Barbarian
the GazettE
The Dark Descent of Human Greed in 'Barbarian' by the GazettE
The song 'Barbarian' by the GazettE delves into the dark and chaotic nature of human greed and the moral decay it brings. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where avarice and hedonism reign supreme, leading to a landscape marred by corruption and emotional desolation. The opening lines, 'まさごりはたてた ごうよくが どろりとにじんで' (Greed that has raised its head, oozing out), set the tone for a narrative that explores the destructive consequences of unchecked desires.
Throughout the song, the GazettE uses powerful imagery to depict the grotesque transformation of individuals consumed by their own selfish pursuits. Phrases like 'ちらばるごらく どんよくのべんご' (Scattered pleasures, defense of greed) and 'じょうちょうふはいは ぜっけい' (Emotional decay is a superb view) highlight the paradoxical beauty found in moral corruption. The lyrics suggest that this pursuit of pleasure and excess leads to a loss of true essence, as seen in the lines 'すりかわるほんしつは ないか' (Is there no true essence that can be replaced?).
The song also touches on the theme of disillusionment and the inevitable collapse that follows a life driven by greed. The recurring motif of a fading smile, 'あせてゆく うっすらえみが' (A faint smile that fades away), symbolizes the fleeting nature of superficial happiness. The final lines, 'そのやみは どこで こじれておちてゆく' (Where does that darkness twist and fall?), leave the listener with a sense of impending doom, emphasizing the inescapable consequences of living a life devoid of genuine values.
'Barbarian' serves as a stark commentary on the perils of materialism and the hollow existence it fosters. The GazettE's haunting lyrics and evocative imagery compel the listener to reflect on the true cost of their desires and the moral compromises they may be making in their pursuit of pleasure.