kurenai nara, Mirai mo nai nara, Yume demo ii kara anata demo ii aishite' (If no one loves me anymore, if there's no future, even if it's a dream, even if it's you, love me). This plea highlights the desperation for any form of affection or escape from their torment. The song also touches on themes of self-doubt and questioning one's worth, as the protagonist wonders what they did wrong to deserve such suffering. The haunting refrain and the intense emotional delivery of the lyrics make 'Incubus' a poignant exploration of inner turmoil and the search for relief from unending pain.