Non-Breath Oblige
VOCALOID
The Struggle for Breath in a Suffocating World
The song "Non-Breath Oblige" by VOCALOID, a singing voice synthesizer software, presents a complex and layered narrative that seems to delve into themes of societal pressure, individual freedom, and the suffocating nature of conforming to expectations. The lyrics suggest a world where people are forced to suppress their desires and emotions to fit into a prescribed mold, leading to a metaphorical struggle to breathe.
The repeated lines 'ikitai ga shine to iware / shinitai ga ikiro to iware' translate to 'Want to live but told to die / Want to die but told to live,' which starkly encapsulate the song's central conflict between the individual's will and societal demands. The song's title, 'Non-Breath Oblige,' could be interpreted as an obligation to stop breathing, further emphasizing the theme of suppression and the denial of one's natural state for the sake of others or societal norms. The use of 'I love you' in the chorus juxtaposed with the suffocating imagery suggests a love that persists despite the oppressive environment.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of 'complexes' being used as weapons in conflict, possibly alluding to the way personal insecurities and societal divisions are exploited to maintain control. The song paints a picture of a world where people are not allowed to express themselves freely, where even love and happiness are regulated, leading to a sense of drowning in the expectations and demands of others.