I Was King (English)

One Ok Rock's song 'I Was King' delves into the emotional turmoil of longing for a past that seemed perfect and the struggle to move forward. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels stuck in the past, reminiscing about a time when they felt powerful and in control—when they were 'king.' This metaphor of being a king symbolizes a period of life where everything seemed to be in place, and there was a sense of fulfillment and achievement. The repetition of the question 'When am I gonna start living?' underscores the frustration and stagnation the narrator feels in their current state, unable to recapture the glory of their past or find a way to move on.

The song's chorus, 'When I was king, we had everything,' highlights the contrast between the past and the present. It suggests a time of abundance and satisfaction that is now lost, leaving the narrator grappling with feelings of inadequacy and longing. The use of the word 'we' indicates that this sense of loss is shared, possibly referring to a relationship or a collective experience that has since changed. The repeated questioning throughout the song emphasizes the internal conflict and the desire to break free from the chains of nostalgia.

The bridge of the song introduces a fighting spirit, with lines like 'If I go down, I will go down fighting.' This shift in tone suggests a determination to overcome the current state of despair and reclaim a sense of purpose and vitality. The imagery of going down 'like lightning' adds a sense of urgency and intensity to this resolve. Ultimately, 'I Was King' is a powerful exploration of the human experience of loss, longing, and the struggle to find meaning and direction in the aftermath of change.