Vivid Colors

L'Arc~en~Ciel's song "Vivid Colors" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary journey, both literal and metaphorical, as the protagonist reflects on a past relationship. The opening lines, where the protagonist lets go of a hand and finds themselves alone in the afternoon, set the tone for a contemplative and introspective narrative. This moment of solitude is a catalyst for the protagonist to search for the right words to express their feelings, highlighting the struggle to articulate emotions in the wake of separation.

The imagery of a train journeying beyond the city and bringing unfamiliar landscapes symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings. The protagonist wonders what color they appear in this new, vivid scenery, suggesting a search for identity and self-understanding amidst the backdrop of change. The recurring question of what color they are seen as reflects a deeper quest for meaning and place in a world that continues to move forward, even as they grapple with their memories and emotions.

The song's chorus, with its reference to vivid colors, evokes a sense of vibrant yet transient beauty. The protagonist is drawn towards these colors, symbolizing new experiences and possibilities, yet they are also haunted by the memories of the past. The closing lines, where the protagonist contemplates how far they must go to forget, underscore the lingering pain of loss and the difficulty of moving on. The vivid colors outside the window captivate their gaze, but they cannot help but overlay these new sights with the shadows of their past. Ultimately, the song captures the bittersweet nature of memory and the enduring impact of love, even as one steps into new, vivid colors.