Hikari Are
Hiroyuki sawano & Akihito okano
A Beacon in the Darkness: The Hopeful Lament of 'Hikari Are'
The song 'Hikari Are' by Hiroyuki Sawano and Akihito Okano is a poignant exploration of hope, despair, and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil of the narrator, who feels trapped in an endless cycle of pain and fleeting moments of happiness. The phrase 'eien ni kasanaru bokura wa kamisama no itazura' suggests that the narrator sees their existence as an eternal overlap, a divine prank that keeps them in a loop of suffering and brief joy.
The recurring plea for light, 'kasuka ni hikari are,' serves as a metaphor for hope and guidance in the midst of darkness. This light is not just a physical illumination but a symbol of emotional and spiritual clarity. The narrator's insistence on not letting go of the present moment, 'ima wa kono yubi wo hanasanaide,' underscores the importance of holding on to fleeting moments of connection and love, even when they are overshadowed by guilt and sorrow.
The song also touches on the theme of separation and reunion, likening the relationship to a pendulum that swings back and forth. 'Deaeba hanareteku bokura furiko no you' captures the inevitability of parting even after meeting, a cycle that mirrors the larger theme of life's repetitive nature. Despite the pain and the 'tsumi' (sins or burdens) they carry, the narrator and their loved one continue to yearn for the light that will pierce through the darkness, symbolizing an undying hope for a brighter future.
'Hikari Are' is a deeply emotional song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of life and love. It is a reminder that even in the darkest times, the faintest light can guide us through, and that hope is a powerful force that keeps us moving forward.