The Lightning and the Thunder

Just a young gun with a quick fuse

I was uptight, wanna let loose

I was dreaming of bigger things and

Wanna leave my own life behind

Not a "Yes, sir," not a follower

Fit the box, fit the mold, have a seat

In the foyer, take a number

I was lightning before the thunder

...

Thunder, feel the thunder

Lightning, then the thunder

Thunder, feel the thunder

Lightning, then the thunder, thunder, thunder

Thunder...

-- "Thunder", Imagine Dragons

The fourth song in my "Rocking for Pokémon" series of discussions can be said to be not only sentimentally appropriate, but also whimsically appropriate - and one can see why (soon to be explained). Some time ago, I discussed another song from this band, and that song happened to be the single released prior to this one; both songs regardless cement the band's legacy in music. Meanwhile, the song itself is also a "cementing" in some sense, including for its (my) interpretation with Pokémon, and that's what I also come to discuss.

For the song itself, it tells of a free soul not bound by convention and present condition, who then transforms into someone greater and changes that status quo (thus, becoming the "thunder" after the "lightning"). According to certain interpretations, the song might also define the rise of the very band that sings this song, even if the band itself has also acquired the "controversy" label due to their unique musical approach. Still, it is what it is, and the song calls out to those who make lightning strike and thunder heard.

All this talk about "lightning" and "thunder" certainly brings to mind the forefront Pokémon with these elements - Pikachu, of course. And the one that belongs to Ash can be considered to have a life story (the prologue, at least) that mirrors the ideas and themes invoked in the song, particularly the verses like the first one mentioned above. The choruses (also mentioned) are simply an "echo" of the "thunder" idea, but still make sense as well.

Come to think of it, Ash's overall journey throughout the anime was kind of a mold-breaking one in itself, also paralleling the same ideas and themes. In this way, the song also very much applies to him as it does to his most loyal partner. Given how it started in the beginnings and what was achieved after that, the "lightning" really did manifest early on and it took some time for the "thunder" to be heard, as is true of the weather phenomenon.

Even after this song has achieved its big-time hit (and so did the band effectively), there's still a story to be gained from it, and one that is perfectly applicable to Ash and Pikachu after their departure from the Pokémon anime. With that, fans may find reasons to let lightning strike and thunder be heard for whatever initiatives they can muster.

One year ago: Let's Talk About A Break for the Light

Two years ago: Here Comes a Factions Cycle

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/13/2022

Four years ago: More Pokémon Go Quality-of-Life Improvements

Five years ago: The First Hoenn Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Six years ago: The Poké Ball Classics Merchandise Line

Seven years ago: Yes, Even More Pokémon Stickers

Eight years ago: Every Day We're Shufflin