Black Swallowtail
Uroboros
The Eternal Cycle of Struggle and Reflection in 'Black Swallowtail'
Uroboros' song 'Black Swallowtail' delves into the complexities of human emotions and the cyclical nature of existence. The lyrics open with a contemplation of understanding hatred to truly grasp the meaning of love, suggesting that profound emotions are intertwined and cannot be fully comprehended in isolation. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of life's repetitive patterns, where endings lead to new beginnings, and people are constantly replaced, yet the cycle continues unabated.
The imagery of the black swallowtail, a butterfly often associated with transformation and change, symbolizes the struggle to break free from these cycles. The lyrics express a sense of entrapment and the difficulty of escaping one's circumstances, as seen in lines like 'You won't get far, you can't escape if you get lost.' This reflects the human condition of being caught in the present, grappling with weaknesses, and questioning the reality of the world around us. The repeated question 'kore de ii no?' (Is this okay?) underscores a persistent doubt and search for meaning.
The song also touches on themes of time and mortality, with lines like 'Time goes by while dreaming of the future' and 'Space created by the silence.' These phrases evoke a sense of fleeting moments and the inevitable passage of time, which can both destroy and create anew. The lyrics encourage a reflection on one's ideals, strengths, and weaknesses, urging listeners to confront their inner complexities. The final lines, questioning who all of this is for, highlight the existential quest for purpose and understanding in a world filled with transient memories and fleeting presence.