Face My Fears (feat. Skrillex)

Utada Hikaru's 'Face My Fears,' featuring Skrillex, is a powerful anthem about confronting one's deepest anxieties and stepping into the unknown. The song opens with a contemplative question, 'nee, dore kurai nee, waraeba ii?' which translates to 'Hey, how much, hey, should I smile?' This sets the tone for a journey of introspection and courage. The repeated plea, 'Let me face my fears,' underscores a desire to overcome personal limitations and embrace new experiences, even if they are not mapped out on one's personal 'chizu' or map.

The lyrics delve into the universal human experience of fear and hesitation. Utada sings about wanting to stand on paths not marked on her map, symbolizing the uncharted territories of life. This metaphor of a map represents the comfort zones we create for ourselves, and the song encourages breaking free from these self-imposed boundaries. The line 'nee, umaretsuki nee, okubyou na hito nante inai' translates to 'Hey, no one is born a coward,' suggesting that fear is a learned behavior and can be unlearned through courage and determination.

The collaboration with Skrillex adds an electrifying energy to the song, blending Utada's ethereal vocals with dynamic electronic beats. This fusion of styles mirrors the song's theme of facing fears—combining the familiar with the unfamiliar to create something new and empowering. The closing lines, 'watashi no shiranai watashi ni hayaku aitai,' meaning 'I want to meet the me I don't know soon,' encapsulate the essence of the song: a longing for self-discovery and growth. 'Face My Fears' is not just a song; it's a call to action to embrace the unknown and find strength in vulnerability.