Forbidden Lover

L'Arc~en~Ciel's song "Forbidden Lover" delves into the complexities and tragedies of a love that is not meant to be. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship, one that is swept away by the waves of history and marred by past sins. The imagery of being carried away by the sea and engulfed by flames suggests a sense of inevitability and destruction, as if the lovers are doomed from the start. This is further emphasized by the mention of forgotten sins and the cultivation of mistakes, which carve a paradise out of rubble, indicating that their love, though beautiful, is built on a foundation of pain and regret.

The chorus, with its haunting refrain of "Forbidden lover," speaks to the bittersweet nature of their relationship. The lovers are unable to fully unite, despite their strong feelings for each other. The use of colors that cannot blend together symbolizes their differences and the barriers that keep them apart. The promise made in hushed breaths and the unexpected twists of fate highlight the fragility and unpredictability of their love. The imagery of a ship surrounded by flames and eyes looking up to the heavens in fear further underscores the sense of impending doom and the desperate hope for divine intervention.

In the final verses, the song takes on a more hopeful tone, with the heart soaring above the swirling nightmare, reaching out to the beloved with a radiant glow. However, there is a lingering question of whether the same path will be taken again in a new land, suggesting that the cycle of forbidden love and its accompanying pain may continue. The song captures the essence of a love that is both beautiful and tragic, a love that defies the odds but is ultimately doomed by the very forces that brought it together.