Unfinished
X Japan
The Agony of Unrequited Love in 'Unfinished' by X Japan
X Japan's song 'Unfinished' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the pain of letting go. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is struggling with their own feelings and the realization that they cannot reciprocate the love they are receiving. The repeated lines, 'No need to be hurt anymore' and 'Go away from me now,' emphasize the protagonist's desire to spare their partner from further pain, even if it means enduring their own suffering in silence.
The song's narrative is filled with poignant imagery, such as 'I've been walking in the night of tears' and 'With my love also vanished my vision of you,' which convey a sense of deep sorrow and loss. The protagonist acknowledges their inability to provide the emotional support their partner needs, as seen in the lines, 'But when you feel sadness, never can I stay with you.' This admission of inadequacy and the subsequent plea for their partner to move on highlight the selfless yet heart-wrenching nature of their decision.
X Japan, known for their powerful ballads and emotional depth, uses 'Unfinished' to explore themes of love, loss, and self-sacrifice. The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of unfulfilled love and the difficult choice to let go for the sake of the other person's happiness. The haunting melody and Yoshiki's emotive piano playing further enhance the song's emotional impact, making 'Unfinished' a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and the pain of unrequited feelings.