Mademoiselle

Kamijo's 'Mademoiselle' is a poignant exploration of love, memory, and longing, set against the romantic backdrop of Paris. The song opens with a vivid image of sepia-toned Paris, a city known for its romantic allure. The sepia tone suggests nostalgia, a longing for a past that is both beautiful and unattainable. The lyrics describe a day known only to the two lovers, now displayed upside down, symbolizing how their world has been turned on its head.

The song's protagonist reflects on a fleeting moment where a shadow behind glass seems to smile, hinting at a brief, bittersweet memory. The protagonist's desire to hold the beloved, despite being unable to even gaze into their eyes, underscores the depth of their emotional connection and the barriers that keep them apart. The repeated question, 'You wanna be a princess gazing up to me?' evokes a fairy-tale longing, a desire to protect and cherish the beloved in a world of 'les affaires d'amour'—the affairs of love.

Kamijo's lyrics also touch on the theme of innocence and purity, with references to the beloved's 'innocent smile' and 'pure tears.' The protagonist is deeply moved by these expressions, yet is determined to shield the beloved from sadness, even if it means hiding their own pain. The imagery of the sunset-stained bridge and the lovers walking westward, hand in hand, captures the transient nature of their love. The song concludes with a sense of wistful resignation, as the lovers continue to walk together, hesitating yet united, in the fading light of day.