僕は他人
斉藤和義 Lyrics

The lyrics of the song "僕は他人" by 斉藤和義 delve into the concept of detachment and indifference towards others and societal happenings. The first verse introduces the idea of a carefree outsider who enjoys spreading rumors and views everything as unrelated to them, metaphorically placing everything on a shelf out of reach. This character is illustrated as someone who is aloof and uninvolved in the concerns of the world, finding solace in remaining distant from the commotion.

The following verse continues to emphasize the detached nature of this individual, highlighting their nonchalant attitude towards the chaos depicted through television and print media. The portrayal of laughter and noise as mere spectacle adds to the image of the carefree outsider, who perceives everything as merely happening to other people, maintaining a sense of serenity amid the turmoil of society. This detachment is further emphasized with the realization that even the news of the night, or the tears shed tomorrow, does not pertain to them but to the "呑気な他人," or the carefree outsider.

The chorus of the song delves into the universality of emotions and experiences, contrasting moments of joy and sadness as equal under the vast blue sky. The desire to alleviate another's tears if possible and the acknowledgment that everyone, including oneself, is a carefree outsider who may shed tears up to the sky, signifies a shared humanity and interconnectedness despite the singer's sense of detachment. The recurring refrain of the news of the night not concerning the singer, and their ability to feel happiness despite this detachment, reflects a stark contrast between personal contentment and the world's troubles.

The concluding lines of the song further explore the inevitability of tears and emotions, hinting at a future moment of vulnerability where even the carefree outsider may find themselves shedding tears. This acknowledgment of the transient nature of detachment and the potential for emotional vulnerability underscores the complexity of human experiences and relationships. In essence, the lyrics of "僕は他人" poignantly capture the dualities of detachment and interconnectedness, reminding listeners of the shared humanity that binds us all together despite our individual experiences as carefree outsiders.