Song meaning of 第三人稱 (The Third Person and I) by 蔡依林 (Jolin Tsai)

The song "第三人稱" (The Third Person and I) by Jolin Tsai reflects on the experience of distancing oneself from personal emotions and adopting a detached perspective. The lyrics convey the struggle of putting on a façade and hiding one's true feelings. The first person perspective is replaced by a third person narrative, emphasizing the desire to dissociate from personal pain and loss.

The song describes the difficulty of maintaining a smile and hiding one's true emotions, using a mask-like "first-person expression" to face loss. The protagonist starts to address themselves in the third person, adopting a tone of indifference towards their own problems. This detachment is portrayed as both a defensive mechanism and a departure from genuine emotions.

In observing the struggles and breakdowns of the protagonist, the third person perspective becomes a way to mock and distance oneself from their own vulnerability. The lyrics suggest that this detached persona becomes somewhat obsessed with playing the role of a separate character, with exaggerated emotions and neurotic tendencies.

However, as time passes, the protagonist gradually distances themselves from this third person perspective, moving away from the craziness and superficiality it represents. They come to appreciate and thank this detached persona for being there during their vulnerable moments. In the end, they are able to approach and embrace this side of themselves, allowing themselves to cry and release their emotions.

The song ultimately highlights the complexities of emotions and the struggle to maintain a facade while dealing with personal pain. It explores the journey of self-discovery, acknowledging and accepting one's vulnerabilities and emotions, and recognizing the value of being authentic and true to oneself.