Fire After Fire (English Version)
Seikima II
Eternal Flames: The Haunting Legacy of War in 'Fire After Fire'
Seikima II's 'Fire After Fire (English Version)' is a powerful and haunting reflection on the aftermath of war and the cyclical nature of destruction. The song opens with a vivid image of a post-apocalyptic landscape, where nothing is left but ruins and flames. This desolate setting serves as a backdrop for the recurring theme of fire, symbolizing both the physical destruction of war and the enduring impact it has on the human psyche. The lyrics suggest that even in the midst of devastation, there is a lingering presence, a haunting reminder of the past conflicts that continue to shape the present.
The chorus, 'Fire after fire, we have arrived to haunt your dreams,' emphasizes the inescapable nature of this legacy. The 'we' in the lyrics can be interpreted as the spirits of those lost in the war or as a metaphor for the memories and traumas that persist long after the physical fires have been extinguished. The repetition of 'fire after fire' underscores the idea that this cycle of destruction and rebirth is unending, a perpetual flame that never dies. This notion is further reinforced by the line, 'We are the flame that never dies,' suggesting an eternal presence that continues to influence and shape the world.
The song also touches on themes of power and control, as seen in the lines, 'This is the symbol of your occupation, free to devastate again, your soul fire.' Here, the fire represents not just physical destruction but also the power to dominate and control. The final lines, 'Galaxy hears our decree, we now have another piece of victory,' expand the scope of the song's message, suggesting that this cycle of fire and destruction is not limited to Earth but is a universal phenomenon. Seikima II, known for their theatrical and often apocalyptic themes, use 'Fire After Fire' to deliver a poignant commentary on the enduring and pervasive nature of war and its aftermath.