Mackerel

‘I’ve been jamming to this song a lot lately.’

When my foreign friend asked for a music recommendation, I suggested a track by Lucid Fall. The song ‘Mackerel’ with its chant-like vocals is a mainstay on my playlist for those moments when I crave some chill vibes. Unlike Sesame and Cotton Candy’s ‘Is This the End?’, it doesn’t flit in and out. 🌿 I remember Hyori singing this song to Yoona on ‘Hyori’s Homestay’, and it just matched the vibe perfectly.

‘I know this song – thought it was pretty sad.. the lyrics.’

But she already knew it. The fact that someone living abroad knows a Lucid Fall song was more surprising than a Parisian knowing the Independence Gate. At least the Independence Gate looks somewhat like the Arc de Triomphe. But, what were the lyrics of this song again? I’m not the type to focus on lyrics, so I didn’t know exactly what ‘Mackerel’ was about. I recommended it for its tune, yet here I was, needing to ask about its lyrics. Talk about embarrassing.

When I paid closer attention to ‘Mackerel’ in the evening, the lyrics were definitely sad.

With strong fins that can take me anywhere
I swim to wherever I’m wanted
So even those without money can eat their fill
Once again, I part the seaThough I might not taste as good or be as tender
As the costly sirloin steaks of Seoul
I still know that I’ve graced
The dinner tables of countless familiesWhen you choose me, please look into my eyes
I don’t even know how to close them
Thank you, my dear, for picking me
You’ve worked hard today, tooLucid Fall – ‘Mackerel’

The overall vibe is haunting, sometimes heartbreaking, a bit funny, lovable, and warm… The more you listen, the more it stirs your heart. 💔 Especially this part, it just hits right in the feels.

I don’t even know how to close my eyes.

Sometimes when a gentle breeze brushes by, I feel like tilting my head back, closing my eyes, and taking a deep breath. But, the mackerel can’t do that. Even during a kiss, it has to keep its eyes wide open and gaze at the other. 😳 Even if it’s awkward, there’s no choice. When the strong wind blows, it faces it with tears in its eyes, and on birthdays, it can’t even dream of surprise parties with ‘You can open your eyes now!’ No epic staring contests either, and mostly, it has to fall asleep each night with its eyes wide open. Realizing this, it made me feel grateful for having eyelids. 🌟