Kaze Wo Atsumete

Happy End's song "Kaze Wo Atsumete" ("Gather the Wind") is a poetic exploration of urban solitude and the desire for freedom. The lyrics paint vivid images of a cityscape, capturing moments of quiet reflection and longing. The protagonist wanders through the outskirts of the city, observing the world through a lens of melancholy and introspection. The recurring motif of gathering the wind symbolizes a yearning to break free from the mundane and soar into the blue sky, representing a desire for liberation and transcendence.

The song begins with the protagonist strolling through a back alley, noticing a stained haze through which an early morning tram crosses the sea. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for escape. The protagonist's wish to gather the wind and race across the blue sky reflects a deep-seated desire to transcend the limitations of their urban environment and experience a sense of boundless freedom.

As the song progresses, the protagonist continues to encounter scenes of urban desolation, such as an empty pier and a deserted morning coffee shop. These settings emphasize the theme of isolation and the passage of time. The sight of a city with yellow sails docked at the pier and the sound of rustling skyscrapers further highlight the contrast between the protagonist's inner world and the bustling city around them. The repeated refrain of gathering the wind underscores the protagonist's persistent hope for a brighter, more expansive existence.

Happy End, known for their influential role in the Japanese rock scene of the 1970s, often infused their music with a blend of Western rock influences and traditional Japanese elements. "Kaze Wo Atsumete" exemplifies this fusion, combining introspective lyrics with a melodic, folk-rock sound that resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level.