Kabutomushi

Aiko's song 'Kabutomushi' is a poignant exploration of love, memory, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a deeply emotional and intimate relationship, marked by both joy and sorrow. The song opens with the singer describing a physical and emotional turmoil, where her body feels hot with worry, yet her fingertips are cold. This juxtaposition of sensations sets the stage for the complex emotions that follow. The mention of the beloved's potential death and the singer's aging highlights the inevitability of change and loss, making the present moment all the more precious.

The imagery of a merry-go-round with a white horse's mane swaying suggests a sense of nostalgia and the cyclical nature of life. The singer's forehead resting against the taller beloved's ear, drawn by a sweet scent, evokes a tender and intimate connection. The metaphor of the singer as a 'kabutomushi' (a rhinoceros beetle) suggests a sense of being drawn to the beloved, much like the beetle is drawn to light. The shooting star symbolizes fleeting moments of intense emotion, both painful and joyous, that will be remembered for a lifetime.

As the song progresses, it moves through the seasons, each representing different phases of life and emotions. Spring's blooming flowers, summer's blue skies, autumn's passing winds, and winter's midnight all serve as metaphors for the different stages of the relationship and the emotions experienced. The singer reflects on the lasting impact of both happy and sad memories, suggesting that these experiences are a testament to the time spent with the beloved. The song concludes with the singer finding deep solace in the beloved's unique voice and presence, likening herself again to a 'kabutomushi' captivated by the beloved. The imagery of the amber crescent moon and the breathless heartbeat underscores the intensity and permanence of these memories.