Only Acting

Kero Kero Bonito's song 'Only Acting' delves into the complex interplay between performance and reality, using the metaphor of an actor on stage to explore deeper emotional truths. The lyrics describe the experience of stepping onto a stage, where the protagonist must play a role and meet the audience's expectations. This setting serves as a powerful metaphor for the roles people play in their everyday lives, often hiding their true selves behind a facade to meet societal expectations.

The song highlights the transient nature of these roles, as the protagonist gets to know the cast but understands that these relationships are temporary. This reflects the fleeting connections people often make in life, emphasizing the importance of not getting too comfortable in any one role. The lyrics also touch on the idea that true emotional experiences cannot be rehearsed or scripted. The protagonist realizes that despite thinking they were 'only acting,' the emotions felt were genuine and intense, revealing the profound impact of these experiences.

The chorus underscores the emotional toll of these performances, with lines like 'I thought I was only acting, but I felt exactly like it was all for real.' This suggests that the boundaries between acting and reality can blur, leading to real emotional pain. The song also offers a poignant lesson about knowing when to move on and find a new role, both in the context of acting and in life. The repeated lines about hiding one's true feelings and knowing when to let go resonate deeply, offering a universal message about the human condition.