MAWARU

Kikuo's song 'MAWARU' is a surreal and chaotic exploration of ambiguity and confusion, both in its lyrics and its musical composition. The repetitive use of the word 'あいまい' (aimai), which means 'ambiguous' or 'vague' in Japanese, sets the tone for the entire piece. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where clarity is elusive, and everything is in a constant state of flux. This is further emphasized by the imagery of being lost ('まいご', maigo) and the sense of being trapped in a dead-end ('ふくろこうじ', fukurokouji). The song's structure, with its repetitive and almost hypnotic phrases, mirrors the cyclical nature of confusion and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world.

The song also delves into themes of existential dread and the fragility of the human psyche. The line 'ぼくのたましいはふうせんみたいにふくらんで' (My soul swells like a balloon) suggests a sense of vulnerability, as if the soul is on the verge of bursting. This is followed by the imagery of the soul 'ぱんとはじけてたびしてる' (popping and traveling), which could symbolize a loss of control or a journey into the unknown. The chaotic and unsettling nature of the song is further highlighted by the lines 'ひっくりかえってしんぞうみえる' (turned upside down, you can see the heart) and 'どくどくへどろがふりそそぐ' (poisonous sludge pours down), which evoke a sense of physical and emotional turmoil.

Kikuo's musical style, often characterized by its blend of whimsical and dark elements, is perfectly suited to convey the themes of 'MAWARU'. The song's erratic tempo and dissonant melodies create an atmosphere of unease, reflecting the inner chaos described in the lyrics. The repeated call to 'おどれ' (dance) despite the confusion and darkness suggests a form of escapism or a way to cope with the overwhelming ambiguity. The final lines, with their imagery of a 'へどろまみれのそら' (mud-covered sky) and the appearance of a 'てんのつかい' (heavenly messenger) who comes to kill, add a layer of surrealism and existential horror, leaving the listener in a state of contemplation about the nature of existence and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.