Phantom

Rina Sawayama's 'Phantom' delves into the emotional turmoil of losing one's true self in the pursuit of external validation. The song begins with a nostalgic reflection on a time when the protagonist, a young girl, was eager to please the world, seeking love and trust. This quest for acceptance led her to give away parts of herself, symbolized by 'stickers and scented gel pens,' in exchange for friendship and approval. However, this self-sacrifice resulted in a profound sense of loss, as she gave 'a little too much away,' leading to a fragmented identity.

The chorus reveals the protagonist's struggle with the void left by her lost self, referred to as her 'phantom.' This phantom represents the inner child or the authentic self that she has become estranged from. The lyrics express a deep yearning to reconnect with this lost part, emphasizing the difficulty of moving forward without it. The repetition of 'I don't wanna do this without you' underscores the importance of this reconnection for the protagonist's sense of wholeness and well-being.

In the latter part of the song, Sawayama offers a message of self-compassion and reconciliation. She wishes she could tell her younger self not to rush and to embrace her uniqueness. The protagonist acknowledges the changes she has undergone and the haunting nature of these changes. She expresses a desire to reclaim the lost pieces of herself, hoping that her inner child is still 'waiting by the windowsill.' The song concludes with a poignant apology to her inner child, recognizing the mistake of trying to outgrow this essential part of her identity. 'Phantom' is a powerful exploration of self-acceptance, the pain of losing oneself, and the journey to reclaim one's true identity.