Donut Hole

Kenshi Yonezu's 'Donut Hole' delves into the complexities of memory, loss, and the emotional void left by someone significant. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with fragmented memories and the haunting presence of a face they can't fully recall. This struggle is encapsulated in the metaphor of a donut hole, symbolizing the emptiness and the impossibility of isolating the void from the whole. The recurring theme of trying to remember, yet failing, underscores the pain of loss and the elusive nature of memories.

The song's imagery is rich and evocative, with lines like '感情線は地球儀を めぐりめぐって朝日を追うのに' (The emotional lines circle the globe, chasing the sunrise) contrasting with the protagonist's own aimless pursuit of night. This juxtaposition highlights the disorientation and the sense of being lost without the person they are trying to remember. The lyrics also touch on the fear of forgetting the warmth and voice of the loved one, adding a layer of existential dread to the narrative.

Yonezu's poignant reflections on the nature of memory and the passage of time are further emphasized by the recurring motif of counting simple emotions, only to realize that even the most cherished memories can fade. The song's melancholic tone is amplified by the realization that the only proof of the loved one's existence is the void they left behind. This profound sense of emptiness and the struggle to find meaning in the absence is a central theme, making 'Donut Hole' a deeply moving exploration of human emotion and memory.