花一匁 (hana ichi monme)

Zutomayo's '花一匁 (hana ichi monme)' is a poignant exploration of the search for meaning amidst the monotony and struggles of daily life. The song opens with a scene set at 5 AM, a time that symbolizes the transition between night and day, reflecting the artist's desire to remain in the comfort of the night ('ずっと真夜中でいいのに'). This longing for the night can be seen as a metaphor for a desire to escape the harsh realities of the day, where the only visible scenery is the 'wave landscape,' a representation of the repetitive and unchanging nature of life.

The lyrics delve into the artist's struggle with routine ('ルーティンからもう抜け出せない'), expressing a sense of being trapped in a cycle that is both inescapable and suffocating. The mention of creating music to ease the pain ('痛み止めようの曲作りたい') highlights the therapeutic role of art in coping with life's challenges. However, there is also a sense of frustration as the artist acknowledges that what they create is not entirely original ('僕が作るものはすでにあるものじゃーん'), reflecting a broader existential crisis about the value and uniqueness of one's contributions.

The recurring theme of seeking meaning ('意味が欲しいよ花一文') despite knowing that it may be unattainable ('手に入らないことわかってても') underscores the human condition of striving for purpose in a seemingly indifferent world. The song also touches on the vulnerability and self-doubt that come with this quest, as seen in the lines about feeling inadequate and hoping for acceptance ('こんな僕をまた笑ってくれたらいいのに'). The imagery of a wrinkled T-shirt and the mundane details of daily life, such as setting an alarm and taking out the trash, ground the song in the everyday struggles that many listeners can relate to.

Ultimately, '花一匁 (hana ichi monme)' is a reflection on the delicate balance between the desire for a meaningful existence and the acceptance of life's inherent trivialities. It is a call to find solace in the small victories and to continue seeking connection and understanding, even when the path seems unclear.