Meaning of 米津玄師 (Kenshi Yonezu) – ドーナツホール (Doughnut Hole) (Cover) (Romanized) by Genius Romanizations

The Poignant Story of 米津玄師 (Kenshi Yonezu) – ドーナツホール (Doughnut Hole)

Kenshi Yonezu’s ドーナツホール (Doughnut Hole) is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the themes of lost memories, emotional turmoil, and the relentless pursuit of inner peace. Through his poignant lyrics and soaring melody, Yonezu crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The Weight of Forgotten Memories

The song begins with a haunting refrain, "Itsu kara konna ni ōkina omoidasenai kioku ga atta ka / Dō ni mo oboetenai no o hitotsu tashika ni oboeterun da na" (Since when did I have such a large memory that I can’t recall? / I absolutely remember not remembering anything). This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a poignant exploration of the weight of forgotten memories.

The protagonist is consumed by the frustration of not being able to recall important moments or people from their past. This lack of recollection becomes a source of self-doubt and uncertainty, as they struggle to make sense of their own identity. Yonezu’s lyrics capture the emotional turmoil that can arise from the loss of memories, and the desperation to hold onto what is left.

The Longing for Emotional Stability

The chorus, "Nanimo shiranai mama de iru no ga / Anata o kizutsukete wa shinai ka / Sore de ima mo nemurenai no o / Anata ga shireba warau darou ka" (I wonder if I can continue not knowing anything / Without hurting you / If you knew, would you laugh at me not being able to sleep even now?), delves into the protagonist’s longing for emotional stability. They yearn for someone to understand their struggles, and for the reassurance that they are not alone in their emotional turmoil.

The lyrics are hauntingly vulnerable, as the protagonist admits to their own inadequacies and fears. Yonezu’s use of metaphors adds depth to the song’s meaning, as the protagonist compares themselves to a doughnut hole, unable to grasp something intangible. This imagery captures the fragility of human emotions, and the difficulty of holding onto something that is elusive.

The Power of Introspection

Throughout the song, Yonezu encourages the listener to engage in introspection and self-reflection. The lines, "Ushinatta kanjō bakka kazoete itara / Anata ga kureta koe mo itsuka wasurete shimatta" (If I keep counting only the lost emotions / Someday, I’ll forget even the voice you gave me), convey the futility of holding onto past emotions. The protagonist recognizes that these feelings will eventually fade away, and that they must learn to let go.

The Power of Human Connection

The bridge, "Kono mune ni aita ana ga ima / Anata o tashikameru tada hitotsu no shōmei / Soredemo boku wa munashikute / Kokoro ga chigiresō da dō shiyō mo nai manma" (The hole that opened in my heart now / Is the only proof that validates your existence / Still, I feel empty / My heart feels like it’s tearing apart, and there’s no way to fix it), emphasizes the importance of human connection. The protagonist realizes that the only proof of the other person’s existence is the hole that remains in their heart.

This imagery captures the pain of losing a loved one, and the longing for that connection to be restored. Yonezu’s lyrics are heartbreakingly honest, as the protagonist admits to the emptiness that has consumed them.

A Message of Hope

Ultimately, ドーナツホール (Doughnut Hole) is a message of hope. Despite the turmoil and uncertainty, the protagonist finds solace in the fact that they are not alone. Yonezu’s song is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection, and the need to hold onto those moments and memories that bring us joy.

As someone who has personally connected with this song, I can attest to its profound impact. ドーナツホール (Doughnut Hole) is a song that resonates deeply, speaking to the universal human experiences of loss, longing, and the pursuit of inner peace.

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