Sesshoku

THE ORAL CIGARETTES' song 'Sesshoku' delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of human relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the pain and confusion that often accompany deep connections with others. The recurring theme of stopping 'yesterday' suggests a desire to escape from past experiences and memories that continue to haunt the present. This is further emphasized by the imagery of losing light and the painful throbbing of blood, symbolizing the emotional and physical toll of these unresolved feelings.

The song questions the value of caring for others, pondering whether it only leads to more pain and suffering. The lines '誰かのことを思うなんて 傷つくだけじゃないか' (Thinking about someone, doesn't it just hurt?) and '決してやまない痛みの雨に刺されるんじゃないか' (Won't you be pierced by the never-ending rain of pain?) reflect a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and the inevitable hurt that comes with emotional investment. This internal conflict is palpable, as the narrator oscillates between wanting to protect themselves and doubting if such isolation is truly the right path.

In the latter part of the song, there's a shift towards a more philosophical reflection on human nature. The lyrics '人を愛し 人を憎み そして人間となった' (Loving people, hating people, and thus becoming human) suggest that these emotional experiences, both positive and negative, are integral to the human condition. The acknowledgment that the world is '残酷なまでに' (cruel to the extreme) and that people are inherently flawed ('決して綺麗じゃない' - never clean) underscores the acceptance of imperfection. Ultimately, the song advocates for embracing one's true self and making personal choices, as highlighted in the closing lines '何を選ぶか それだけは 僕の中に残したいんだ' (What to choose, I want to keep that within me).