PROXIE's song "ตบปาก (On That Day)" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of harboring feelings that transcend friendship and the regret that follows when these feelings disrupt the bond. The song articulates the story of someone who wishes to rewind time, to the day they crossed the boundaries of friendship, hoping to retract their confessions of love and return to the simplicity and safety of being just friends. The lyrics poignantly express the narrator's realization that their desires and actions, driven by unreciprocated feelings, have led to an irrevocable change in their relationship with the person they cherish.
The narrative begins with a reflection on the closeness and trust that once defined their friendship. The protagonist acknowledges the privilege of being in a position of emotional intimacy, yet admits to being unsatisfied with just that, greedily wanting more. This admission sets the stage for the ensuing conflict, as it highlights the internal struggle between cherishing what they already have and the yearning for a deeper connection.
Central to the song is the recurring theme of regret and the wishful thinking of being able to undo the past. The refrain "Can I turn back time?" echoes the protagonist's deep-seated desire to erase their confession, to go back to a time before their feelings were made known, and to preserve the original state of their friendship. This sentiment is encapsulated in the imagery of wanting to slap one's mouth as a symbolic gesture of wanting to take back their words, an action they hope could undo the damage done to their friendship.
The lyrics are cleverly crafted to convey the complexity of emotions involved in such a situation. They speak to the pain of unrequited love, the realization of having expected too much, and the difficulty of navigating the aftermath of a confession that has tilted the balance of a previously platonic relationship. The song's chorus, with its yearning to erase everything said and to return to the day before the confession, highlights the inner conflict and the painful acceptance that some lines, once crossed, cannot be uncrossed.
The song also touches on the idea that certain boundaries, especially within the context of friendship, are delicate and not easily reset. The protagonist grapples with the reality that their confession has fundamentally altered the dynamics of their relationship, and there is no simple way to revert to how things were. This realization brings a sense of resignation, as they understand that moving forward, the only option is to accept the consequences of their actions and the inevitable transformation of their friendship.
"ตบปาก (On That Day)" resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexity of navigating friendships that border on romantic feelings. Through its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, PROXIE captures the universal themes of love, regret, and the longing for things to remain unchanged amidst the inevitable evolution of human relationships. The song serves as a reflective piece on the nature of human emotions, the risks involved in expressing love, and the painful journey towards acceptance and moving on.
