4th Avenue Cafe

L'Arc~en~Ciel's '4th Avenue Cafe' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, love, and the passage of time. The song opens with a reflection on the end of a season, symbolizing the end of a significant period in the narrator's life. The memories of a past love are vividly painted, suggesting that these recollections are both beautiful and painful. The phrase 'さよなら愛をくれたあの人' (goodbye to the person who gave me love) indicates a farewell to someone who once brought joy and affection, now only a flickering image in the narrator's eyes.

The lyrics delve into the transient nature of emotions and relationships. The narrator admits to never believing in unending feelings, highlighting a sense of realism or perhaps cynicism. As the cityscape changes around them, they feel left behind, disconnected from the bustling life that continues without them. This sense of isolation is further emphasized by the imagery of people passing by, feeling distant, and the city's noise fading into sighs. The empty seat on a dull holiday symbolizes the void left by the departed loved one, with their presence lingering in the narrator's mind.

Despite understanding the reality, the narrator pretends not to notice, choosing to drown in memories. The song captures the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about someone who was once cherished, even if only seen in profile. The recurring theme of the season ending gently ties back to the cyclical nature of life and emotions. The waves metaphorically represent the ebb and flow of the narrator's heart, constantly being pulled by the memories of the past love. The song concludes with a sigh over the changing cityscape, underscoring the ongoing passage of time and the enduring impact of lost love on the narrator's life.