kokoronashi

The song 'kokoronashi' by Kohana Lam (こはならむ) delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the existential pain that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with intense feelings of longing and despair, questioning the very essence of their existence and emotions. The recurring theme of wanting to discard all feelings to live more easily highlights the internal conflict between the desire for emotional numbness and the inescapable reality of human vulnerability.

The metaphor of the heart, or 'kokoro,' is central to the song. The protagonist's heart is depicted as a singular, fragile entity that cannot be shared or duplicated, no matter how close they get to their beloved. This symbolizes the unique and solitary nature of personal pain and love. The repeated pleas for the beloved to stop being kind and to destroy the protagonist's body reflect a desperate cry for release from the unbearable emotional weight. The imagery of screaming, struggling, and swollen eyelids further emphasizes the depth of their suffering.

The song also touches on the theme of identity and self-awareness. The protagonist questions their own existence and the presence of their heart, seeking validation and understanding from their beloved. The final lines, where the beloved gently points out that the heart is right there, suggest a moment of clarity and acceptance. This poignant ending implies that the journey of understanding one's emotions and existence is deeply intertwined with the connections we form with others, even if those connections are fraught with pain and misunderstanding.