Bad Apple! (Touhou)
Andres Ajo
The Eternal Struggle: A Journey Through Despair in 'Bad Apple! (Touhou)'
Andres Ajo's rendition of 'Bad Apple! (Touhou)' delves deep into the themes of existential despair and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. The song opens with the imagery of time ceasing to be eternal, evaporating like water through fingers, symbolizing the fleeting nature of existence and the inevitable passage of time. This sets the stage for a narrative that explores the protagonist's internal struggle and feelings of entrapment.
The lyrics paint a picture of a heart that has lived in captivity, questioning whether it still beats, which serves as a metaphor for a life lived in emotional or psychological confinement. The recurring theme of seeking a way out of this 'dream without end' and the desire to 'receive a sign' to 'breathe again' highlights the protagonist's yearning for liberation and clarity. The song's chorus, with its plea to escape from this 'hell' and the realization that the current state of mind 'never was nor is real,' underscores the torment of living in a state of perpetual suffering and confusion.
Throughout the song, there is a profound sense of isolation and a struggle to find meaning. The protagonist questions the value of continuing to walk in solitude and whether a future exists for them. The repeated references to darkness and the inability to understand what is happening around them amplify the sense of being lost and disconnected. The song's climax, where the protagonist wishes for their will to become reality to end the torture, encapsulates the desperation and the desire for an end to their suffering. 'Bad Apple! (Touhou)' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of existential angst and the relentless search for purpose in a world that often feels devoid of it.