Prologue
Minami
The Struggle of Existence: A Journey Through Minami's 'Prologue'
Minami's song 'Prologue' delves deep into the existential struggles and emotional turmoil of an individual grappling with the monotony and pressures of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has grown weary of living and walking through life, feeling stuck and unable to start anew. The repetition of phrases like 'ikiru koto mo nareta aruku koto mo akita' (I got used to living, I got tired of walking) and 'tomaru koto ga fueta hajimeru koto wo yameta' (I stopped starting things, I increased stopping) highlights a sense of stagnation and disillusionment.
The song also explores the protagonist's internal conflict and desire for something more, even though they are unsure of what that might be. The lines 'boku wa wakannakatta boku wa hoshikatta' (I didn't understand, I wanted) and 'nani ga hoshikatta boku wa wakannakatta' (I didn't know what I wanted) reflect this confusion and yearning. The protagonist rejects superficial encouragement and empty words, as seen in 'ganbare nante erai yatsu ni iwarete sa' (being told to do my best by someone great) and 'yasui kotoba amai kotoba iranai' (I don't need cheap words, sweet words).
Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of searching for an escape and questioning the purpose of existence. The protagonist expresses feelings of being overwhelmed and suffocated, as indicated by 'naite kizutsuite mou iki wo suru koto ni mo iya ni natte' (crying, getting hurt, even breathing has become unbearable). The song's title, 'Prologue,' suggests that this struggle is just the beginning of a larger journey, a prelude to what lies ahead. The protagonist's plea for help and the desire to break free from the facade they have been living behind is poignantly captured in 'mou iya nan da yo tasukete okure' (I'm tired of this, please help me) and 'uso no kamen wa hazurenakunatteta' (the mask of lies couldn't be removed).
Minami's 'Prologue' is a powerful exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of existential dread and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost, trapped, or in need of a fresh start, making it a poignant and relatable piece of music.