When I think about artists that discuss gender in their songs, Shinsei Kamattechan comes to mind. This song doesn’t quite fit Lowe’s situation as Lowe was forced to be a man, but I think in some ways the lyrics could be relatable to Lowe, whose gender struggles lead to an inability for him (her?) to live his (her?) life to the fullest in the way that Lowe wants to. Here’s a quote from an interview with author Patricia Powell:
“Here was someone who first cross-dressed in order to survive, but then who came to live the disguise she had put on. By the end of the novel however, he wanted change, he wanted to find the real self underneath this masked identity. He wanted an authentic life.”
And here’s a segment of the lyrics:
That’s why I’m “boku” but also “atashi”
Even if I’m hated, I’m human
Right now I just want to sing honestly
Right now I just want to sing
Translator’s note: “boku” is a more masculine/neutral “I/me” and “atashi” is a feminine “I/me”
Full English lyrics (from Youtube video caption):
Like a man or like a woman
that’s how everyone says to live
But that’s something I can’t do
Because I can’t be a man or a woman
People’s harsh stares are a bit painful
I’m hated by men and by women
Because I want to live like myself
Like a man or like a woman
that’s how everyone says to live
But that’s something I can’t do
Some people want to become feminine
Some people want to live powerfully
But, I’m…
more
Because I can’t be a man or a woman
I want my hairstyle and my lifestyle to be rocking
I’m “boku” but also “atashi”
Even if I’m hated, I’m human
Right now I just want to sing honestly
I became a boy I became a girl
I became a boy I became a girl
ah, ah
yeah!
That’s right, I can’t be a man or a woman
I want my lifestyle and my existence to be rocking
I’m hated by men and by women
So I couldn’t even lie about it
Because it’s stupid
I can’t be a man or a woman
I’m like myself
I want my lifestyle and my existence to continue to be rocking
That’s why I’m “boku” but also “atashi”
Even if I’m hated, I’m human
Right now I just want to sing honestly
Right now I just want to sing