Red...[em]

Dir en Grey's 'Red...[em]' is a haunting exploration of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a room adorned with a red wall and a rosary, symbolizing a space once shared with a loved one who is now absent. The scattered flower petals and the lingering scent evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The velvet sofa and the dream of ashes suggest a quiet, melancholic reflection on what once was, while the local movie and the image of the loved one on the screen highlight the fleeting nature of memories.

The moon-shaped lamp casting a red glow and the mention of 'Vivian' further deepen the sense of loss and remembrance. The black-and-white photograph crying on the thousand-faced pedestal symbolizes the pain of holding onto memories that are both vivid and fading. The lyrics question the nature of reality and the reasons behind suffering, suggesting that what is visible is not all there is, and that reasons are often elusive.

The repeated refrain 'Cut down your discomfort wings' speaks to the desire to break free from the pain and constraints of the past. The mention of children singing hymns and the protagonist's heart crying out as they pass by underscores the contrast between innocence and the burden of memory. The song's climax, with the image of a merry-go-round and the protagonist holding a photograph and an ice pick, suggests a cyclical, unending struggle with grief and the desire for liberation. The final lines, 'Why can't we be perfect? Why can't it be?' encapsulate the yearning for an unattainable ideal and the frustration of imperfection.

'Red...[em]' is a poignant meditation on the enduring impact of loss and the complex interplay between memory, reality, and the passage of time. It captures the essence of human suffering and the quest for meaning in the face of impermanence.