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1nm8translations · 10 months

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edN Lyrics Translation & Song and MV Analysis

This time, I dive deeper into the themes and symbolism in the lyrics of edN and the imagery used in the MV. The analysis is based on my own translation. Includes spoilers for the 1Nm8 lore revealed so far, also after the release of FATE.

Please find edN by 1Nm8 and its official MV here.

As this analysis is being written after the release of SHOWDOWN and S∀G∀, I will make references to it where I believe it’s relevant or that something in the MV or the song is foreshadowing. You can find my analysis of S∀G∀ here.

As always, this analysis is subjective and you’re free to agree, disagree, or agree only with parts of it and have your own interpretations! I simply like making these and sharing them in hope my musings will be interesting to other fans.

Keep in mind my translation includes some liberties in wording where I could tweak something for rhythm and rhyme, but the meaning should not be affected. I explained my choices in the analysis. Without further ado, let’s discuss edN and it’s:

General themes:

At least some songs from FATE and RAGE are directed at the opposing group (for example, Hit em up is a clear diss at VISTY, and License to Kill has a reference to the conflict between Iori and Hancho as the extension of his history with Zen), and edN can also be interpreted as a message from 1Nm8 to TCW, at least in some parts.

I think some of the verses are directed at each other, and the chorus seems to be a message to Alter Trigger, though.

edN is mostly about 1Nm8’s goal and mission, with the strongest religious references out of their first three songs. However, there is a darker undertone to it.

Finally, I think edN shows contrast between the members the most from their songs so far.

Imagery

There’s a lot of white in the MV. First, it’s a part of the religious imagery - together with pillars, windows and arches reminiscent of a church. White stands for what’s pure, correct and holy.

However, white can also be a reference to the Alter Trigger facility Itsuki and Rokuta were kept at. The facility, in turn, is a symbol for what they’re fighting against. See the irony? I believe it may be intentional, showing them as two sides of a coin, and how easily righteousness can be corrupted - like at the beginning of the MV.

Finally, the white may be a reference to 1Nm8’s slogan of “Return to blank”, destruction to a blank slate to build again.

Then, the imagery in each of the members verses could be interpreted as their unique ways of “rebuilding”. It shows the contrasts between the members but also how they complete each other.

Kei is surrounded by floating broken parts, which means initiates the destruction. He’s the one who has formulated their plan and recruited the others. However, also contributes the ideas and ideals, which is shown by the floating models.

Meanwhile, the background in Itsuki’s verses features spirals, harmonious shapes and regular, flowing movement.

I believe that it shows how he contributes calm and structure. Notice how even the typography in his verses is the most neat and orderly (at least in the beginning), in comparison to Kei’s warying fonts and sizes and quickly moving text, or Rokuta’s floating letters. It appears as if Itsuki was typing the words on a keyboard.

The “typing” might even be a reference to Itsuki seeing himself as a “memory recording machine”.

However, one of 1nm8translation's followers, sugarstar-rabbits interpreted this differently (sharing with permission): that Itsuki typing out his lyrics gave it a cute personal touch. I think that is a good way to look at it too; you could see it as Itsuki being able to communicate better through music.

Finally, Rokuta is the most playful, with what looks like huge building blocks and floating round letters that remind me of a children’s show. While Kei can go to extremes and Itsuki gets cold and uncompromising, Rokuta brings in the warmth. He may use metaphors that are a bit childish, but he's the best at actually appealing to emotions and emotional needs.

Translation and Analysis

Aiight, Okay listen, Okay listen

目を覚ま

せ時は刻む

キミを導く It's my mission

静かに秘めたambition

Aiight, Okay listen, Okay listen

Open your eyes, the clock is ticking

To lead you is my mission

The quietly hidden away ambition

Just as in the voice drama, Kei declares that he sees changing people’s views of Phantometal is his mission - implied as a mission from God by the imagery. The clock Kei is sitting in front of looks like a clock from a church tower. It also means he’s high up - literally and figuratively “above” the misguided people.

“Quietly hidden away ambition” might refer to Kei having hidden plans related to his objective or, possibly, the way he didn’t go public about Phantometal until Paradox Live gave him the opportunity.

古いシステム全部投げ捨て

躊躇なく壊す and reset

感じないか？

溢れ出した勘違いは

悪しき害さ

Do it right, huh

Throw the old system away

Don’t hesitate, break it and reset

Don’t you feel it?

Misunderstandings slipping out of control

Are an evil influence

Do it right, huh

“溢れ出した勘違いは” literally means “The misunderstandings that overflowed”, like water from a container, but “going out of control” conveys the meaning better in my opinion. The misunderstanding would be rappers thinking that Phantom lives and Phantometal are something good for them - the way TCW refuse to give up on it because of the belief they bring each other and people together with their music.

感情的なるなまずthinking

悪いがもうアラームが鳴るringing

遊びならまたにしてくれ

俺達には時間などない全然

Don’t get emotional, thinking should come first

I’m sorry, but the alarm is already ringing

If you want to play around, do it another day

We don’t have any more time left

I think this is one of the parts of the song that is adressed to TCW, based on the confrontation between Kei, Itsuki and Naoakira and Yohei. In the drama track, Itsuki admitted he can't comprehend the emotional response to their plea and their attachment to Phantom Lives.

This verse gets a completely different ring to it after the SHOWDOWN drama track. There, we see that using Phantometal has adverse effects other than just trap reactions on Rokuta, and based on this verse, it likely affects Itsuki badly in some unusual way as well. Despite this, both Itsuki and Rokuta are determined to further Kei’s ideals.

It makes it even more ominous that Itsuki’s wording here doesn’t promise that they would be here later for the “playing around” - it’s more like he’s saying “don’t waste our limited time”.

In my translation I switched “later” for “another day” for the sake of the rhyme.

繋ぐ点と点を線で

I can see clearly like a レントゲン

Yeah, no pain no gain

Back to the 原点

消し去る幻影

Like connecting the dots with a line

I can see clearly like an X-ray

Yeah, no pain no gain

Back to the Origin

To obliterate the Phantom

The first two lines could be a reference to Itsuki’s abilities, but in the context of edN and the message of the song, I think it's more that he sees the truth behind Paradox Live and Phantometal.

This verse can also be seen as a flash forward to SHOWDOWN. “No pain no gain” is a cliche phrase, but in Itsuki’s and Rokuta’s situation it gains a more specific meaning - without suffering from Phantometal, they can’t accomplish their goal. If they stop out of concern for themselves, or Kei tries to stop them, they will fail.

Notice the black and white contrast. "Obliterate" is in black while "Phantom is in white. It's as if the MV was asking us "is this really the right thing to do?"

Yeah, History is

In the making

We're gonna be

The 1Nm8 King

なんどでもまたbreaking

The fight to try

Yeah, History is

In the making

We're gonna be

The 1Nm8 King

No matter many times, once again breaking

The fight to try

I find it interesting that Rokuta is the one who sings this part first (Kei repeats it later with the same lyrics). It shows how, despite his kindness and easygoing personality, he's just as commited to 1Nm8's goals.

ユルセナイ

そう思わないか？

覚悟を決めろ

地獄から手招きしてるピエロ

It’s unforgiveable,

Don’t you think?

So prepare for the worst

From hell, a pierrot beckons

I believe this part of the chorus adresses Alter Trigger - it's a declaration of war. The "unforgiveable" deeds would be of course their experimentation on the two and the damage the organization inflicted on many others - and continuing to pull strings bedind the scenes.

The phrase 覚悟を決めろ is often used in anime where a character or group challenges their opponent to a fight. It's like saying "prepare to get your ass kicked".

The 'pierrot' is fascinating because there's a few ways to interpret who it is supposed to be. The pierrot went from a sad fool in comedia dell'arte to a symbol of unpriviledged, opressed and misunderstood people in modern culture. Some artists, like Schoenberg, also used the pierrot's painted face as a symbol of hiding one's feelings and opinions.

Who is the pierrot in edN? I think it's either Ryu - Zero, or Kei. Ryu seems like an obvious choice. His cryptic speech and antics conceal sharp observational skills and the ability to see through people. He is also one of the worst affected by Alter Trigger's experiments.

On the other hand, Kei is the one who takes an active role in fighting for the victims of Alter Trigger and Phantometal. However, his arguments are dismissed by most, and he's seen as an unreasonable "fool".

The imagery in this verse shows Kei's silhouette going down a massive flight of stairs all alone - which may reflect that he has no support. He's stepping from the outside into a building which seems to be full of darkness. The only light is shining in from the outside.

Kei once tried to move away from Phantom Lives and even quit music, after he learned what Phantometal research has done to Rokuta, but he is voluntarily walking back into "hell" of Paradox Live for the sake of his mission of ending it once and for all. He "beckons" Itsuki and Rokuta who decide to follow him.

雑音(ノイズ)が付きまとうのさ

Everywhere we go

歪んだ世界から

今すぐ抜け出そう

We’re haunted by noise

Everywhere we go

As soon as we can

Let’s escape this twisted world

The 'noise' doesn't just mean loud sounds, but it can refer to interference or static, or even gossip or irresponsible criticism [1]. The 'noise' would be people trying to get in the way of 1Nm8's plans.

美しい破壊の音色儚い

悪魔の声に耳を貸さない

恐れる必要はない

No sacrifice

僕たちが導く paradise

The melody of destruction is beautiful yet fleeting

Don’t lend your ear to the whisper of the devil

There’s no need to fear,

There will be no sacrifice

In the paradise we lead you to

This is another part that I feel is adressed to TCW. The lyrics acknowledge that Phantom Lives have their appeal, and may even be beautiful, but it's the devil speaking. 1Nm8's ideal world wouldn't require anyone to risk their health or life for music, hence "no sacrifice".

However, would it really be "paradise"? The sudden switch from white to black here feels ominous. While on the white background, the members have their eyes closed, as if dreaming, while when they open their eyes, the mood changes dramatically. It might be showing the contrast between their 'dream' and the reality of it or what they're doing to achieve it.

If you look closely, there is a round light behind them in both frames (in the second one, it's just very faint). It reminds me of an angel's halo, or perhaps a lamp from a lab.

High, ほら手を取って

連れてくよロケットでトップへ

空は高いけどまぁどうせ

オレとキミが楽しけりゃdon't care

High up, come, take my hand

I’ll take you to the top on a rocket

The sky is so far, but it’s no matter

As long as we enjoy ourselves, I don’t care

I've heard the phrase "the sky is far (lit. high up)" in several Japanese songs. It's a metaphor that refers to your dreams and goals seeming very far away and difficult, or even impossible to reach, like the sky above us.

However, Rokuta isn't going to be bothered by it! It's too far? Let's make a rocket!

At first, I took this verse as an encouragement directed at 1Nm8's listeners, but now, after listening to the SHOWDOWN drama, I think it might actually be meant for Itsuki. I loved how he cheered Itsuki on and looked out for him before they met Kei. It gave more depth to their relationship, and showed it's not just Itsuki taking care of Rokuta, but a give and take.

えーなんで悲しい顔してんの？

悪夢みたいな世界でも

キミにあげるよチケット

そして見届けようジ・エンド

Why are you making a sad face?

Even if this world seems like a nightmare

I will give you a ticket out of here

And see it through till the end

I added "out of here" to the "I will give you a ticket" line because I feel like it's strongly implied by context of the verse and the whole song, like in "Let's escape this twisted world" in the chorus.

Like I mentioned at the start, Rokuta is the one who notices things like sadness and hopelessness and offers comforting words, which is difficult for the other two.

I think this verse is also for Itsuki. It reminds me of how Rokuta immediately noticed Itsuki was in a bad shape after they left the facility, overwhelmed by the outside world.

However, the imagery for the line "And see it through till the end" seems strange to me. It was the basis for my theory about Rokuta's memory loss, which you can read here.

The screen splits into 7 or 8 parts (if you count the one mostly off screen) and both Rokuta's image AND the words are repeated. It's as if the promise itself was repeated many times in the past - which could be because Rokuta kept forgetting it.

運命でも偶然でも一緒

具現化する描いたvision

重点置く重低音は基礎

痛言した数千のdecision

No matter if it was by chance or fate

To embody the vision pictured in our minds

The emphasis from the heavy bass serves as a foundation

For thousands of harsh decisions

I see this verse as Itsuki describing his role in 1Nm8 and his relationship with Kei. In SHOWDOWN, Itsuki says he feels 1Nm8 meeting and Kei's power working on him and Rokuta is fate.

1Nm8 is meant to realize Kei's vision, and he is the one making the "harsh decisions". 低音, bass, can also be translated as "low voice", and Itsuki's voice is the lowest of the three. I interpret this verse as Itsuki declaring he's rapping to support Kei's cause.

正確なリズムに旋律

I'mma show you how

唯一無二テクニック

着実に蝕むtoxic

They need the dope shit

Precise rhythm and melody

I’mma show you how

With one-of-a-kind technique

Steadily eaten away by the toxic

They need the dope shit

The “toxic” is obviously the Phantometal. means "to affect adversely; to spoil; to ruin; to undermine; to gnaw at (one's heart, body, etc.); to eat into; to destroy" [2], which accurately describes the Metal's effects.

Yeah, History is

In the making

We're gonna be

The 1Nm8 King

なんどでもまたbreaking

The fight to try

Yeah, History is

In the making

We're gonna be

The 1Nm8 King

No matter many times, once again breaking

The fight to try

Kei sings the same pre-chorus Rokuta does for the first half of the song, interestingly, with the same background imagery. I think it's meant to show their connection, and maybe hint at Rokuta's identity as Kei's missing brother (back when FATE released, we didn't know for sure).

(Chorus repeats)

必要ならば手に入れる

手っ取り早く we show and prove

無駄な工程はすべて省き

計画通り成し遂げる

Anything we need, we can obtain

Quick and easy, We show and prove

Eliminate all unnecessary steps

Proceed according to the plan

胸躍る事everyday

夢中でもっともっと大気圏まで

宙を舞ったらplay back again

With you, you, you そんなplan

My heart pounds in joy everyday

In a daze, I get closer to the atmosphere

If it flutters down in the wind, play back again

With you, you, you, that’s the plan

While Itsuki's verse is pretty straightforward, reiterating his methods and ambition, Rokuta's is more metaphoric.

I talked about it in my memory loss theory too, but 舞う can mean "whirl in the wind, flutter about, swirl, fly, circle", for example, like cherry blossoms falling. I think here it refers to Rokuta's memories, which scatter once he overused Phantometal again.

Notice that similarly to "See it through to the end", here "You" is repeated. I interpret the lines as Rokuta saying if he ends up losing his memories once more, he wants to "play back" - start over with 1Nm8.

悲しい結末は用意していない

君に正しい世界を見せる

これが道標さ

さぁ行こう

I'm not preparing a sad ending

I will show you what the world should be

This is a signpost

So, let's go

The literal translation of the second line of this verse would be "I will show you a correct (righteous, lawful) world".

This typography in this verse gives it a lot of urgency, and the way the characters rapidly flicker during the lines "This is a signpost / So, let's go" is sinister. It feels like Kei is close to the edge.

What comes next is even more sinister, however.

The chorus repeats again, but muffled, with a gray, staticky filter put over it. The moment where Kei is only partly visible through the kanji for 覚悟 (resolution, preparedness) but without his face now looks legitimately scary.

I found this part of the song unsettling ever since I first saw it, but I still can't quite put a finger on it. The filter makes me think of a feeling of shock after hearing or experiencing something that really rattles you, or numbness from too much pain. It might also evoke the feeling of muted "unrealness" when you are having a nightmare.

Do you have any other ideas? While I can't be sure what this means for Kei and 1Nm8 yet, I can tell it's nothing good.

Then, the second half of the chorus plays as normal, and the MV ends with the members in the same scenery we saw at the beginning. But can we still look at it the same way?

Final thoughts

Based on the muted filter, other symbolism and imagery in the MV: the double meaning of white, the black and white contrast, as well as Kei 'walking into hell' I'd say an important theme in edN is "becoming evil to fight evil" and the dangers of it. It's presented mostly visually, but I think it compliments the atmosphere in the drama track for FATE, especially the latter half. I want to make my own translation of it; I will link it here when it's completed.

Please don't take this analysis wrong! I'm a huge 1Nm8 fan and I voted for them both times. I think the element of darkness makes them more interesting.

Not that I am not worried, however ｡ﾟ(ﾟ＾ωﾟ)ﾟ｡

#1nm8 #paradox live #pararai #kei miyama #rokuta #translation #song translation #edN

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