Matryoshka (song by Hatsune Miku)
"Matryoshka" (マトリョシカ), was released on August 19, 2010, on Nico Nico Douga and October 1, 2013, on YouTube. The song is written by Hachi.
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 phrase used by fans to define songs that have exceeded 10 million views on Nico Nico Douga. It has become one of the most viewed ever Vocaloid songs on YouTube.
The song was made for Hatsune Miku's 3rd anniversary. It is Hachi's most notable work using his moniker, one of the most popular Vocaloid duets, and one of the most popular Vocaloid songs of all time.
Upon its initial release, the song was heavily covered by fans due to its lyrics and speed at which the song is sung (approximated 178 beats per minute). These uploaded covers would see similar views to the original music video and resulted in many song cover (歌ってみた, utatte mita) 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 raise your spirits.”
Fan Debate on Lyrics
Although most of the lyrics are generally nonsensical or lacking definite meaning, there is a hint of pain or sadness that gives the overall impression of a crazy internal feeling. Because of this, the lyrics can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
A Matryoshka is a Russian nesting doll. In the intermissions of the song, lines are spoken by GUMI which are simply descriptions in various languages from the Wikipedia article for the dolls.
Song Information
Lyrics: Hachi
Composition: Hachi
Vocal: Hatsune Miku / GUMI
Published by Dwango Second Division under JASRAC
JASRAC Works Code: 173-9846-1
Lyrics
| 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 which I have put too much thought into, which 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 what I’m always like, an insane patchwork Matryoshka |
Interpretation
The song is composed of many non-sequitur segments that don’t connect into a story very well or make much sense. The opening lines are where the character admits that their mind is a matryoshka made of patches, meaning they have not only multiple layers, but they’re made from fragments of distinct materials. Most likely, this song represents a descent into the mind of a mad person; their thoughts are confusing and hard to understand and they’re aware of it, but due to their inability to do anything about it they can only wish for someone to understand, and accept them as they are.
Some verses may connect into a storyline, but the intermissions in-between where names which exist in reality and similar-sounding names that are something completely different are called upon, then become the focus of the sentence, make it hard to follow. The names called are possibly fragments of the broken mind being addressed in a schizophrenic fashion, as in “Kalinka? Malinka? Pull the strings” and “Freud? Keloid? Hit the keys” where an imaginary band seems to be commanded.
“What should I do with these feelings? Won’t you tell me? I can hear you loud and clear 5-2-4” Out of all the confusing sentences, the fan theory surrounding this one, more specifically the 5-2-4, is that the lack of 1 and 3 is wordplay, as the two together can be read as “imi”, the Japanese word for “meaning”, thus standing for “there is no meaning.”
The song ends with the forming of sentences abandoned entirely. She says “hurry up, dance and disappear” then sings without saying anything, simply going “chu chu chu la lu la” which may be her mind finally shattering into complete chaos and even the little remaining reason she had 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
米津玄師 - Wikipedia