Shangri-La

Angela Aki's song "Shangri-La" delves into the bittersweet journey of growing up and the pursuit of an idealized paradise. The lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia and the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with maturity. The opening lines, "Oroka de ii no darou / Miwatasu yume no ato sayonara / Aoki hibi yo," suggest a farewell to the naive and carefree days of youth, acknowledging that it's okay to be foolish as one dreams and says goodbye to those blue days.

The song explores the concept of Shangri-La, a mythical utopia, symbolizing the ultimate goal or dream that one strives for. As the lyrics progress, Angela Aki questions whether growing up means becoming tainted or losing purity, as seen in the lines, "Nagare ni mi o makase itsuka otona ni natte yuku / Sukoshizutsu yogorete yuku koto na no?" This reflects the internal conflict of wanting to hold onto innocence while navigating the complexities of adulthood.

Aki also touches on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams, as expressed in, "Taisetsu na nanika o fumidai ni shite made mo / Ichiban takai ringo tsukamitakatta." This metaphor of reaching for the highest apple, even at the cost of something precious, highlights the relentless ambition and desire for freedom. The song ultimately conveys a message of acceptance and realization, as the protagonist comes to terms with the fact that their Shangri-La, or paradise, is a state of mind rather than a physical place. The repeated farewell to the "aoki hibi" signifies a poignant acknowledgment of the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter.