He is a founding member of the New York synth rock outfit Jupiter One, as well as a touring member of Georgia based indie rock group of Montreal and has also toured with Regina Spektor, predominantly as a violinist.
Kishi Bashi is Kaoru Ishibashi's self-recorded and self-produced project started in 2011 with his first EP; Room For Dream, released in May 2011
http://kishibashi.bandcamp.com/
In Fantasia
Kishi Bashi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One by one we build an empire where devils roam and breed
Fading sunsets, to forget them is the mark of death
As we break in through the window
Of mind and greed
Darkened bridges sink away into the brackishness
Swirling sin into a rainbow of atrophy
Opens passages for vampires
To suck and feed
Kareru kareru
Subetega kareteruno
Fuyuno sabaku fuyuno sabaku ga hirogaru
Warerano yoruga kuru warerano yoruga hajimaru
Karehaga kareru warerano fuyuno sabaku
Waking insights born of jealousy and faithlessness
Gave us strength among the gentiles of modernity
In Fantasia the spirits hide from us they cannot bleed
Innocence is not a virtue in times of need
Endless twilight, if only stars would show their faithful stare
In this world of fading memories, we'd cease to be
In Fantasia the air is dense to me it hurts to scream
At windless castles in the darkness, too faint to see...
The lyrics to Kishi Bashi's "In Fantasia" are complex and poetic, with a surreal quality that belies their underlying meaning. The opening lines suggest that the mirrors in the world around us are not to be trusted, and that they manipulate and distort our perceptions of reality, planting a seed of doubt and uncertainty in our minds. As we begin to build our own empires and pursue our own desires, we risk falling prey to the influence of dark forces and devils, who roam and breed in the shadows of our consciousness.
The next verse describes a world of decay and decline, where sin and atrophy seem to swirl together in a rainbow of despair. The winters come and go, making way for the vampires to suck and feed, as we struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to be falling apart. The chorus uses Japanese phrases to describe the feeling of being drained and withered away by the desert-like expanse of winter, evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation.
The final verse speaks of waking insights that are born of jealousy and faithlessness, perhaps suggesting that our own selfish desires and feelings of inadequacy can lead us to great heights in the modern world, but that they also come at a cost. The spirits of the world around us hide from us, unable to bleed or show vulnerability. In this world of fading memories, where the stars refuse to show their faithful glare, we are left with a bleak sense of emptiness and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
In Fantasia the mirrors lie to us they plant a seed
The distorted reflections we see create false perceptions that shape our beliefs
One by one we build an empire where devils roam and breed
Collectively, we create a society that fosters and nurtures wickedness
Fading sunsets, to forget them is the mark of death
Losing touch with nature and its beauty leads to spiritual demise
As we break in through the window of mind and greed
Our desire for power and possessions blinds us to the cost of our actions
Darkened bridges sink away into the brackishness
The connections we have with others become diluted and corrupted over time
Swirling sin into a rainbow of atrophy
Our collective immorality leads to a colorful, but ultimately decaying world
When the winters help the golden autumns take it's leave
As time passes and nature changes, it creates vulnerabilities that monsters can exploit
Opens passages for vampires to suck and feed
It allows evil to thrive and consume without limit
Waking insights born of jealousy and faithlessness
Our realization of our own shortcomings and biases can inspire feelings of envy and despair
Gave us strength among the gentiles of modernity
Our faults are exposed as we adapt to the changing world, but this can lead to newfound fortitude
In Fantasia the spirits hide from us they cannot bleed
We cannot fully grasp the metaphysical realm and its force, which remains elusive and inscrutable
Innocence is not a virtue in times of need
Being naive and ignorant can be a liability during moments of crisis
Endless twilight, if only stars would show their faithful stare
Though we feel lost and alone, we yearn for guidance and hope from the vast sky above
In this world of fading memories, we'd cease to be
Recollecting the past gives our lives meaning, and without it, we would lose our identity
In Fantasia the air is dense to me it hurts to scream
The atmosphere is oppressive and suffocating, and even the act of expressing oneself is painful
At windless castles in the darkness, too faint to see...
We stumble blindly in the dark, trying to find meaning in elusive and intangible concepts
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Written by: Kaoru Ishibashi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@azurajackson4911
This song is such a powerful interpretation of the cruel society we live in.
The lyrics depict a dark and surreal world, described as "Fantasia," where mirrors deceive, devils roam, and fading sunsets symbolize impending death. The imagery suggests a corrupt and decaying empire built on greed and illusions.
The references to darkened bridges, brackishness, and swirling sin paint a bleak picture of a desolate and morally bankrupt landscape. The changing seasons, particularly the transition from golden autumn to winter, symbolize the passing of time and the decay of innocence.
The lyrics introduce the concept of vampires, representing parasitic beings that feed on the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of others. This further emphasizes the theme of corruption and exploitation.
The phrase "Kareru kareru, Subetega kareteruno" repeated in Japanese translates to "Withering, withering, everything is withering." It adds to the sense of decay and desolation prevalent in the lyrics.
The mention of waking insights born from jealousy and faithlessness suggests a sense of disillusionment and a loss of faith in the modern world. The lyrics imply that amidst this darkness, strength can be found, though it may come from unexpected places.
The mention of spirits hiding and the absence of bleeding in Fantasia suggests a detachment from emotions and a lack of genuine connection. Innocence is portrayed as futile in times of need, further emphasizing the grim nature of this world.
The closing lines describe windless castles in darkness, illustrating a sense of isolation and obscurity. The pain of screaming into a dense, hurting air highlights the frustration and despair of being unheard or unseen.
Overall, the lyrics paint a vivid and haunting picture of a distorted and corrupted world, where illusions, decay, and a loss of innocence prevail. The themes of disillusionment, decay, and isolation resonate throughout, creating a sense of unease and melancholy.
@Argb61172
One of those rare songs that became part of my life the first time I heard it. It's been too long. Thanks Kishi Bashi.
@frankrivas24
Argb61172 next time load up the app is call Shazam is free and you will know most of them music!!
@King-J-
can’t let go Juno , I like that one
@tvmila9616
same thoughts
@rachelwaters448
This song, for some reason, literally makes me weep. Masterpiece.
@ChetBABY
+R. Waters don't cry.
@ketchup1185
Me too, it's so layered and amazing.
@Eric-lw8te
Songs like these, feelings like these, always will 🖤
@sandorpalcso1142
@yeah tbh. 😃
@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633
Me too