September

Mariya Takeuchi's song 'September' is a poignant reflection on the end of a relationship, set against the backdrop of the changing seasons. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman grappling with the emotional turmoil of a breakup as summer transitions into autumn. The imagery of the 'からしいろのシャツ' (mustard-colored shirt) and the 'とびのった電車のドア' (train door she jumped onto) suggests a hurried departure, symbolizing the abrupt end of a once vibrant relationship.

The chorus, repeating 'セプテンバー そしてあなたは' (September, and then you) and 'セプテンバー 秋に変わった' (September, it turned into autumn), underscores the inevitability of change. Just as the summer sun weakens, so does the warmth in her heart, casting shadows over her emotions. The metaphor of '涙が木の葉になる' (tears turning into leaves) beautifully captures the transformation of her sorrow into something natural and inevitable, much like the falling leaves of autumn.

The song also touches on the protagonist's internal struggle and her desire to confront the person who has taken her lover away. However, her '気の弱さ' (timidity) and '唇も凍える' (frozen lips) highlight her inability to voice her feelings. The act of returning a borrowed dictionary, with the word 'ラブ' (love) cut out, symbolizes the finality of the breakup. The repeated refrain of 'グッドバイ' (goodbye) emphasizes the end of an era, as she acknowledges that she will never wear the 'トリコロールの海辺の服' (tricolor seaside clothes) again, signifying the end of shared memories and experiences.

Mariya Takeuchi's 'September' is a masterful blend of lyrical storytelling and emotional depth, capturing the bittersweet essence of love lost and the passage of time.