Seventh Heaven
L'ArcЃ`enЃ`Ciel Lyrics

L'Arc～en～Ciel's "SEVENTH HEAVEN" captures the essence of love, freedom, and the pursuit of a paradise that transcends the ordinary experiences of life. The opening lines express a call to action: "我に続け さあ行こう" (Follow me, let's go). This creates an atmosphere of urgency and determination to break free from the confines of one's existence. The imagery of shedding "殼" (shells) evokes the idea of stripping away personal barriers to create an unfiltered connection of love between two individuals. The act of embracing and affirming each other symbolizes the strength found in intimacy, encouraging the listeners to pursue their own "楽園" (paradise). The refrain, "Stairs to the seventh, running up to heaven," suggests a journey toward an ideal state, both spiritual and emotional, emphasizing ascent and the longing for a higher existence.

The juxtaposition of beauty and pain is prevalent in the lyrics. The "煌いた瑠璃色" (shining lapis lazuli color) penetrating the heart signifies not just aesthetic beauty but also an awakening to profound emotions. This brings about a realization that life holds a deeper significance: "We can't let it end." There’s an uncompromising acknowledgment of human desires and aspirations, capturing the soul’s need to pursue an eternal bond. The reference to a "未来図" (future picture) reveals the singer's dreams intertwined with a partner, indicating that their visions of happiness and fulfillment are co-created. The notion of the "最終的な question" (ultimate question) about the existence of heaven underscores the quest for meaning in life and love, presented as a mystery yet to be solved, heightening the sense of searching for answers that lie in intimacy.

As the song progresses, there’s a sense of circularity that reflects the complexities of desire and entrapment. Phrases describing the temptation leading to drowning and the repetition of wandering in circles suggest the struggles that often accompany passionate pursuits. This reinforces the idea that while the journey to heaven or paradise seems straightforward, it can be fraught with distractions and challenges. The invitation for everyone to join in ("その手で思う存分") reflects an inclusive approach, emphasizing communal experiences of love and possibly collective escapism. There is an acknowledgment of the darker facets of pleasure, referring to symptoms that contrast the ecstatic, suggesting that love and joy are intertwined with pain and struggle. By embracing these complexities, the narrative invites listeners to engage fully with life, both the highs and lows.

The concluding lines reassert the theme of perseverance and determination to break through barriers. The repetition of "我に続け" invigorates the motivational tone, calling for unity in this adventurous quest. The image of drinking life to the fullest resonates with the lyrical intent to embrace every experience, challenging the listener to construct their own version of paradise amidst the chaos. Ultimately, "Stairs to the seventh, running up to heaven" encapsulates the core essence of the song—a relentless pursuit of transcendent love and personal truth. The lyrics compel action and reflection, igniting a passionate spirit to seize one's destiny in love while remaining present in each moment, thus transforming the very essence of existence into a grand, shared odyssey towards heaven.