When They Turn the Lights On

One Ok Rock's song "When They Turn the Lights On" is a powerful anthem of self-reflection and redemption. The lyrics narrate a personal journey of overcoming past mistakes and emerging stronger from the darkness. The opening lines, "I been climbing since I was young / Never stopped to look down," suggest a relentless pursuit of success or goals without pausing to reflect on the consequences. This relentless drive leads to a loss of self-identity, as the singer admits, "I lost track of the man I was / Took a fall to know how." The fall represents a moment of realization and the beginning of a transformative journey.

The recurring theme of selfishness and regret is evident in lines like "Selfish I've been / Oh, what I wouldn't give / To lose it all / And find myself." This indicates a deep yearning to shed past mistakes and rediscover one's true self. The metaphor of swimming with heavy weights and drowning in mistakes further emphasizes the burden of past actions and the struggle to stay afloat amidst a sea of regrets. The desire for a second chance is poignantly expressed in the lines, "I just want a second chance to make it better, better / It's never enough."

The chorus, "But when they turn the lights on / I'll be stronger I can stand a little taller / The darkness will be gone," serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. The turning on of the lights symbolizes enlightenment, clarity, and the end of a dark period. The final lines in Japanese, "光が暗闇を照らしていく / もう恐れるものはない," translate to "The light will illuminate the darkness / There is nothing to fear anymore," reinforcing the message of overcoming fear and emerging victorious. One Ok Rock's blend of emotional lyrics and powerful rock instrumentation creates an inspiring narrative of personal growth and redemption.