20th Century Boys

Hello Sleepwalkers' song '20th Century Boys' delves into the complexities and emotional struggles of living in the modern era. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist grappling with the disorienting effects of time and societal expectations. The opening lines, '22せいきにいきるぼくは / いったいぜんたいどうかしちゃって,' suggest a sense of confusion and disconnection from the future, as the protagonist clings to uncertain predictions and feels the pain of their current reality.

The song's imagery of 'じかんのますいが / のうないをせんきょしている' (time's anesthesia occupying the brain) highlights the numbing effect of time on the individual's consciousness. This metaphor suggests a struggle to stay present and engaged in a world that feels increasingly detached and artificial. The recurring mention of 'はりぼてのあいじょう' (cardboard affection) underscores the superficiality of modern relationships, where genuine connections are hard to come by.

The chorus, with its repeated plea to 'なくな20th century boy' (release, 20th century boy), reflects a desire to break free from the constraints and emotional burdens of the past century. The protagonist's longing for solitude, expressed in 'こどくになれたらご' (if I could become lonely), indicates a yearning for a simpler, more authentic existence. This sentiment is further emphasized by the imagery of 'ぷれぱらーとのうえ / まざったきせきはだうと' (on the preparatory table, mixed miracles are doubt), suggesting a skepticism towards the promises of modernity and a search for true meaning amidst the chaos.

Overall, '20th Century Boys' captures the existential angst and emotional turbulence of navigating life in the modern world. The song's rich metaphors and evocative imagery invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of isolation, disconnection, and the search for authenticity in an increasingly complex society.