Tabako (Cigarettes)

Koresawa's song 'Tabako (Cigarettes)' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and regret. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the absence of a loved one, who has been gone for 24 hours. The protagonist is paralyzed by grief, unable to leave the house, and is haunted by memories of their partner. The song's title, 'Tabako,' symbolizes the lingering presence of the loved one through the scent of cigarettes, which they used to smoke on the balcony out of consideration for the protagonist's dislike of smoking.

The song delves into the intricacies of their relationship, highlighting the small, intimate details that made their bond unique. The protagonist reflects on how they adjusted the house clock to accommodate their partner's habit of oversleeping and recalls the specific brand of cigarettes their partner preferred. These memories are bittersweet, as they underscore the depth of the connection while also emphasizing the void left by the partner's absence. The recurring refrain, 'もっとちゃんと' (motto chanto), which translates to 'more properly' or 'more attentively,' reveals the protagonist's regret for not paying enough attention to their partner's needs and feelings.

The act of lighting a cigarette, despite the protagonist's aversion to smoking, serves as a metaphor for their desperate attempt to feel close to their partner again. The familiar scent brings back memories, but it also highlights the futility of trying to recapture what has been lost. The song's emotional climax is reached when the protagonist realizes that their belated understanding and regret cannot change the past. The lingering scent of cigarettes becomes a symbol of both the love they shared and the pain of their separation, leaving the protagonist to grapple with their feelings of loss and longing.