Machine Gun Kiss
Like a Dragon (Yakuza) (龍が如く)
A Love That Defies the World: The Passionate Rebellion of 'Machine Gun Kiss'
The song 'Machine Gun Kiss' by Yakuza Ost is a fervent declaration of love that transcends the ordinary, set against a backdrop of rebellion and defiance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a midnight escape, where the protagonist and his lover are racing through a city, their emotions as intense as the screeching tires on the highway. The imagery of 'ルージュ色の憂い' (rouge-colored melancholy) suggests a deep, passionate sorrow that the protagonist aims to erase with his love.
The song's title, 'Machine Gun Kiss,' is a powerful metaphor for the protagonist's relentless and overwhelming affection. He promises to shower his lover with '一億、二億、百億のキス' (one hundred million, two hundred million, one billion kisses), emphasizing the boundless nature of his love. This metaphor extends to the idea of breaking free from societal constraints, as he declares that he would rather give up 'くだらない名誉もマネーも犬にやるさ' (worthless honor and money to the dogs) than lose his freedom or his lover.
The lyrics also touch on themes of defiance against fate and societal norms. The protagonist rejects '運命だの定説だの' (fate and common theories), choosing instead to carve out his own path with his beloved. This rebellious spirit is further highlighted by the line '玉を込めて撃ち抜けばいい' (load the bullet and shoot), symbolizing a readiness to confront and destroy any obstacles that stand in their way. The song culminates in a passionate plea for his lover to join him in creating their own memories, free from the judgments of '悪魔も神' (devils or gods).
'Yakuza Ost' is known for its intense and dramatic musical style, often reflecting the high-stakes, emotionally charged narratives of the Yakuza video game series. 'Machine Gun Kiss' is no exception, blending rock elements with a sense of urgency and raw emotion that perfectly encapsulates the themes of love, rebellion, and defiance present in the lyrics.