シー・チェンジ (Sea Change)

Hakushi Hasegawa's 'シー・チェンジ (Sea Change)' is a poetic exploration of emotional transformation and the complexities of human relationships. The song's title itself, 'Sea Change,' suggests a profound transformation, akin to the shifting tides of the ocean. This metaphor is woven throughout the lyrics, where the sea and its changing nature symbolize the ebb and flow of emotions and experiences.

The lyrics open with a sense of denial and pretense, as the narrator admits to pretending not to know something, possibly to maintain a connection with someone else. The imagery of the sea and salt ('shio') is recurrent, symbolizing the lingering presence of past emotions and memories. The mention of dreaming of snow falling ('yukigafuru fushi o yumemite') adds a layer of surrealism, hinting at the cold and isolating aspects of these emotions.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the shared experiences and the emotional weight they carry. The rain ('ame') they mention could symbolize tears or a cleansing process, while the 'utsuwa' (vessel) represents the capacity to hold and process these emotions. The narrator's struggle to fully understand and articulate their feelings is evident in lines like 'watashi ni wa shio no subete no sugata wa zenzen ne kiki kirenakute,' indicating an overwhelming and incomplete grasp of their emotional state.

The song's climax reveals a sense of vulnerability and acceptance. The narrator acknowledges their wounds and the new threads ('atarashī ito') that come to mend them, yet they remain visible and part of their identity. The final lines convey a mix of pain and clarity, as the narrator decides to embrace their true self, with all its scars and imperfections, while still yearning for connection and understanding. This emotional journey, marked by moments of clarity and confusion, mirrors the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of the sea.