Asphyxia
Tokyo Ghoul
Unveiling the Despair in 'Asphyxia'
The song 'Asphyxia' by Tokyo Ghoul, which is actually by the artist Cö shu Nie as the opening theme for the anime 'Tokyo Ghoul:re', delves into themes of despair, identity, and the struggle for meaning within a seemingly indifferent world. The lyrics paint a picture of someone trapped in the night, metaphorically suggesting a feeling of being confined in darkness or a difficult situation. The cessation of breath could symbolize a loss of hope or a moment of giving up in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
The chorus, 'open your eyes,' followed by references to sinking shadows and accepting reality, suggests a call to confront the truth of one's situation, no matter how grim it may be. The song questions the nature of freedom and contemplates whether the pain inflicted by others could be a form of love, indicating a complex relationship with suffering. The mention of 'Shadenfreude,' a German word for taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune, and a rejection of dramatic pretenses, points to a desire for authenticity in one's emotions and experiences.
The latter part of the song speaks to resilience in the face of adversity. Despite a heart that has been broken many times and a body that feels like it's rusting with each breath, there is a determination to acknowledge one's own crumbling state and continue fighting. The song concludes with the image of starting to breathe again amidst the night, suggesting a rebirth or a newfound strength to face life's challenges.