Love or Hate?

Mayu Maeshima's song 'Love or Hate?' delves into the complexities of human emotions and the choices we make in response to them. The lyrics explore the fine line between love and hate, suggesting that our reactions to situations and people can oscillate between these two extremes. The song opens with a hypothetical scenario where a simple action, like flicking one's hair, can elicit a response that is either love or hate. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of duality and the unpredictability of human emotions.

The song also touches on the idea of self-expression and the struggle to maintain one's identity amidst external noise and societal expectations. Lines like 'gaiya ga urusai, noizu kyanseringu' (the outside world is noisy, noise canceling) highlight the desire to drown out external judgments and focus on one's own rhythm. The lyrics suggest that despite the chaos and the pressure to conform, the protagonist is determined to stay true to themselves, as indicated by 'ashi wa tomemasen kara' (I won't stop walking).

Furthermore, the song addresses the concept of authenticity and the masks people wear. The line 'hontou no sugata wa dare ni mo misetenai, kamo ne' (maybe I haven't shown my true self to anyone) reflects the internal conflict of wanting to be genuine while fearing judgment. The repeated questioning in the chorus, 'what do you want to do? baby,' 'what do you want to be? baby,' and 'what do you need to do? baby,' serves as a call to action, urging the listener to reflect on their true desires and take steps towards achieving them. Ultimately, 'Love or Hate?' is a powerful anthem about navigating the complexities of emotions, staying true to oneself, and striving for authenticity in a world full of noise and expectations.