Echo

The song 'Echo' by Gumi, a Vocaloid character voice synthesizer, delves into the theme of internal conflict and the search for identity. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is lost and disconnected from themselves and the world around them. The opening lines suggest a sense of timelessness and disorientation, as the protagonist struggles to maintain a grip on reality, symbolized by the stopped clock and the inability to discern how long they've been awake.

The chorus questions the nature of perception and the desire to experience life vividly and freely. The protagonist feels trapped in a monochrome existence, unable to see the colors that others do, which could be a metaphor for feeling different or disconnected from what is considered 'normal.' The repetition of 'Why can't I see?' emphasizes a longing for understanding and inclusion. The imagery of switching 'faster than the channels on TV' suggests rapid changes in mood or identity, hinting at a deeper psychological struggle, possibly with mental health issues like bipolar disorder or identity confusion.

The song's most powerful metaphor is the 'echo in the mirror,' representing the protagonist's confrontation with their own reflection – a battle with the self. The repeated lines about burning the house down and running away 'into an ugly black' signify a desire to escape from one's life or identity, to start anew without the burdens of the past. However, the act of never looking back also implies a refusal to face one's problems directly. The song captures the essence of a person at war with their inner demons, searching for a way to break free from the chains of their own mind.