Under My Mask

Anna Tsuchiya's song "Under My Mask" delves into the emotional turmoil of living behind a facade. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels overwhelmed by the expectations and judgments of others. The repeated imagery of faces and eyes suggests a constant scrutiny that the protagonist finds suffocating. This scrutiny forces them to wear a mask, hiding their true self to avoid being hurt. The plea for someone to save them, though ultimately unheard, underscores a deep sense of isolation and desperation.

The chorus reveals the exhaustion that comes with maintaining this facade. The protagonist is tired of "making good faces" and longs to reveal their true self, but they are unsure of what that true self even looks like anymore. The commands to "hush" and "back off" indicate a desire for space and silence, a break from the relentless pressure to conform. This struggle is further emphasized by the lines about crying alone in the dark, suggesting a profound loneliness and a battle with self-destruction.

The song also touches on the idea of mornings being "vicious" for those who wake up alone, hinting at a cyclical nature of despair that begins anew each day. The beautiful imagery of stars and land contrasts sharply with the protagonist's internal darkness, highlighting the disconnect between their outer world and inner turmoil. The repeated refrain of being tired of crying and the mask they wear suggests a yearning for authenticity and relief from the emotional burden they carry. Ultimately, "Under My Mask" is a poignant exploration of the struggle to maintain one's identity in the face of external pressures and the longing for genuine connection and self-acceptance.