L'Amant

Ken Hirai's song "L'Amant" delves into the depths of unrequited love and the longing that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator who is deeply infatuated with someone they cannot fully reach. The song opens with a playful midday breeze turning the pages of a book, symbolizing the passage of time and the unfolding of a love story that the narrator can only observe from a distance. The narrator places a book cover over the love story, perhaps to protect it or to keep it hidden, indicating a sense of secrecy or unspoken feelings.

The narrator's curiosity is piqued as they sneak a glance at the titles of the stories, such as "aka to kuro" (red and black) and "lulu on the bridge," before landing on "la man." These references could symbolize the complexity and varied nature of love stories, each with its own unique narrative. The mention of a shining ring on the beloved's finger suggests a commitment to someone else, which tightens the emotional bind on the narrator's heart. Despite not knowing the beloved's name or being able to look into their eyes, the narrator's desire to protect and cherish them remains unwavering.

Throughout the song, the narrator grapples with their emotions, questioning what the beloved seeks and fears. They yearn to understand and feel everything about the beloved, even though they cannot communicate or touch them. The narrator's knowledge of the beloved's whims and preferences highlights their deep, albeit one-sided, connection. The song's melancholic tone is underscored by the narrator's realization that they may never be able to hold or fully love the beloved, yet they still dream of one day sharing their love story. This poignant narrative captures the essence of unrequited love, where the heart's desires remain unfulfilled, but the longing and devotion persist.