The song "The Worst Carnival" by JubyPhonic tells the story of a person who has been hurt and abandoned by someone they loved. The lyrics depict the feelings of betrayal and heartbreak experienced by the narrator. The opening lines describe the narrator being discarded like trash by their loved one, who turns their back on the letters and love the narrator had for them. The line "burning love doesn't last" suggests that the intense love they once shared quickly faded away. The chorus questions whether the narrator should just stand there and stay silent or if they should speak up and express their feelings. They don't want to be the cause for holding their loved one back from moving on. The narrator acknowledges that the familiar story is repeating itself, and their loved one will soon search for someone else. Feeling left behind and hurt, the narrator longs for solace in the sky, reminiscing about simpler times. The presence of other people and their happy appearances annoys the narrator, as they are consumed by their inner demons. The next verse welcomes the listener into the worst day of the narrator's life. They have endured emotional pain and laugh until they cry, almost as a way to cope with their suffering. Determined to overcome their pain, they wipe away their tears and decide to move forward, describing it as a "dancing carnival." The narrator no longer wants to be anyone other than themselves, indicating a newfound self-acceptance. The following lines suggest that the narrator's love interests have played with their emotions in the past. Finally, the narrator accepts this pattern and decides to let go, starting up their own show. They shoot for the stars, hoping to catch one and make a wish come true, symbolizing their pursuit of happiness. The song continues by discussing dreams that torment the narrator's life, as they realize they have become their own worst nightmare. Nevertheless, they believe that time will reveal their true path. In the final chorus, the narrator mentions a journey from Yokohama to Tokyo, where the stars align, alluding to finding harmony and fulfillment. They eagerly await the sun, hoping it will bring light and joy into their world. They describe this journey as a never-ending carnival, symbolizing their determination to continue on, no matter the hardships they face. "The Worst Carnival" emphasizes themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and resilience. It encourages the listener to embrace their true selves and persevere through difficult times, finding strength within themselves.
