Watashi
Hoshino Gen
Embracing Life's Joys Over Violence: A Deep Dive into Hoshino Gen's 'Watashi'
Hoshino Gen's song 'Watashi' delves into the profound choice between violence and love, presenting a narrative that encourages embracing life's joys over succumbing to darker impulses. The lyrics open with a stark contrast, suggesting that instead of killing someone, one should engage in something more enjoyable. This sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the importance of finding pleasure and solace in life rather than resorting to violence or harboring hatred. The mention of eating ice cream with sadness and hatred hints at the idea of finding small comforts even in moments of emotional turmoil.
The song continues to explore this theme by contrasting physical violence with intimacy and affection. The line about choosing to cuddle and stay close rather than hitting someone underscores the power of love and connection as a means to overcome negative emotions. The imagery of lips not parting and embracing tightly suggests a deep, almost desperate need for human connection and the healing it can bring. This is further emphasized by the description of a beautiful city and children crying, symbolizing the innocence and beauty that can be found even in a world filled with pain and suffering.
As the song progresses, it reflects on the purpose of existence and the fleeting nature of life. The mention of hope being exhausted and the throat being parched conveys a sense of despair and the struggle to find meaning. However, the song ultimately circles back to the idea of embracing someone and doing something enjoyable, reinforcing the message that love and joy are powerful antidotes to life's hardships. Hoshino Gen's 'Watashi' is a poignant reminder of the choices we have in how we respond to life's challenges, advocating for love and connection over violence and despair.