奴隷じゃないなら何ですか? (dorei janai nara nan desu ka?)
TUYU
The Struggle for Identity and Freedom in TUYU's '奴隷じゃないなら何ですか?'
TUYU's song '奴隷じゃないなら何ですか?' (dorei janai nara nan desu ka?), which translates to 'If I'm Not a Slave, Then What Am I?', delves deep into the feelings of entrapment and existential questioning. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels like a slave to societal expectations and pressures, struggling to find their own identity and purpose. The repeated questioning of 'If I'm not a slave, then what am I?' underscores a profound sense of confusion and frustration with their current state of being.
The song's protagonist expresses a strong aversion to the tasks imposed upon them by adults, symbolizing societal norms and expectations. They feel burdened by these responsibilities, which they find meaningless and unfulfilling. The lyrics 'yaritakunai yaritakunai' (I don't want to do it, I don't want to do it) and 'shiranai shiranai yo' (I don't know, I don't know) highlight their lack of direction and the absence of a clear alternative path. This sense of being trapped in a cycle of unwanted obligations without knowing what they truly desire is a central theme of the song.
The song also touches on themes of existential dread and the search for meaning. The lines 'shinitakunai shinitakunai' (I don't want to die, I don't want to die) and 'jaa, ikitai wake wa?' (then, why do I want to live?) reflect a deep internal conflict. The protagonist is caught between a desire to escape their current situation and a lack of understanding of what they are living for. This existential questioning is further emphasized by the repeated refrain of 'daha daha daha daha dekimasu ka?' (how can I break free?), which conveys a desperate plea for liberation and self-discovery.
TUYU's musical style, characterized by its emotional intensity and introspective lyrics, perfectly complements the themes of the song. The band's ability to convey complex emotions through their music resonates with listeners who may feel similarly trapped or lost. '奴隷じゃないなら何ですか?' serves as a powerful anthem for those struggling to find their place in a world that often imposes rigid expectations and demands conformity.