The second cour of the hit Spring 2022 anime, Spy x Family, officially began airing on October 1. The Forger family returns with their comedic dynamic, heartfelt moments, and action as Operation Strix is fully underway. With this continuation comes a new opening, and the catchy new song is drastically different from the first opening, "Mixed Nuts".
"Souvenir" by BUMP OF CHICKEN is a classy and upbeat song that is slower than "Mixed Nuts" but just as catchy. Accompanied by a steady drum and delicate instrumentals, the song emulates the mellow family bond between the Forgers. The bright cinematic of the opening video showcases the family's dynamic, and a closer look at the lyrics reveals Loid's thoughts about his makeshift family.
Souvenir's Opening Verse Explores the Difficulties Of Forging Bonds
I think you’ve probably noticed,
It changes the whole thing and turn it into a movie,
Every day I yawned,
Encountering seeds and tricks,
Under the sky where we can’t get along...
Loid, also known as the master spy Twilight, faces his most difficult challenge yet with Operation Strix. Not only does the fate of world peace rest on his shoulders, but to complete the task, he must forge a fake family to get close to his target. As a spy, Loid was used to working alone and completing his tasks quickly. Operation Strix brings forth a new set of challenges, and his skills may not be suitable for fatherhood and performing the role of a loving husband.
The first verse feels as if Loid is talking to Anya and Yor directly. Becoming a family is difficult for everyone. They had to learn each other's habits as well as get along like they weren't previously strangers. As time passes, and they spend more time together, their family dynamic starts to change.
The Second Verse Teases Loid's Backstory
Close my heart and lock it.
Somehow, I managed to live like that.
The melodies overlap...
Currently, the Spy x Family anime hasn't explored much of Loid's past before he became Twilight. He has revealed that he hates seeing children cry because they remind him of his childhood. Loid grew up during a war, and no one ever came to his aid. To protect himself from harm, he remained closed off and focused solely on his missions as a spy.
Anya and Yor have brought about a newfound change in Loid's heart. He may not outwardly admit it, but he genuinely cares for Anya and Yor. Loid went to great lengths, even renting a castle, so Anya could celebrate being accepted into Eden College. He creates an elaborate scheme to help Yor tell her brother she got married. His once life of solitude is changing, overlapping with Anya and Yor.
The Pre-Chorus Solidifies the Forger's Growing Bond
It doesn’t matter if it’s small,
I wanted a mark that I could find properly,
Better than any light in the city...
The pre-chorus is a short phrase that references the Forger family. When Loid adopted Anya and married Yor, their family became whole. While they may be hiding their secrets from each other, they play their roles as mother, father, and daughter to the best of their abilities. Their happy life may have begun as a ruse to achieve their own goals, but eventually evolved and became a place of love.
Loid never intended for his fake family to last. He knew that they were together for the sake of Operation Strix. However, he slowly finds himself becoming more attached and enjoying their moments as a family. He was always alone, but now, he has a true family that cares for him, even if he doesn't realize it.
Souvenir's Chorus Expresses Loid's True Feelings
One by one, I put a ribbon on the scenery that my eyes have chosen,
I’ll continue on my way home while collecting them like souvenirs,
The season greeted me; I picked up a few tears,
Where should I start? I got it from you, this way home.
Walking, walking, sometimes in a hurry, on the road to you,
Run, run, I walk, on the road to you...
The chorus ties all of Loid's feelings for his family together. While Loid may think he's only doing his job as a spy, he hasn't realized how much of an impact Yor and Anya had on his life. He notices the little things in the passing scenery and wants to tell them once he gets home. He cherishes small moments together like they are precious souvenirs.
The final line of "Souvenir" states, "I walk on the road to you." It explains how each day, Loid rushes home to be with his family. At the end of the day, when he finishes being Twilight, he gets to be Loid Forger, a loving father, and husband. He's surrounded by ones who care about him and want to do his best to keep them safe and happy.
Similarly to the first cour's opening and ending themes, the lyrics of "Souvenir" are embedded with deep meaning. They reveal Loid's inner loneliness and how years of solitude caused him to be closed off. Anya and Yor helped him create the family he never had. He's found a new home with them and tries to protect them and the life they've created.