Bios / βίος

Mika Kobayashi's song 'Bios / βίος' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory, nature, and the passage of time. The lyrics, sung in German, evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and longing. The repeated question, 'Erinnerst du dich noch?' ('Do you still remember?'), sets the tone for the song, as the narrator reflects on a promise made in the past. This promise is symbolized by the 'vergissmeinnicht' (forget-me-not), a flower that traditionally represents remembrance and true love.

The imagery of the 'ruinenstadt' (ruined city) being 'immer noch schön' (still beautiful) suggests a place that, despite its decay, holds a timeless beauty. This could be a metaphor for the memories that remain beautiful despite the passage of time and the changes that life brings. The narrator waits for the return of a loved one, holding onto the forget-me-not as a symbol of hope and enduring love.

Nature plays a significant role in the song, with the narrator's tears becoming raindrops, their breath becoming the wind, and their hands transforming into branches and leaves. This transformation into nature suggests a deep connection between the narrator and the natural world, perhaps indicating that their essence lives on through nature. The song concludes with the narrator awakening with the changing seasons, ready to sing a song, symbolizing renewal and the cyclical nature of life. The forget-me-not, given by the loved one, remains a constant reminder of the past and a symbol of enduring love and memory.