Song meaning of タイムマシン (Time Machine) by SEKAI NO OWARI

"タイムマシン (Time Machine)" by SEKAI NO OWARI is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song delves into the protagonist's internal struggle as they grapple with the idea of erasing memories to alleviate the pain of heartbreak. The chorus sets the tone for the song, with the lyrics "タイムマシンに乗ってチクタクチクタク" (Riding on a time machine, tick-tock, tick-tock) conveying a sense of urgency and longing to escape the emotional turmoil caused by memories of a past relationship.

In the first verse, the protagonist expresses how meeting their significant other changed their world, making them realize the depth of their feelings and the importance of love. The lines "君に会うまでは自分より大切な君を失い" (Until I met you, I lost someone more important than myself) highlight the transformative power of love and the impact it can have on one's sense of self. The protagonist grapples with the idea that meeting their love interest has made them feel incomplete without them, emphasizing the profound effect of the relationship on their life.

The pre-chorus delves into the bittersweet nature of memories, with the protagonist acknowledging the happiness they once felt with their partner while also experiencing tears at the thought of losing them. The lyrics "幸せだったと思う度に涙が溢れ出してくるんだ" (Every time I think of the happiness, tears overflow) capture the conflicting emotions of nostalgia and pain that come with reminiscing about a past love. The chorus repeats the theme of using a time machine to erase memories and the internal struggle of whether it would be better to have never met their love interest in the first place.

In the second verse, the protagonist reflects on the stagnation they feel in their life since meeting their partner, questioning whether they have truly progressed or if they are stuck in the past. The lyrics "3年前のあの日から僕は何にも進んでない気がするんだよ" (Since that day three years ago, I feel like I haven't progressed at all) convey a sense of longing for growth and change, juxtaposed with the comfort and familiarity of the past. The pre-chorus continues to explore the protagonist's deep connection with their partner, finding beauty in the mundane moments shared together.

The bridge of the song delves into the protagonist's initial reaction upon meeting their love interest, expressing disbelief at the impact the encounter had on their life. The lyrics "君と出逢った瞬間の僕はそんな顔をしてたのか" (Was that the face I made when I met you?) reflect on the transformative power of love and the profound effect it can have on one's identity. The protagonist ultimately comes to terms with the fact that meeting their partner was a pivotal moment in their life, despite the challenges and heartache that came with it.

Overall, "タイムマシン (Time Machine)" by SEKAI NO OWARI is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of memory. The song captures the emotional turmoil of longing for a past love while grappling with the idea of erasing memories to alleviate pain. Through its introspective lyrics and emotive delivery, the song resonates with listeners on a deep and personal level, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of love and heartbreak.