Haguruma
Kana-boon
The Ever-Turning Gears of Life: An Analysis of Kana-boon's 'Haguruma'
Kana-boon's song 'Haguruma' (which translates to 'Gears') is a poetic exploration of life's relentless progression and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery, painting a vivid picture of the human experience. The recurring motif of gears turning symbolizes the unstoppable march of time and the mechanical nature of life's routines. This imagery is further emphasized by the mention of a 'red past' chasing the protagonist, suggesting that past experiences and regrets are inescapable and continue to influence the present.
The song also delves into themes of isolation and inner conflict. The lines 'midnight's deep loneliness' and 'a wound that won't disappear even if you act like a clown' highlight the struggle of dealing with internal pain and the facade people often put up to hide their true feelings. The mention of a 'mask' and 'clown's smile' suggests a societal expectation to appear happy and untroubled, even when one is suffering inside. This duality is a common human experience, making the song relatable on a profound level.
'Haguruma' also touches on the concept of choice and the impact of decisions on one's life. The lyrics 'choose whether to live by listening to the faintly echoing bell' and 'erase the ghosts of the past' suggest a call to action, urging the listener to confront their fears and make conscious decisions about their future. The song's climax, with the lines 'shout with a voice that seems to break fate' and 'dance while waiting for the curtain to rise,' serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination required to navigate life's challenges. The gears keep turning, and so must we, until the final curtain falls.