Ending Song: From the Edge - Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)
From the Edge is the first ending song to the Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series composed by Yuki Kajiura of FictionJunction and sung by LiSA. LiSA also sings the Opening song for Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba called Gurenge. From the Edge is overall a sorrowful yet motivational song. It begins quite slow paced but slowly gets faster as the piece goes on to symbolise the changes from despair to hope.
Song Information
- Performer: FictionJunction feat. LiSA
- Lyrics:Yuki Kajiura
- Composition: Yuki Kajiura
- Arrangement: Yuki Kajiura
- Episodes: 2 - 25
- Length: 4min 38sec
- Air Date: April 13th, 2019
- Release Date: September 2nd, 2019
Lyric Exert
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 悲しみに囚われたくはない | I don't want to be trapped by sadness |
| 俯いた場所に涙を落として行きたくない | I don't want to cast my tears down |
| 運命を振りほどいて | Break free from fate |
| 走り出せるはずなんだ | I should be able to run away |
| 願いは叶うはずなんだ | My wish should be granted |
| 叩き潰せ昨日の葛藤 | To smash up yesterday's troubles |
| 向かい風を乗っ取って | Seize the wind, |
| 嵐の先は見えなくたって | Even if I can't see the end of the storm |
| もう道は選べない 勝ち残れ! | I can't choose my path anymore, I have to win! |
| 迷いはいつも愛情と怒りを秤にかける | When I can't decide I am forced to weigh the difference between love and anger |
| さあ 立ち上がるんだもう一度 | Now stand up, one more time |
| 今君はその刃を | Where will you swing |
| 何処へ振り下ろす? | Your blade down on now? |
Interpretation
From the Edge begins with the sentence “I don't want to be trapped by sadness”. This portrays to the listener that the theme of the song will be about overcoming adversities.
The first verse shows how she wants to run away from all the pain and sadness. This could refer to how Tanjiro felt at the beginning of the storyline, from his whole family being massacred by a Demon. Wondering why such evil things had to happen to him and wanting to forget about all that pain he felt when he lost his whole family except his sister Nezuko.
The chorus which is repeated multiple times “Cry for the future from the edge of darkness” tells the listener to not despair when all hope is lost but to pick yourself up for the future ahead.
The second verse is about picking yourself up to take revenge, even if the path ahead will be tough. Referring to Tanjiro picking up the way of the sword to become a Demon Slayer and in return learning the water breathing technique, the most effective technique against the Demons to fight back and take revenge on his family.
The third verse uses the word “僕らは” which means “us”. In this verse the song tells listeners that they will move forward towards their goals with their friends. Enduring all the pain and sad events that have happened and continuing towards your goal even when all hope is lost.
The fourth verse tells listeners again about the losses that will be made along the way and there is no point in looking back. To protect the ones that are close to you now.
Finally the last verse tells us that the road is a long and thorny path. To keep moving forward and never give up.
Single Release
After a weirdly long wait, and after the song was not released inside one of LiSA’s singles, only its TV size became available on online stores since June 30. On Aug 30 it was announced (1, 2) that the full size of “from the edge” will be released digitally on September 2, 2019.
About FictionJunction
The term "FictionJunction" by itself refers to all the singers in that band at that time. Solo works between Kajiura and a vocalist are referenced by adding the singer's name after "FictionJunction". For example FictionJunction Ft. LiSA. Although both perform under the FictionJunction title and are collaborations with Kajiura, they are treated as separate projects.
Members of the group include: Yuki Kajiura, Keiko Kubota, Wakana Ootaki, Kaori Oda, Yuriko Kaida and Yuuka Nanri. One off collaborations were also done with Asuka Kato and LiSA.
About LiSA
Risa Oribe (織部 里沙) was born in Gifu Prefecture, Japan on June 24, 1987. Also known as LiSA, is a songwriter, singer, and lyricist. Her stage name is an acronym stands for Love is Same All, the same name as the band she formed in Tokyo. One of her theme phrases and also the name of her blog is “今日もいい日だっ” which means "Another Great Day". Releasing hit after hits and making an impact in the anime industry. LiSA is well known for her singles in the Angel Beats, Fate/Zero, Sword Art Online, and Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer) franchise.
FictionJunction and LiSA Collaboration
“Not only have I been given the chance to perform the opening theme Gurenge for the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba as LiSA, I also get to perform the ending theme from the edge under FictionJunction feat. LiSA. Working on music together with Yuki Kajiura has been nerve-racking, but I made sure to sing my heart out. I would be overjoyed if people totally enjoy the world that the series has to offer every week, from start to finish. - LiSA in an Interview
Trivia
The official “From the Edge” video from FictionJunction - Topic only has 137K views with 2.2K likes whereas the Melodic Star “From the Edge” video has 2.4 Million views with 36K likes.