Echoes of Youth and Lost Dreams in '21' by Hello Sleepwalkers
The song '21' by Hello Sleepwalkers delves into the melancholic reflections of youth, lost dreams, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young person grappling with the inevitability of change and the bittersweet memories of the past. The opening lines, 'かれないはながかれて / おわらないうたがおわって,' suggest the end of something once thought to be eternal, symbolizing the fading of youthful dreams and the harsh reality of growing up.
The recurring imagery of a cold wind hitting the face and the sound of a rusty bicycle wheel echoing through the winter sky evokes a sense of loneliness and longing. These metaphors highlight the protagonist's internal struggle and the emptiness they feel as they chase after something or someone they can no longer reach. The line 'なにもかもぜんぶほうりだしてしまいたくなるようなよるは / じてんしゃとばしておっている / もうもどれないかこ' captures the essence of this pursuit, as the protagonist rides their bicycle through the night, yearning for a past that is irretrievably lost.
The song also touches on the theme of intimacy and connection, as seen in the lines 'きみとはだかでだきあった / へやはあのころのままだ.' This intimate moment shared with a significant other in a room that remains unchanged serves as a poignant reminder of what once was. The juxtaposition of the cold wind and the warmth of this memory underscores the emotional complexity of the protagonist's journey. Ultimately, '21' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the fleeting nature of youth, the pain of lost dreams, and the enduring impact of cherished memories.
