Slide

Plastic Tree's song 'Slide' delves into the depths of melancholy and existential contemplation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who feels adrift and disconnected from reality. The opening lines, 'ミルクをのんでフラフラのぼくは / くうきのようなくうそうをえがく' (Drinking milk, I stagger and draw an imaginary world like air), suggest a sense of disorientation and a retreat into a dreamlike state. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the protagonist is swallowed by a 'black tunnel,' symbolizing a descent into darkness and despair.

The recurring imagery of biting nails and counting numbers, 'つめをかんでかずをかぞえて,' reflects anxiety and a sense of waiting for an inevitable end. The protagonist opens a window, waiting for the end, which could symbolize a longing for escape or a new beginning. The phrase 'スライドしてく / けしきのスピードが / はやくなってぼくは / たちつくして' (Sliding, the speed of the scenery increases, and I stand still) captures the feeling of life accelerating uncontrollably while the protagonist remains paralyzed by their emotions.

The song also touches on themes of self-reflection and the struggle with inner demons. The line 'あたらしいぼくのきずぐちをみて / なんでまたないているんだろう' (Looking at my new wounds, why am I crying again?) suggests a cycle of pain and healing that the protagonist cannot escape. The desire for a 'tomorrow without sadness' and the hope that the world will be painted in a deeper blue, 'よりふかいあおに / せかいをぬりかえてく,' indicates a yearning for transformation and peace.

In the end, the protagonist envisions a future where someone smiles and waves at them from beyond the window, symbolizing hope and connection. This fleeting moment of optimism contrasts with the overall tone of despair, offering a glimmer of light in the darkness.