Like A Fable

Shintaro Sakamoto's song 'Like A Fable' is a poetic exploration of nostalgia, innocence, and the longing to return to simpler times. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of wistfulness, as the singer contemplates the idea of going back to the past, much like a fable or a storybook. The repeated references to 'かみしばい' (kamishibai), a traditional Japanese form of storytelling using paper illustrations, evoke a sense of childhood wonder and simplicity. This imagery suggests a desire to escape the complexities of adult life and return to a time when life was more straightforward and filled with imagination.

The song also delves into the theme of love and the intense emotions that come with it. Lines like 'きみのしんぞうばくばくさせてる' (your heart is pounding) and 'ぼくはずっとどきどきしている' (I am always excited) capture the exhilaration and anxiety of love. The singer's longing to relive these emotions 'ものがたりのようにこいをしようよ' (let's fall in love like a story) highlights the timeless and universal nature of these feelings. The use of 'ものがたり' (monogatari), meaning 'story' or 'tale', further emphasizes the narrative quality of the song, as if the singer's life and emotions are part of a larger, unfolding story.

Sakamoto's musical style, often characterized by its dreamy and nostalgic quality, complements the lyrical content perfectly. The gentle melodies and soothing rhythms create an atmosphere that allows listeners to immerse themselves in the singer's reflections and emotions. The song's structure, with its repetitive and cyclical nature, mirrors the idea of returning to the past and reliving memories, much like a fable that is told and retold over time. 'Like A Fable' is a beautiful meditation on the power of stories, memories, and the enduring human desire to reconnect with our past selves and the emotions that shaped us.