himitsu

Tokyo Jihen's song 'himitsu' (which translates to 'secret') delves into the complexities of human emotions and the enigmatic nature of night. The lyrics, penned in Japanese, explore themes of isolation, desire, and the transient nature of feelings. The song opens with a declaration of silence, where the protagonist's mouth is compared to a beast, suggesting a struggle to contain raw, untamed emotions. The mention of avoiding clichéd idioms from textbooks hints at a desire for genuine, unfiltered expression, which is often hard to achieve.

The chorus invites someone to come closer, emphasizing the urgency and preciousness of the moment. The night is portrayed as a consuming force, and there's a sense of urgency to experience and express feelings before they vanish with the dawn. The lyrics 'ima dake no suhada hikkaite mite' (scratch the bare skin of now) suggest a raw, intimate connection that is fleeting and must be seized immediately. This imagery evokes a sense of vulnerability and the ephemeral nature of human connections.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's ears are described as dancing elegantly, searching for solitude amidst the noise. The reference to turning off the TV, which reports on mundane matters, underscores the desire to escape from the trivialities of everyday life and focus on deeper, more meaningful experiences. The repeated lines about the body being the only proof and the night swallowing everything highlight the physicality of existence and the intense, almost primal, need to feel alive. The song concludes with a reminder that loneliness is not unique to one person, and the terrifying darkness can be ignored by embracing the present moment.