Wasurete Ii No (tanimura Shinji & Ogawa Tomoko)

Tanimura Shinji's song 'Wasurete Ii No,' performed with Ogawa Tomoko, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the painful process of letting go. The lyrics are a dialogue between two lovers who are parting ways, each grappling with their emotions and the reality of their separation. The male voice (M) begins by urging the other to forget about him, acknowledging the sadness but also the necessity of moving on. This sets the tone for a song steeped in melancholy and resignation.

The female voice (H) reflects on the sweetness of their shared dreams and the sudden, sorrowful end of their love story. She tries to put on a brave face, smiling as she watches her lover leave, but the act of turning away and the coldness she feels in her fingertips reveal her inner turmoil. The imagery of the bus carrying her lover away until it disappears from sight symbolizes the finality of their separation, a moment that is both physically and emotionally distant.

As the song progresses, both voices express their deep emotional struggle. The male voice acknowledges the coldness and fear of being alone, while the female voice's heart is in disarray. Their repeated pleas for the other not to leave underscore the desperation and helplessness they feel. The song concludes with a haunting repetition of the idea that even though tears may flow, they cannot escape the inevitable departure. The bus, a metaphor for the unstoppable march of time and change, continues on its path, leaving them both behind to cope with their sorrow.

'Wasurete Ii No' is a masterful blend of lyrical storytelling and emotional depth, capturing the universal experience of love lost and the heart-wrenching process of moving forward. Tanimura Shinji's musical style, characterized by its emotive melodies and poignant lyrics, shines through in this collaboration, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has faced the pain of saying goodbye.