“I Am the Antichrist to You” by Kishi Bashi
Before you get too alarmed in relation the title of this track (“I Am the Antichrist to You”), let it be known that this song is in fact, as explained by Kishi, a “strange love song”. It has been described as a love song in which the vocalist is making that statement to an addressee who is his romantic interest.
So fundamentally, what we’re dealing with here is a piece about a troubled relationship which is themed on such a motif, i.e. references to “the antichrist”, if you will. And to note, said character is actually derived from the Bible and represents, as most generally and simply understood, Satan.
But as far as the actual verses go, the lyrics are not replete with such references. Instead what Bashi is putting forth in the first verse is an idea like him being a timid lover who was victimized by his partner.
The second verse is a lot more metaphorical, but what it appears to speak to is both of them having contributed to this romance now being less-than-ideal, or something like that.
So in reality, if a listener is coming into this piece thinking that it really has something to do with the titular character, then he or she will probably walk away disappointed. Rather and in conclusion, what Kishi appears to be doing in likening himself to “the antichrist” is alluding to the realization that he is far from a perfect romantic partner.
Who is Kishi Bashi?
Kishi Bashi is a musician from Virginia who is of Japanese parentage. He has released four studio albums thus far. The best-faring of the lot was his second album, 2014’s “Lighght”.
“I Am the Antichrist to You”
This particular song, “I Am the Antichrist to You”, was released on 10 April 2012 as part of his debut album titled “151a”. The whole project was sponsored by Joyful Noise Records.
This track appears to be the most-notable song from that project. This is due to the fact that it was featured on the popular animated sitcom Rick and Morty in 2021. It appear on an episode titled “A Rickconvenient Mort”.
This song really touched me
Very true my friend
I disagree. This song is about passion and a body-soul pull towards someone, who is not this persons current partner. It is a peak spiritual realization and loss of innocense in someone who has already had and have lost several of those, about feeling most immense sense of personal loss (current family, the life that is and was to become and that in any and all cases is now altered because reality has forever expanded) and vulnerability, yet so unforgivably certain and strong within the experience of the pull. It is a declaration of undeniable recognition of truth, of respect, affection and deep desire, of dualistic surrender, and a most open and naked asking. Open-ended.
I fully agree.
Happy to hear. Also, sorry for your loss.
And someone, just give the prime mover the award already for most solidly outstanding performance, all time.
i love this interpretation so much.
Let’s just agree that this song (as well as any other form of art) is subjective, and it can have a very different, strong and definite meaning to every person that may align with the artists own ideas or vision, or not.
It’s definitely a powerful song, it grabbed me for sure, whatever the intended meaning was.
Why do I need to agree to the premise that all art is subjective? That is an assertion without evidence.
Love this response so much
I don’t know this song makes me think of how First Nation people feel seen by the colonizers maybe and that they think they are subjugated to the colonizers when in reality they are the stronger one.