Bon Voyage

One Ok Rock's 'Bon Voyage' is a poignant exploration of the end of a relationship and the acceptance that comes with it. The song's lyrics reflect a journey of realization and the painful acknowledgment that things are not improving. The repeated phrase 'we should know, we should know' emphasizes the inevitability of the breakup, suggesting that both parties are aware that their efforts to 'weather the weather' have been in vain. The use of 'bon voyage,' a French phrase meaning 'good journey,' serves as a metaphor for bidding farewell to a chapter of life that has reached its conclusion.

The lyrics 'Netsu ga futatsu o hikiawase, Samete shimaeba' introduce a cultural layer, as they are in Japanese and translate to 'Two heats pull together, but if they cool down.' This line poetically captures the initial passion that brought the couple together and the subsequent cooling of their relationship. The song's chorus, with its declaration of 'never getting better' and 'we're stuck on repeat,' underscores the cyclical nature of their struggles and the futility of trying to mend what is irreparably broken.

Musically, One Ok Rock is known for their blend of alternative rock and emo influences, which is evident in the emotional intensity of 'Bon Voyage.' The song's structure, with its build-up to a cathartic release, mirrors the emotional journey of letting go. The repetition of 'bon voyage' in the chorus acts as a mantra, reinforcing the theme of departure and the hope for a better future apart. Ultimately, 'Bon Voyage' is a heartfelt farewell to a relationship that has run its course, capturing the bittersweet mix of sorrow and liberation that comes with moving on.