If Hitori Omou

Renka's song 'If Hitori Omou' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of solitude, introspection, and the passage of time. The lyrics, rich with metaphors and imagery, paint a picture of a solitary journey through the cycles of light and darkness. The recurring motif of 'ゆらり ゆるれり' (yurari yurureri) evokes a sense of gentle, almost dreamlike movement, suggesting the ebb and flow of thoughts and emotions as one navigates through life's uncertainties.

The song delves into the theme of reaching for light ('ひかりへてをのばす' - extending hands towards the light) with a pure heart, symbolized by the 'ぎんのつるぎ' (silver sword). This imagery conveys a sense of striving for purity and clarity amidst the murkiness of existence. The mention of 'やみのさりゆくあかつき' (the dawn where darkness departs) signifies hope and renewal, yet it is tinged with the melancholy of solitude ('ひとりおもう' - thinking alone).

As the lyrics progress, the narrative shifts towards a more introspective and somber tone. The lines 'つむぐことわり こくよにぶくくずれおちて' (spinning fate, falling into the dark night) and 'ひかりさりゆくたそがれ' (twilight where light departs) reflect a descent into deeper reflection and perhaps despair. The imagery of 'いばらをそのみにきざむ' (engraving thorns into the body) suggests the pain and struggle inherent in this journey. Yet, there is a persistent search for meaning and connection, as seen in 'おさなき ねがいをもとめてた' (seeking a childhood wish).

The song concludes with a return to the initial motif, emphasizing the cyclical nature of these thoughts and emotions. The final lines, 'そのてがひらくあすは' (the tomorrow that hand opens), leave the listener with a sense of unresolved anticipation, highlighting the ongoing nature of this solitary journey of reflection and self-discovery.