21st Cherry Boy

Buck-Tick's '21st Cherry Boy' is a captivating exploration of youthful desire, innocence, and the darker undertones of love. The song opens with a call to awaken and shine in the world, suggesting a birth from deep darkness into a realm of love. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines purity and corruption, as the protagonist's desires are described as both beautiful and dirty, yet endearing. This duality reflects the complex nature of human emotions and relationships, where innocence can coexist with a more primal, raw passion.

The chorus, with its repeated lines '21st Cherry Boy, Too young to die. I wanna be your toy,' emphasizes a sense of youthful recklessness and a longing to be desired. The term 'Cherry Boy' is a colloquialism for a young, inexperienced male, often used to denote virginity. By placing this in the context of the 21st century, the song may be commenting on the pressures and expectations placed on modern youth, as well as the fleeting nature of innocence in a rapidly changing world. The desire to be someone's 'toy' suggests a willingness to be vulnerable and used, highlighting a complex interplay of power and submission in relationships.

The song's bridge and verses further delve into themes of isolation and connection. The lines 'ore mo omae mo hitori da' (both you and I are alone) and 'tsuyoku, kono sekai de odoru dakeda' (we just dance strongly in this world) convey a sense of shared loneliness and the search for meaning through connection. The invitation to 'come and embrace in the devil's night' adds a layer of forbidden allure, suggesting that true intimacy and understanding can only be found by embracing both the light and dark aspects of oneself and others. Buck-Tick's signature blend of gothic rock and poetic lyrics creates a hauntingly beautiful narrative that resonates with the complexities of modern love and identity.