Hidden Gem: Berserk intro and credit music

Today on Hidden Gems I’m going to talk about the intro and outro of an anime that is as dark as they come and it is Berserk. If you are wondering “Why the 2016-2017 series?” then you will be wrong. While they are fine for what they are, they don’t get what makes this dark fantasy series so dark, overbearing and yet humble and with a tiny glimpse of hope to the characters. We will be talking about the 1997 series and the songs “Tell me why” by the PENPALS and “Waiting so long” by the Sliver Fins

The intro for Berserk was the song “Tell me why” by the Japanese band PENPALS. While the song sounds great and the song will be catchy to listen to as well, the lyrics do go hand in hand with the series tone, especially with Guts who we see going to hell and back:

“Feel no shame about shape

Weather changes their phrase

Even mother will show you another way

So put your glasses on

Nothing will be wrong

There’s no blame, there’s no fame

It’s up to you the first words should be finded

Whatever hold you back I can, I can get it off

Tell me what, tell me what, tell me what you want

I don’t know why, don’t know why, don’t know why you afraid

Tell me what, tell me what, tell me what you say

I don’t know why, don’t know why, too late, it’s too late” – PENPALS

The credit song for Berserk is “Waiting so long” by the Silver Fins. The song has a very eerie, haunting melody with lyrics that goes hand in hand with the tone of the series, but sadly the group broke after this hit song. Here are some of the lyrics that show why this was a beautifully haunting song:

“Looking back and morning comes

Don’t find your face in your glass

Take the moonlight by the tail

It’s a rainy sight you’re shading

What is that it’s just the same

What is trying in your crown

I’m spending in my glass, walking back

So wear my glass you’re fading

I’m waiting so long…

I’m waiting so long…

I’m waiting so long…

I’m waiting…” – Silver Fins.

While the 2016-2017 series intro and credit music of both 9mm Parabellum Bullet and Nagi Yanagi are fine for what they are, they don’t have the same impact like how the PENPALS and Silver Fins did when this series came out.