Els Crits

Mishima's song 'Els Crits' delves into the profound and often unsettling silence that follows moments of intense emotion or experience. The opening lines describe a girl waking up to the 'sound of silence' from a recently passed moment, highlighting the contrast between a full heart and an empty world. This juxtaposition sets the stage for exploring the anguish that arises when we no longer hear the 'cries'—a metaphor for the emotional outbursts or calls for attention that often go unnoticed or ignored.

The lyrics further explore the idea of absence and longing. The girl sighs for what is missing, whether it be something that was once present or something that never came to be. This sense of loss is compounded by the 'blindness of those who turn a deaf ear to the cries,' suggesting a societal tendency to ignore or suppress emotional expression. The recurring theme of 'the same immense death' evokes a sense of inevitable, universal loss, whether it be a distant summer night or a toy at the bottom of a river.

However, the song also offers a glimmer of hope and resilience. The girl, often unaware, 'beats her wings' and causes a bloom of 'fragile and proud' flowers, symbolizing the beauty and strength that can arise from vulnerability. The lyrics celebrate those who transform cries into songs, turning pain into art. The 'intense light' of a distant summer night and the girl's smile serve as powerful images of enduring brightness and joy amidst the darkness. Mishima's 'Els Crits' is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotion, the pain of being unheard, and the transformative power of expression.