Nostalgia and Urban Isolation in '23' by Hello Sleepwalkers
Hello Sleepwalkers' song '23' delves into themes of nostalgia, urban isolation, and the passage of time. The lyrics reflect on the inevitability of change and the transient nature of life, as seen in the lines 'かれないはなはないっておわらないうたもないって' (There are no flowers that never wither, no songs that never end). This sets the tone for a contemplative journey through the singer's memories and emotions.
The cityscape serves as a backdrop for the singer's introspection. The 'とかいのひかりがぼんやりと' (city lights dimly) and 'おかしいなそらがこんなにも' (strange how the sky is so far away) evoke a sense of detachment and melancholy. The urban environment, with its cold winds and distant lights, mirrors the singer's internal state of feeling lost and disconnected. The recurring imagery of cigarette smoke dissolving into the air symbolizes the fleeting nature of time and the singer's struggle to hold onto their past self.
The song also touches on the comfort found in familiar sounds and routines, such as the 'きしんだしゃりんのなきごえ' (creaking sound of the train wheels) that drowns out the singer's true cries. This nostalgic soundscape provides a temporary escape from the overwhelming desire to abandon everything, as expressed in 'なにもかもぜんぶほりだしてしまいたくなるようなよるは' (nights when I want to throw everything away). Ultimately, '23' captures the bittersweet essence of growing up and the longing for simpler times, while navigating the complexities of adult life in an ever-changing city.
