Ruby No Yubiwa

Akira Terao's song 'Ruby No Yubiwa' (Ruby Ring) is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the lingering memories that haunt us. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man reflecting on a past relationship, filled with both tender moments and the pain of separation. The imagery of 'くもりガラスのむこうは風の街' (beyond the frosted glass is a windy city) sets a melancholic tone, suggesting a world that is cold and distant, much like his current emotional state.

The recurring motif of the ruby ring symbolizes the love that once was. The line 'せなかをまるめながら ゆびのリングぬきとったね' (you hunched your back and took off the ring) captures a moment of finality, where the physical act of removing the ring signifies the end of their relationship. This act is contrasted with the memory of a promise made 'あれははちがつまばゆいひのなかで ちかったあいのまぼろし' (in the dazzling days of August, a phantom of promised love), highlighting the fleeting nature of their happiness.

The song also delves into themes of solitude and resignation. The protagonist's acceptance of his loneliness is evident in lines like 'こどくがすきなおれさ きにしないでいっていいよ' (I like being alone, don't worry, you can go). This resignation is further emphasized by his request for the other person to leave quickly before he changes his mind, indicating a struggle between holding on and letting go.

As time passes, the memories remain vivid. The sight of a beige coat in the city triggers a search for the ruby ring on someone's finger, a poignant reminder of the love he lost. 'そしてにねんのつきひがながれさり まちでベージュのコートをみかけると ゆびにルビーのリングをさがすのさ' (and after two years have passed, when I see a beige coat in the city, I look for the ruby ring on the finger). This enduring search symbolizes the lasting impact of the relationship and the difficulty of moving on.