Replicant
Gumi
The Existential Struggle of a Replicant
The song 'Replicant' by Gumi delves into the existential crisis of a being that is not entirely human, grappling with its identity and purpose. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where the protagonist feels crushed under the weight of a predetermined genetic destiny. The opening lines, 'ああ にびいろのそら みつめるほど つぶされそうだよ' (Ah, the more I stare at the gray sky, the more I feel crushed), set a melancholic tone, highlighting the character's sense of entrapment and despair.
The song explores themes of identity and autonomy, questioning the morality of living a life that is not entirely one's own. The lines 'May be id ふめいで うまれてきたつみが ふかいなら もうだれかのかわりで いきてることが ゆるされないなら' (If the sin of being born with an unknown identity is deep, then living as someone else's replacement is unforgivable) reflect a deep-seated conflict within the protagonist. This struggle is further emphasized by the recurring motif of pain and the desire for something more, as seen in 'だいきらいで だいきらいなせんしょくたい(げのむ)が いたみと ひきかえに もとめたの' (The genome I hate so much, I sought it in exchange for pain).
The song also touches on the concept of deception and the search for truth. The protagonist admits to deceiving others with lies, 'うそじゃないよといううそで きみをあざむいてきたつみ' (The sin of deceiving you with lies that aren't lies), and seeks forgiveness for their existence. The emotional climax is reached with the lines 'そのなみだは、なみだは、ことばより かがやいて きらきら' (Those tears, those tears, shine brighter than words), symbolizing a moment of raw, unfiltered emotion that transcends the artificiality of their existence.
Ultimately, 'Replicant' is a poignant exploration of what it means to be alive, to feel pain, and to seek meaning in a world where one's identity is in question. It raises profound questions about the nature of existence and the human condition, making it a deeply resonant piece for anyone who has ever felt out of place or questioned their purpose.