Matryoshka (song by Hatsune Miku)
"Matryoshka" (マトリョシカ), was released on August 19, 2010 on Nico Nico Douga and on October 1, 2013 on YouTube. The song is written by Hachi None
Matryoshka currently has over 11 million views on Nico Nico Douga and 28 million views on YouTube. In addition to becoming one of the most-viewed Vocaloid songs on YouTube, it has reached the Hall of Myths, a term used by fans to define songs that have surpassed 10 million views on Nico Nico Douga. It has become one of the most-viewed Vocaloid songs of all time on YouTube.
The song was made for Hatsune Miku 's 3rd anniversary. It is Hachi's most notable work under her nickname, one of the most popular Vocaloid duos, and one of the most popular Vocaloid songs of all time.
Upon its initial release, the song was widely covered by fans due to its lyrics and the speed at which the song is sung (approximately 178 beats per minute). These uploaded covers were viewed similarly to the original music video and led to many cover singers becoming household names within the Vocaloid community.
Producer's Comments
"Hey, it's me, Hachi. I made this silly video that I hope will cheer you up."
Fan debate over lyrics
Although most of the lyrics are generally meaningless or devoid of any specific meaning, there is a hint of pain or sadness that gives the overall impression of a crazy inner feeling. For this reason, the lyrics can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
A Matryoshka is a Russian doll. In the song's interludes, GUMI speaks lines that are simply descriptions in several languages taken from the Wikipedia article on the dolls.
Song Information
Lyrics: Hachi
Composition: Hachi
Vocals: Hatsune Miku / GUMI
Published by Dwango Second Division under JASRAC
JASRAC works code: 173-9846-1
Words
Kanji | Romaji | Translation |
---|---|---|
考え過ぎのメッセージ誰に届くかも知らないで | kangae sugi no messeeji dare ni todoku kamo shiranai de | Messages I've thought too hard about that might not even reach anyone |
きっと私はいつでもそう 継ぎ接ぎ狂ったマトリョシカ | kitto watashi wa itsudemo sou tsugi hagi kurutta matoryoshika | That's probably how I always am, a crazy patchwork Matryoshka |
Interpretation
The song is composed of many unrelated segments that don't fit very well into a story or make much sense. The first lines are where the character admits that her mind is a matryoshka made of parts, meaning that it not only has multiple layers, but is also made of fragments of separate materials. Most likely, this song represents a descent into the mind of a mad person; her thoughts are confusing and difficult to understand, and she is aware of this, but due to her inability to do anything about it, she can only wish that someone would understand her and accept her for who she is.
Some verses may connect to a plot, but the intermissions between the two, where names that exist in reality and similar-sounding but completely different names are invoked, and then become the focus of the sentence, make the sentence difficult to follow. The invoked names are perhaps fragments of the broken mind being addressed in a schizophrenic manner, as in "Kalinka? Malinka? Pull the strings" and "Freud? Keloid? Strike the keys," where an imaginary group seems to be commanded.
"What should I do with these feelings? Won't you tell me? I hear you loud and clear 5-2-4" Of all the confusing phrases, the fan theory surrounding this one, specifically 5-2-4, is that the absence of 1 and 3 is a pun, as the two together can be read as "imi," the Japanese word for "meaning," thus meaning "there is no meaning."
The song ends with the formation of completely abandoned phrases. She says "hurry up, dance and disappear" and then sings without saying anything, simply saying "chu chu chu la lu la" which could be her mind finally breaking into complete chaos and even the little reason she had left is now gone.
Links
【Original song with PV】Matryoshka【Hatsune Miku・GUMI】 - Nico Nico Douga
ハチ MV「マトリョシカ」HACHI / MATORYOSHKA - YouTube
Chinese medicine - Wikipedia