Sayonara UNIVERSE
The Pillows
A Cosmic Farewell: The Emotional Journey in 'Sayonara UNIVERSE'
The Pillows' song 'Sayonara UNIVERSE' is a poignant exploration of departure and the emotional weight that comes with it. The lyrics convey a sense of leaving behind someone significant, even though the narrator doesn't know their name. This anonymity adds a layer of universality to the song, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced a profound yet undefined connection. The phrase 'Sayonara UNIVERSE' suggests a grand, almost cosmic scale to this farewell, indicating that the departure is not just physical but also emotional and existential.
The imagery of a spaceship and stars seen through its window enhances the feeling of isolation and introspection. The narrator mentions that they can no longer hear anyone's voice, emphasizing their solitude. This setting in space serves as a metaphor for the emotional distance and the vast emptiness one might feel when saying goodbye. The spaceship could symbolize a journey into the unknown, leaving behind familiar voices and faces, and venturing into a new, uncertain future.
The song also touches on the theme of acceptance and moving on. The narrator decides to give up on the person they are thinking about, shedding a few tears in the process. The repetition of 'Sayonara UNIVERSE' underscores the finality of this decision. The lyrics 'Inakunatta koto mo kiduka nai' (I don't even notice that you're gone) and 'Uchuusen de kono mama hikari ni naru' (In the spaceship, I become light) suggest a transformation or a release from the past. The idea of becoming light could symbolize enlightenment, freedom, or a new beginning, indicating that the narrator is ready to move forward despite the pain of farewell.