Virgin Blues

Akiyuki Nosaka's 'Virgin Blues' is a poignant exploration of innocence, societal expectations, and the inevitable loss of purity. The recurring phrase 'jin jin jin jin chi ga jin jin' evokes a rhythmic, almost hypnotic sense of time passing and the persistent beat of life. This phrase, coupled with the imagery of blooming flowers like ume (plum) and sakura (cherry blossoms), symbolizes the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. The 'hakoiri musume' or 'box-kept daughter' who cannot sleep represents the sheltered innocence that is restless and yearning for experience.

The song delves into the impact of Western influences, as seen in the reference to 'bateren' (Portuguese missionaries) and their guns, which shattered dreams ('yume ga yabukerya gingiragin'). The first taste of coffee at dawn symbolizes a bittersweet awakening to the complexities of life. The repeated assertion 'anata mo baajin, atashi mo baajin' (you are a virgin, I am a virgin) underscores a shared, universal experience of innocence and the blues that accompany its loss.

Nosaka's lyrics also touch on the harsh realities of life, such as greed and deception, depicted through the 'yokubari baba' (greedy old woman) and the call to 'tsuno dase yari dase medama dase' (show your horns, show your spear, show your eyes). The nostalgic references to 'hinomaru bentou' (Japanese flag lunchbox) and 'Marilyn Monroe' evoke a longing for simpler, bygone days. The melancholic tone is further emphasized by the 'kanashii kanashii oto ga suru' (sad, sad sound) and the lonely man who cannot sleep. The song concludes with a reflection on the deceptive nature of relationships and the inevitable disillusionment that follows.

'Virgin Blues' is a rich tapestry of cultural references, metaphors, and emotional depth, capturing the universal experience of growing up and the bittersweet nature of lost innocence.