May Day
Plastic Tree
The Haunting Reflections of Childhood in 'May Day'
Plastic Tree's song 'May Day' delves into the haunting and surreal reflections of childhood memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young boy on a swing ('BURANKO no boku'), with a distorted heart ('yugamu shinzou') and a butterfly in his hand ('te no naka no chou'). These images evoke a sense of innocence intertwined with a subtle undercurrent of melancholy. The reference to 'nana-sai no gogo' (a seven-year-old's afternoon) suggests a specific moment in time, capturing the essence of a child's perspective.
The song continues with the imagery of decorating wings ('hane o kazarou') and the shimmering green of May ('KIRA-KIRA shita gogatsu no midori'). These lines evoke a sense of wonder and beauty, yet they are juxtaposed with the mention of insect stains ('mushi no shimi'), hinting at the imperfections and fleeting nature of these moments. The protagonist's search for answers ('mitsuketa yo, boku no kotae') amidst these memories suggests a deeper introspection and a longing to understand the past.
Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of isolation and contemplation ('minna inakute shizuka na hirusagari'). The repetition of these lines emphasizes the solitude and quietness of the afternoon, as the protagonist is left alone with his thoughts. The mention of fear ('kowaku naru boku') and the gradual breakdown ('dan-dan koware-hajimete') further highlight the emotional turmoil and the fragility of these memories. The song ends with a return to the initial imagery, suggesting a cyclical nature of these reflections and the inescapable pull of the past.