KICK BACK
Kenshi Yonezu
The Pursuit of Happiness in Kenshi Yonezu's 'KICK BACK'
Kenshi Yonezu's 'KICK BACK' is a song that delves into the human desire for happiness and success, and the often tumultuous journey towards achieving these goals. The repeated phrase 'doryoku, mirai, a beautiful star' translates to 'effort, future, a beautiful star,' which suggests a longing for a bright future achieved through hard work. The song's lyrics oscillate between aspirations for a carefree life filled with happiness and the harsh realities that often accompany the pursuit of such dreams.
The verses of 'KICK BACK' paint a picture of someone who is striving for success ('randorii kyou wa garaaki de lucky day') and is ready to leave behind the dirt and grime ('abura yogore mo kore de bye bye'), which could be a metaphor for shedding past troubles or negative aspects of one's life. The voice inside the protagonist's head is a cacophony of desires, wanting everything yet feeling empty ('are ga hoshii, kore ga hoshii, subete hoshii, tada munashii'). This internal conflict highlights the human condition of never being fully satisfied, even when one's desires are met.
The chorus expresses a wish to be happy and live easily, to seize everything, including the heart of a loved one ('anata no sono mune no naka'). However, there's also a sense of wanting to destroy everything, to erase it all ('zenbu mechakucha ni shitai, nanimo kamo keshisaritai'), which could reflect the frustration and exhaustion that come with the relentless pursuit of happiness. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the deeper, more complex emotions expressed in the lyrics, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking piece that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives.