BAD MODE (Track)

From the very start of these lyrics, it's apparent that the purpose of the song is directed to a close friend who has been feeling down. To be specific, probably a little more than "let down", but moreso in a "bad mode". Similar to the album itself, this phrase is a combination between English words in a Japanese context. BAD as an adjective is used more generically within Japan, and ultimately serves as the counter of feeling content or satisfied with yourself. A bad mode, by extension, is the time when you're down in the dumps and need someone to help lift you up. "Bad vibes", or a "rough patch", if you will.

This is the title track of the BAD モード album released on January 19, 2022 by Hikaru Utada. This track is interesting to me as it shifts from a downcast introduction to a fully different tempo and lyrical environment midway through the track, before invoking itself into something of a manic closure that still ends up wrapping up satisfyingly.

As part of this album's slightly despondent overall theme, this song is about Utada desiring to be there for their friend whose emotional state is a bit more severe than feeling let down, going as far as slight drug references of Diazepam to desperately lighten their friend's overall mood. The second group of stanzas go into the internal questioning for the best way to navigate this scenario, as Utada doesn't want to "fuck it up" and worsen this already uncertain mental state. It rather seems a genuine desire to emotionally reconnect on an interpersonal level with this unknown friend, with her going all out to focus on having a good time with one another.

The mention of taking a bath together implies that this friend may be a little closer that what fits the common framework of a friendship, but also may not necessarily be a person in an established traditional relationship; if other songs like Time are anything to go by.

This song is another reminder that the human emotional aspect still exists in some people, which I appreciate it for. Questioning an entity like God for being frustrated with their friend is a bit of an extreme measure for a person who identifies as a Christian, as it proves they value their relationship to the point where they are questioning the supernatural for them. BAD MODE also just phonetically sounds fantastic, which is a a plus. This song is one of Utada's few tracks that feature both English and Japanese lyrics in the same track.

Lyrics

Lyrics

Original	English
いつも優しくていい子な君が 調子悪そうにしているなんて いったいどうしてだ 神様 そりゃないぜ	For a kind, sweetheart like you To be feeling down for so long What’s going on? Yo God, you’re not being fair
そっと見守ろうか? それとも直球で聞いてみようか? 傷つけてしまわないか?	Should I give some space? Should I be direct and ask? What if I end up hurting you?
わかんないけど 君のこと絶対守りたい 絶好調でも BAD モードでも 君に会いたい	I don’t know But I want to protect you no matter what Whether you’re at your best or in Bad Mode I’d like to see you
I can't let you go (let you go) I just want you more in my life	I can't let you go (let you go) I just want you more in my life
絶好調でも BAD モードでも 好き度変わらない	Whether we’re flying high or in Bad Mode My degree of love for you remains the same
Here's a diazepam We can each take half of Or we can roll one up However the night flows	Here's a diazepam We can each take half of Or we can roll one up However the night flows
Here's a diazepam We can each take half of However the night flows	Here's a diazepam We can each take half of However the night flows
メール無視してネトフリでも観て パジャマのままで ウーバーイーツでなんか頼んで お風呂一緒に入ろうか	How about we ignore texts, watch Netflix Stay in our pajamas all day, Order something on Uber Eats And take a bath together?
何度自問自答した? 誰でもこんなに怖いんだろうか? 二度とあんな思いはしないと祈るしかないか	How many times did I question myself? Is it this scary for everyone else too? I guess all I can do is pray that things won’t turn out like last time
今よりも良い状況を 想像できない日も私がいるよ	Even when it’s hard to believe that better days are coming I’m here for you
I can't let you go I just want you more When you feel low and alone You'd better let me know	I can't let you go I just want you more When you feel low and alone You'd better let me know
You know I'm bad at explaining But lately I've done some maturing Won't you lean on me when you need Something to lean on	You know I'm bad at explaining But lately I've done some maturing Won't you lean on me when you need Something to lean on
エンドロールの最後の最後まで 観たがる君の横顔が 正直言うと 僕の一番楽しみなとこ 楽しみなとこ	Your profile as you insist on watching To the very end of the end credits To be honest That’s my favorite part of the show My favorite part of the show
Hopе I don't fuck it up Hope I don't fuck it up again Hope I don't... don't fuck it up again	Hopе I don't fuck it up Hope I don't fuck it up again Hope I don't... don't fuck it up again