Signal
TK (Ling Tosite Sigure)
The Eternal Struggle of Guilt and Identity in 'Signal'
TK from Ling Tosite Sigure's song 'Signal' delves deep into the complex emotions of guilt, identity, and the inescapable past. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a person grappling with their inner demons and the consequences of their actions. The opening lines suggest that emotions can be named freely, indicating the fluid and subjective nature of feelings. The protagonist reflects on their unerasable sins, symbolized by a trigger that seems to be melting away, hinting at the overwhelming burden of guilt that threatens to consume them.
The recurring theme of a 'knife of eternity' carving signals into memory suggests a permanent scar left by past actions. This knife represents the inescapable nature of guilt and the way it shapes one's identity. The 'spiral of bonds' that erases even pain indicates a cyclical and destructive relationship, where the protagonist is trapped in a loop of emotional turmoil. The lyrics also touch on the idea of loneliness and the paradoxical desire to keep someone close in order to harm them, reflecting a deep-seated conflict within the protagonist.
The repetition of 'zero is infinite' at the end of the song adds a philosophical layer, suggesting that the concept of nothingness or emptiness can be boundless. This could imply that the protagonist feels an endless void within themselves, a result of their unresolved guilt and the loss of meaning in their actions. TK's haunting vocals and the intense musical arrangement further amplify the song's emotional depth, making 'Signal' a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the struggle to reconcile with one's past.