Vanilla Salt
Yui Horie
The Sweet and Salty Dance of Love in 'Vanilla Salt'
Yui Horie's song 'Vanilla Salt' is a delightful exploration of the complexities and contradictions inherent in romantic relationships. The recurring metaphor of 'vanilla salt' serves as a symbol for the blend of sweetness and saltiness that characterizes love. Vanilla, representing sweetness, and salt, representing a touch of bitterness or reality, together create a balanced flavor, much like how a relationship needs both affection and honesty to thrive.
The lyrics delve into the singer's internal struggle with vulnerability and authenticity. She expresses a desire to be fully known and understood by her partner, yet she finds herself unable to completely open up due to her lack of experience and fear of showing weakness. This tension is captured in lines like 'hontou wa watashi nakimushi nanda' (the truth is, I'm a crybaby) and 'sunao ni narenai' (I can't be honest). The singer's contradictory actions, such as saying 'I hate you' when she actually feels happy, highlight the complexity of human emotions and the difficulty of expressing true feelings.
The song also touches on the unpredictability of love, comparing it to an unreliable weather forecast. Despite the uncertainties, the memories created together are treasured, and the singer believes that a future filled with both sweet and salty moments will be even more wonderful. The idea that a little 'salt' can enhance the sweetness of 'vanilla' suggests that challenges and imperfections can strengthen a relationship, making it more resilient and fulfilling.
'Vanilla Salt' is a charming and insightful reflection on love's dual nature, capturing the essence of how opposites can coexist and complement each other in a romantic relationship. The song's playful yet profound lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being in love.