Daftar Isi
Introduction
谷村新司 (Tanimura Shinji) is a popular Japanese musician, composer, and lyricist known for his soulful ballads and pop songs. One of his most famous songs is 昴 (Subaru), which was released in 1986. The song was an instant hit, and it remains popular to this day. In this essay, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of this song and explore its meaning and context.
Context
The song 昴 was released in 1986, which was a time of great change in Japan. The country was experiencing a period of rapid economic growth, known as the bubble economy. This growth led to a sense of optimism and positivity, which is reflected in the lyrics of the song. However, it was also a time of uncertainty, as many people were questioning the values and priorities of Japanese society.
The title of the song, 昴 (Subaru), refers to the constellation known as the Pleiades in English. In Japanese mythology, the Pleiades are associated with the goddess Amaterasu, who is the goddess of the sun and the universe. The constellation is also associated with renewal and rejuvenation, which is reflected in the lyrics of the song.
Structure of the Song
The song is divided into three parts, each with its own distinct mood and tone. The first part is slow and reflective, while the second part is more upbeat and optimistic. The third part returns to the slow and reflective mood of the first part.
Analysis of the Lyrics
The lyrics of 昴 are poetic and metaphorical, and they reflect the sense of optimism and renewal that was prevalent in Japan at the time of its release. In this section, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of the three parts of the song.
Part One
The first part of the song begins with the following lines:
昴の空夜はいつも 一人きり
月も星も希望も 影もない
Translation: In the sky of Subaru, I am always alone. There is no moon, no stars, no hope, and no shadows.
These lines set the tone for the rest of the song, which is introspective and reflective. The image of the lone figure in the sky of Subaru represents a sense of isolation and disconnection. The absence of the moon, stars, and hope suggests a lack of guidance and direction.
The next lines are:
ひとつひとつの 星のように
小さくて 光ってる あなたと私
Translation: Like each and every star, you and I shine small.
This imagery of the stars represents the individuality of each person, as well as their potential for growth and renewal. The smallness of the stars suggests that even the smallest actions can have an impact, and that each person has the power to make a difference.
The final lines of the first part are:
ふたりにできることは ひとつだけ
心を合わせて、星座をつくろう
Translation: There is only one thing we can do together. Let’s create a constellation by joining our hearts.
These lines suggest a sense of hope and unity, as the two people come together to create something greater than themselves. The metaphor of the constellation represents the larger picture, and the idea of joining hearts suggests a sense of emotional connection.
Part Two
The second part of the song begins with a change in mood and tempo, as the music becomes more upbeat and optimistic. The lyrics reflect this change, as well, with lines such as:
明日の朝日に向かって 輝く未来を探そう
Translation: Let’s search for a shining future, facing towards the morning sun of tomorrow.
These lines suggest a sense of hope and optimism for the future, as the characters in the song look towards a brighter tomorrow. The metaphor of the morning sun suggests a new day and a fresh start.
The next lines are:
思い出はもういらない 今叶えたい夢がある
Translation: We don’t need memories anymore. We have dreams we want to make come true now.
This line represents a break from the past, and a focus on the present and the future. The characters in the song are looking forward, rather than dwelling on the past.
The final lines of the second part are:
君と私の 手をつないで
もっともっと 遠くへ行こう
Translation: Let’s hold hands and go farther and farther away.
This line represents a sense of companionship and support, as the two characters in the song work together to achieve their dreams. The idea of going farther and farther away suggests a sense of adventure and exploration.
Part Three
The third part of the song returns to the slow and reflective mood of the first part. The lyrics reflect this, with lines such as:
あの日の思い出が ぼやけていく
でも二人の未来は 輝いてる
Translation: The memories of that day are becoming hazy, but our future is shining.
These lines represent a sense of letting go of the past, and focusing on the present and the future. The image of the memories becoming hazy suggests a sense of distance and detachment from the past.
The next lines are:
星座のように 描いた夢
二人の手で 叶えていこう
Translation: Let’s make the dreams we drew like a constellation come true with our hands.
This line brings together the themes of the previous two parts of the song, with a focus on the dreams of the characters in the song, and a sense of companionship and support in achieving those dreams.
The final lines of the song are:
昴の空に 二人の未来がある
これからも 一緒に信じていこう
Translation: Our future is in the sky of Subaru. Let’s keep believing together, from now on.
These lines represent a sense of hope and renewal, as the characters in the song look towards the future with optimism and determination. The idea of believing together suggests a sense of support and companionship.
Conclusion
The lyrics of 昴 are poetic and metaphorical, and they reflect the sense of optimism and renewal that was prevalent in Japan at the time of its release. The three parts of the song each have their own distinct mood and tone, but they all work together to create a sense of hope and companionship. The imagery of the stars and the constellation represents the individuality of each person, as well as their potential for growth and renewal. Overall, the song is a testament to the power of hope and the importance of companionship in achieving our dreams.