人生は思い通り
椎名林檎 Lyrics

In the opening lines of the song "人生は思い通り" by 椎名林檎, the imagery of dusk setting in and the street lamps casting a desolate glow sets the tone for reflection and introspection. The singer is seen rummaging in one pocket for dreams, symbolizing a longing for something elusive and unattainable. The nostalgic reference to childhood dreams suggests a yearning for a simpler time when everything seemed within reach. However, the reality of adulthood is harshly juxtaposed as the singer acknowledges that it is impossible to reclaim the innocence and wonder of youth. The mention of stolen hearts and the sound of withered trees evokes a sense of loss and melancholy, hinting at the transient nature of desires and aspirations.

The lament in the subsequent lines highlights a sense of disillusionment with the unpredictability and harshness of life's journey. The singer questions where the boundaries lie between hope and despair, success and failure. Despite the regrets and struggles, there is a resigned acceptance that certain paths cannot be revisited or altered. The repetition of "戻れない" (cannot return) emphasizes the finality and inevitability of past choices and actions, suggesting a sense of resignation to the passage of time and the irreversible nature of life's twists and turns.

As the narrative shifts to the bustling scene at a train station, the singer describes weaving through the crowd with closed ears, indicating a detachment from the noise and chaos of urban life. The contrasting emotions of pursuit and loss are portrayed through the blinding dazzle of light and the overshadowing solitude. The weary legs tangled in darkness symbolize a struggle with inner turmoil and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of exhaustion and uncertainty. The imagery evokes a profound yearning for a fresh start or a chance to rewrite one's story, underscoring the desire for redemption and renewal amidst the chaos and confusion of existence.

The final declaration of "Believer believer believer believer" serves as a plea for faith and resilience in the face of adversity and disappointment. The singer grapples with the enigma of life's constraints and limitations, pondering the essence of true freedom and autonomy. The defiance in claiming that true freedom lies in seizing the present moment reflects a defiant spirit that refuses to be confined by past regrets or future uncertainties. The closing lines affirm a profound truth about the human experience: we are always moving forward, continually evolving and changing, unable to revisit the past but empowered to shape our own destinies in the uncharted territory of the future. In essence, the lyrics of "人生は思い通り" encapsulate a poignant reflection on the complexity of life's journey, echoing a universal longing for meaning, purpose, and the elusive pursuit of self-discovery.