Obliviate

IU's song 'Obliviate' delves into the emotional struggle of trying to erase painful memories and move forward. The term 'obliviate' itself is a reference to the spell from the Harry Potter series that erases memories, setting the tone for the song's theme of wanting to forget. The lyrics express a deep yearning to erase sorrowful memories, encapsulated in the repeated plea to 'obliviate' both the mind and the heart. This desire to forget is driven by the pain and emotional burden that these memories carry, making it difficult for the narrator to move on with their life.

The song's verses describe the process of trying to forget, with each step forward being a struggle against the weight of the past. The narrator questions how much more they need to walk and discard to become strangers with the person tied to these memories. The imagery of taking steps and the metaphor of memories as a virus highlight the pervasive and debilitating nature of these painful recollections. The chorus intensifies this sentiment, with the narrator expressing the physical and emotional pain of holding onto these memories and the desperate need to erase them.

IU's vocal delivery and the song's melancholic melody further amplify the emotional depth of the lyrics. The repetition of the word 'obliviate' throughout the song emphasizes the narrator's desperation and the almost magical wish to make the pain disappear. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the struggle of letting go of a painful past and the longing for a fresh start. 'Obliviate' is a poignant exploration of the human desire to heal from emotional wounds and the difficult journey of moving forward.