Sign
Berserk
The Enigmatic Echoes of 'Sign' by Berserk
The song 'Sign' by Berserk is a complex tapestry of imagery and emotion, woven together with cryptic lyrics and a haunting melody. The repeated exclamation 'prosit!'—a toast in German—sets a tone of celebration or perhaps irony, as the rest of the lyrics delve into darker, more introspective themes. The juxtaposition of light and dark, celebration and sorrow, is a recurring motif throughout the song.
The lyrics are filled with vivid, almost surreal imagery. Phrases like 'arasi dassite kurai tekka miyaru toki akarumi ya arasotta kanariya' evoke a sense of conflict and contrast, with 'arasi' (storm) and 'akarumi' (brightness) suggesting a battle between opposing forces. The mention of a 'kanariya' (canary) could symbolize a fragile, beautiful element caught in the midst of turmoil. This imagery is further complicated by references to 'bara no ha' (rose petals) and 'kowagatta si wa kasiki' (fearful death), which add layers of beauty and dread.
The repeated question 'lossless imu wa dousite?'—'why is the lossless dream?'—hints at a deeper existential inquiry. The term 'lossless' in digital audio refers to a format that preserves the original quality without any loss, suggesting a desire for purity or perfection. However, the song contrasts this with 'gunsu to semu douri de'—'in the same way as a gun'—implying that even in the pursuit of perfection, there is an inherent violence or destruction. This duality is a central theme, reflecting the human condition's complexity and the struggle for meaning in a chaotic world.
The song's structure, with its repetitive elements and cyclical nature, mirrors the themes of recurrence and inevitability. The final lines, 'ika na sika ya, gunsu to ii wa sika ya? issita sika ya, raimei ni wa sikaya,' leave the listener with a sense of unresolved tension, as if the questions posed throughout the song remain unanswered. This open-endedness invites listeners to reflect on their interpretations, making 'Sign' a deeply personal and thought-provoking piece.