Carnival Babel

“Carnival Babel” by Blue Seed is a song that delves into the mysterious and alluring nature of Tokyo, particularly during the night. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the city as a place filled with both danger and excitement, where the night is a game and the city itself is a labyrinth. The repeated phrase “mysterious t.o.k.y.o” sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the enigmatic and almost otherworldly atmosphere of the city after dark.

The song juxtaposes the cold, mechanical heartbeat of the city with the vibrant, chaotic energy of its nightlife. The mention of “klaxon” and “concourse” suggests a bustling urban environment, while the “foxy night game” and “illumination” hint at the seductive and hedonistic aspects of Tokyo’s nightlife. The lyrics also touch on themes of loneliness and existential boredom, describing the silence as a labyrinth and the night as a time for indulgence and escape.

The imagery of light and darkness is prevalent throughout the song, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the ephemeral beauty of the city. Phrases like “aoi aoi toki ga tokedashita” (blue time melts away) and “inochi wa hikari no kazu dake kirameite chiriyuku” (life sparkles and scatters like the number of lights) evoke a sense of transience and impermanence. The song captures the essence of Tokyo as a place where reality and illusion blur, and where the search for meaning and connection is both illuminated and obscured by the city’s dazzling lights.