Etcetera

One Ok Rock's song 'Etcetera' delves deep into the emotional turmoil that follows a painful breakup. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist grappling with the fear and sadness that accompany the end of a relationship. The opening lines describe a sense of being pushed by an overwhelming fear, leading to tears and the finality of a breakup. This sets the stage for the emotional rollercoaster that follows, as the protagonist struggles to understand and come to terms with their feelings.

The repeated questioning of 'why' and the inability to comprehend the situation highlight the confusion and frustration that often accompany heartbreak. The protagonist is caught in a loop of anger and sadness, symbolized by the 'ding dong' of a bell, which represents the fleeting moments of clarity and the overwhelming emotions that follow. Despite understanding the situation intellectually, the protagonist yearns for a reason, a justification for the breakup, rather than just accepting it as a fact.

The chorus reveals the internal conflict of wanting to say goodbye and move on, but being unable to do so. The protagonist's desire to never see their ex again is contradicted by their lingering feelings, creating a sense of entrapment in their own emotions. The repeated phrase 'つらい つらい' (painful, painful) emphasizes the agony of being stuck in a small room, both literally and metaphorically, as they struggle to break free from their emotional prison. The song concludes with a plea for answers and a declaration of knowing what they want, but still being unable to move forward, encapsulating the essence of unresolved emotions and the longing for closure.