I smash my broken heart of gold."
And if you recognise that phrase, I can safely assume you have either watched Rurouni Kenshin : The Final, or you heard of One Ok Rock's most recent song, "Broken Heart of Gold" (which is available in its usual International version i.e. full English, and also Japanese version).
While I had not watched the movie, I am currently hooked on this song. Not too sure why but I have recently been feeling this indescribable feeling of wanting to give up on life, coupled with the uncertainty and confusion of not knowing where I am going. So, I can safely say this song seems pretty much like a sign from the universe, to appear at this moment.
I am lucky enough to not feel suicidal, however, I do feel tired. Really tired of whatever is happening. Sometimes I just want a 'pause' button for life, to take a breather from everyone and everything around me. Just a 2 to 3 days silence. Not talking to anyone, not communicating with anyone, not dealing with everything. But I guess in a world where everything is all about connectivity, this shall remain a wishful thinking. Then have to manage the fragility of other humans.
Well, that's that. Random expression of thoughts and feelings over. Moving on with actually dissecting and understanding the song:
The piano intro starts with chords and some solitary notes here and there, works wonderfully well to ease the listener into the song, then the vocal starts coming in together with the synthesiser, bass and guitar. At the chorus, then only the drums become apparent. Thereafter, it is a complete masterpiece where the listener feels completely immersed and hangs on to every note, every beat, every word and every 'explosive' moments. Then it ends with some bass and guitar, and some super light snare(?).
While I think this song does not fully release each member's capability, as in, everyone still seems to be holding back instead of going all out, yet, perhaps because this is a ballad, hence that's why? But again, just a guess and personal opinion.
What I can commend this song for is that all members blend really well together and bring out their own aspects to the song.
Of course, the mixer, producer and all technical hands do play a part in making sure this song comes out well, so, I would still say kudos and great job to everyone!
Now, the biggest part and most significant part, the lyric(am going to go with the full English version):
Skies are grey, starts to fade, I guess, I threw it all away.
Sometimes I just wanna quit, tell my life I am done with it, when it feels too painful.
Sometimes I just wanna say, I love myself but not today, when it feels too painful.
I smash my broken heart of gold x 2
Tired soul, dying hope, I guess, I am running out of road, I guess, I got nowhere.
Sometimes I just wanna quit, tell my life I am done with it, when it feels too painful.
Sometimes I just wanna say, I love myself but not today, when it feels too painful.
I smash my broken heart of gold x 3
Feels like I am dying, feels like I am lying to myself, I know I am trying, but it feels like, I am in hell
I am in hellllllllllllll~~
Sometimes I just wanna quit, tell my life I am done with it, when it feels too painful.
Sometimes I just wanna say, I love myself but not today, when it feels too painful.
I smash my broken heart of gold x 3
(Yes, in the style of a classic idiot, I forgot there is an official lyric video version and only realised once I typed everything out. Good practice to listen I guess, oh well, what is done is done.)
So, yes, it somehow feels depressing yet motivating at the same time. Honestly, I like the song still. Like, it acknowledges life is tough, living is tough, it is ok to break down once in a while, eventually just toughen up and just keep going.
I guess it is kinda like, having a heart of gold wears you out, and maybe, just maybe, break it for a while, and while you pick up the pieces and recover, you become a stronger and better person? What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, right? RIGHT??!!
Well, one more interesting thing is that, the band currently does not have any Music Video for the song and are accepting submission of videos to be used as their Official Music Video. So, creative folks, seeking breakthrough folks, bored folks, curious folks, and anyone who would like to try, the end date for submission of your creation is 30th June 2021.
I personally don't have an idea for the Music Video yet, maybe I just want to enjoy being a consumer of the performing arts, so, less one competitor here. XD
There you go, folks:
NEVER. GIVE. UP!
(Now, I am not a professional critic or anything, heck, I don't even have a good listening ear, but hey, at least I tried and best of all, I am not afraid to be wrong, cause that's where I get to learn, if anyone corrects me la.)
