TWICE – Like 1. Lyrics Meaning: An Unbreakable Bond, Even When Apart
Ever had that gut-wrenching, bittersweet feeling when you know a chapter with someone you care about is closing? Maybe it’s the end of a school year, a friend moving to a different city, or just that natural drift that life sometimes throws at us. You want to freeze time, to just stay in that perfect moment forever, but you know you can’t. It’s that exact, heart-tugging emotion that TWICE perfectly captures in their song, “Like 1.” But hold on, this isn’t just another sad goodbye song. It’s so much more, and we’re about to unpack why it’s actually a beautiful and powerful promise about a connection that defies distance and time.
Diving Into “Like 1” by TWICE: The Elephant in the Room
Right from the get-go, the song doesn’t shy away from the inevitable. It lays the cards on the table, acknowledging a future where things will be different. It’s a brave and honest start.
Someday, we will come to pass
And someday, I will have to let you go
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Oof, that hits hard, right? There’s no sugarcoating it. This is a story about a separation that’s on the horizon. But just as your heart starts to sink, TWICE adds a layer of beautiful complexity with a line in Japanese that completely shifts the mood from one of finality to one of continuity.
でも終わりじゃない想い出は溢れるほど
Demo owari ja nai omoide wa afureru hodo
But it’s not the end, memories are overflowing
And there it is. This single line is the core of the song’s message. Yes, the physical presence might fade, but the shared experiences, the laughter, the inside jokes—those aren’t going anywhere. They are overflowing, creating a foundation so strong that a simple goodbye can’t possibly erase it. The bond has already been forged, and it’s here to stay.
The “Peter Pan” Wish and Facing Reality
We’ve all been there. When faced with a tough change, who hasn’t wished for a little bit of magic to escape it all? The lyrics perfectly capture this universal feeling of wanting to avoid the pain of growing up and moving on.
No growing up, no need to pick a lane
It’s such a relatable sentiment. The desire to live in a Neverland where your favorite people stay with you forever is a powerful one. This vulnerability makes the song incredibly human. It admits that facing this change is scary and that “bad thoughts” can creep in. However, the song doesn’t stay in that place of fear. It pivots to a statement of strength: “We’re going down, but we’re strong and robust.” This isn’t about giving up; it’s about acknowledging the difficulty while still holding on to their inner resilience.
A Bittersweet Salute to the Present
This brings us to the powerful chorus, which is less of a sad farewell and more of a heartfelt promise. It’s an anthem for anyone who has had to say a “see you later” instead of a “goodbye.”
Know there will come a time
For a bittersweet salute (I wanna)
But we don’t get to choose
The phrase “bittersweet salute” is just perfect. It’s a nod of respect to the journey they’ve shared and an acceptance of the path ahead. They recognize they can’t stop time, but that doesn’t diminish what they have. The chorus then delivers the ultimate reassurance:
‘Cause we’re drifting away, but don’t be afraid
We’ll meet at lost and found
No matter, what our love becomes
The two of us will always be like one
This is the promise. The idea of meeting at a “lost and found” is such a clever and comforting metaphor, suggesting that even if they lose their way for a while, they will find their way back to each other. The final line is the anchor: their spirits, their connection, will remain unified as one.
Rolling the Dice on an Unchanging Fate
The bridge of the song adds another fascinating layer, touching on uncertainty and the need for mutual trust. It acknowledges that the future is a gamble, but it’s a gamble they’re willing to take together.
We’re like a pretty piece of art
‘Til we have a change of heart
We don’t have to worry though…
Okay, let’s roll the dice
This leap of faith is powered by a deep-seated belief in their bond. They know that external circumstances might change, but their trust in each other is what truly matters. This idea is reinforced by another poignant Japanese line:
限られた 時間と変わらぬ Our fate
Kagirareta jikan to kawaranu our fate
Limited time and our unchanging fate
What a beautiful paradox! They are accepting that their time together right now is limited, but they also believe that their ultimate fate—their deep connection—is unchanging. It’s about finding peace in the temporary nature of the present while having faith in the permanence of their bond.
So, what’s the real message here? “Like 1” teaches us that true connections aren’t defined by proximity. It’s a song that encourages us to cherish the moments we have, to accept the reality of change without fear, and to trust that the most meaningful relationships in our lives have a strength that transcends physical distance. It’s not about clinging to the past but about carrying the essence of that past with you into the future.
Ultimately, “Like 1” feels like a warm, reassuring hug in the form of a song. It gives you permission to feel sad about a chapter ending while simultaneously filling you with hope for what’s to come, knowing that the most important connections will endure. It’s a testament to the idea that some bonds are so profound that you’ll always be, in spirit, “like one.” But that’s just my take on it! What does this song mean to you? Do you see it as a story between friends, lovers, or maybe even a message from TWICE to their fans? I’d love to hear your perspective!
