King

Gumi's song 'King' delves into the complex interplay between power and vulnerability, using vivid imagery and a mix of playful and dark tones. The lyrics juxtapose the idea of being a 'king' with the harsh realities and ironies of life. The repeated phrase 'You are king' can be seen as both an assertion of dominance and a sarcastic remark on the superficiality of such power. The song opens with a reference to the struggles of daily life, hinting at the difficulties and the seemingly insurmountable challenges that one faces ('夕陽理工行く前に / 夕陽じゃ理工に難儀ダーリン') which translates to 'Before going to the sunset science and technology / The sunset is difficult for science and technology, darling')

The chorus, with its repetitive 'リフト・サイド・ライト・サイド' (Lift side, right side), suggests a sense of routine and the mechanical nature of life. The act of baring teeth ('歯をむき出して') can be interpreted as a metaphor for aggression or defensiveness, while the playful 'パッパッパー' adds a layer of irony, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The song's tone shifts between light-heartedness and a more serious, almost cynical view of life, reflecting the duality of human experience.

The lyrics also touch on themes of expectation and disappointment. The lines '無邪気に遊ぶ / 期待期待のダーリン・ダーリン' ('Playing innocently / Darling, darling of expectations') and '健気に笑う痛い痛いの消える' ('Bravely smiling, the pain disappears') suggest a facade of happiness and the pressure to meet societal expectations. The song's ending, with the repeated 'You are king,' can be seen as a final, almost mocking statement on the futility of striving for power and control in a world filled with irony and unpredictability.