Still
Janne Da Arc
A Heart's Unyielding Echo: The Lingering Love in 'Still' by Janne Da Arc
Janne Da Arc's song 'Still' delves into the profound and often painful emotions that accompany the end of a significant relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that remains deeply ingrained in the heart, despite the passage of time and the attempts to move on. The song opens with a series of habitual actions, such as fighting and making up, which highlight the routine nature of the relationship. However, the stark contrast is introduced when the singer realizes that their partner is no longer by their side, marking a significant and painful change in their life.
The chorus, 'Still I love you, never fade. I want you to love me once again,' encapsulates the enduring nature of the singer's feelings. Despite the misery and the tears that come with the separation, the love remains unwashed and persistent. This sentiment is further emphasized in the verses where the singer reflects on the moments they shared, the sounds of the clock ticking in the quiet of the night, and the futile attempts to pretend to be asleep as their partner leaves. The recurring question, 'Ima nara mada maniau kana?' (Is it still not too late?), underscores the lingering hope and the struggle to accept the finality of the breakup.
The song also explores the theme of memory and the difficulty of forgetting. The singer tries to act normally, dispose of photographs, and even drink to the point of oblivion, but finds that thoughts of their former lover dominate their mind. The lyrics poignantly express the paradox of trying not to think about something, only to end up thinking about it even more. The city they once shared is now filled with memories of the loved one, making it unbearable to stay. The final farewell, 'Sayonara sayonara aishita hito...' (Goodbye, goodbye, my beloved), is a heart-wrenching acknowledgment of the end, yet the love remains an unyielding echo in the singer's heart.