Watashi no Koe

Inori Minase's song "Watashi no Koe" delves into the profound themes of isolation, loss, and the yearning for connection. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a voice that has disappeared, leaving behind a sense of sorrow and longing. The opening lines, "わたしのこえ さようなら" (My voice, goodbye), set the tone for the entire song, indicating a farewell to one's own voice, which metaphorically represents a loss of self-expression and identity.

The song continues to explore the pain of being misunderstood and the desire to avoid causing harm with one's words. The lines "ひとのこころ きずつける かなしいことばを くちにしたくないと なき" (I don't want to say sad words that hurt people's hearts, so I cried) reflect a deep sensitivity and the internal struggle of wanting to communicate but fearing the consequences. This internal conflict leads to the voice's departure, symbolizing a retreat into silence as a means of self-preservation.

As the song progresses, the longing for simple, everyday interactions becomes evident. The lyrics "おはよう こんにちは ごきげんはいかが ありふれたやりとりが いまはこいしい" (Good morning, hello, how are you? I miss these ordinary exchanges now) highlight the value of mundane conversations that are often taken for granted. The disappearance of the voice is met with mixed reactions, as indicated by "わたしのこえ きえた こと みんなよろこんだ" (Everyone was happy that my voice disappeared), suggesting a sense of alienation and rejection from others.

Ultimately, the song captures the essence of feeling voiceless and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The final lines, "おおい おおいと なき ながら さっていったこえ のこされったわたしは もうなくことできず" (Crying out, the voice left, and I, who was left behind, can no longer cry), emphasize the profound impact of losing one's voice and the resulting inability to express emotions. "Watashi no Koe" is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the importance of communication, the pain of isolation, and the deep human need for connection.