SHADOW OF OSCAR

Kamijo's 'SHADOW OF OSCAR' is a poetic exploration of the duality between light and darkness, love and pain, and the inevitable intertwining of these opposing forces. The lyrics are rich with metaphors, particularly the recurring imagery of roses and thorns, which symbolize the beauty and danger inherent in love and desire. The song delves into the idea that light and darkness are like slaves, bound to each other and unable to exist independently. This relationship is mirrored in the human experience of love, where joy and suffering are often inseparable.

The song's narrative suggests a forbidden love, one that is both intoxicating and perilous. The lines '交わり事が許されないなら / 首筋に残る痛みもっと' (If we are not allowed to be together / Let the pain on my neck linger more) convey a longing for a connection that is not permitted, yet deeply desired. This forbidden love is further emphasized by the imagery of a dangerous rose, a symbol of beauty that comes with the risk of pain. The protagonist seems to embrace this danger, finding a sense of identity and purpose in the struggle between light and darkness.

Kamijo, known for his work in the visual kei genre, often incorporates themes of historical romance and gothic aesthetics into his music. 'SHADOW OF OSCAR' is no exception, blending these elements to create a hauntingly beautiful narrative. The song reflects on the human condition, the inevitability of making mistakes, and the realization that one cannot live in isolation. The final lines, 'でも朝が暮れば / きっと二人 光と闇は背中合わせ' (But when morning comes / Surely the two, light and darkness, will be back to back), encapsulate the eternal dance between opposing forces, suggesting that despite the struggles, there is a balance to be found in their coexistence.