Ikiteru Hikikatari

The Peggies' song 'Ikiteru Hikikatari' delves deep into the complexities of life, self-worth, and the human condition. The lyrics begin with a metaphor of a sword handed to the protagonist at birth, symbolizing the tools and responsibilities we inherit without understanding how to wield them. This lack of understanding leads to unintended harm, both to oneself and others. The protagonist reflects on their tendency to blame others for their misfortunes, a common human defense mechanism to escape guilt and responsibility.

As the song progresses, the protagonist grapples with the notion of life's inherent value. They question how long it will take to genuinely believe that merely being alive is a wonderful thing. This journey involves encountering people and experiences that are less than ideal, which forces them to confront and accept their own imperfections. The lyrics poignantly express the fear of causing harm and the subsequent withdrawal from using the 'sword,' or engaging with life fully, to avoid further damage. This withdrawal, however, leads to a loss of self-protection, leaving the protagonist vulnerable and scarred.

The climax of the song reveals a profound realization: to protect their flawed self, they must metaphorically 'kill' the parts of themselves that are not wonderful. This is a painful but necessary process for self-preservation. The protagonist wonders how much time they have left to learn to love themselves and expresses a simple desire to smile and find joy in life. Despite the sadness and tears, there is a strong will to live and a recognition that the presence of a significant other provides the strength to continue. The song beautifully captures the struggle to find self-worth and the bittersweet nature of human existence, emphasizing that the journey itself, with all its pain and beauty, is what makes life truly remarkable.