Art Of Life

X Japan's 'Art Of Life' is a profound exploration of existential angst, emotional turmoil, and the quest for meaning. The song opens with the imagery of a 'Desert Rose,' symbolizing beauty in desolation and the loneliness that often accompanies it. The narrator grapples with intense feelings of isolation and despair, questioning the purpose of life and the nature of their existence. The recurring themes of color—white, blue, bloody red, and grey—highlight the emotional spectrum and the numbness that can engulf a person in pain.

The lyrics delve into the internal conflict of the narrator, who is torn between the desire to escape their suffering and the fear of confronting their emotions. The 'wall inside my heart' represents the barriers we build to protect ourselves from further pain, yet these walls also imprison us. The song's narrative is a journey through the narrator's mind, where they confront their past, their fears, and their longing for love and freedom. The imagery of 'time goes by like tears' and 'insane blade stabbing dreams' evokes a sense of relentless passage of time and the destructive nature of unfulfilled desires.

As the song progresses, the narrator's struggle intensifies, leading to a crescendo of madness and a desperate plea for understanding. The 'madness called Now' reflects the chaotic present, where the past and future imprison the heart. Despite the overwhelming pain, there is a persistent yearning to live and find meaning. The 'Art of Life' becomes a metaphor for this eternal struggle, where the narrator seeks to break free from the chains of memory and societal expectations. The closing lines, 'A Rose is breathing love in my life,' suggest a glimmer of hope and the possibility of finding solace in love, even amidst the chaos.