Doppelganger

Shiina Ringo's song 'Doppelganger' delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions and relationships. The lyrics juxtapose greetings and farewells, love and hate, and the mundane with the profound, creating a tapestry of dualities that reflect the multifaceted nature of existence. The use of simple yet powerful phrases like 'こんにちは さようなら' (Hello, Goodbye) and '愛している 大嫌い' (I love you, I hate you) underscores the inherent contradictions in our feelings and interactions with others.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, with references to twilight, tears, and rain, which symbolize the transient and often melancholic aspects of life. The mention of '赤の他人' (complete strangers) highlights the isolation and disconnection that can exist even in close relationships. The lyrics also touch upon themes of desire and the past, as seen in the line '欲をつかさどった過去形' (the past tense governed by desire), suggesting that our past actions and desires continue to shape our present selves.

The concept of the doppelganger, or a double, is central to the song, representing the duality within each person. The lines '見えてしまったよ 欲をつかさどった過去形' (I saw it, the past tense governed by desire) and '消えてしまったよ 己をよくもした葬礼' (I disappeared, the funeral that improved myself) suggest a struggle with one's inner self and the desire to reconcile conflicting aspects of one's identity. The song ultimately points to a search for peace and resolution, as indicated by the line 'そこは天国' (there is heaven), implying that understanding and accepting these dualities can lead to a sense of inner harmony.