初恋 (hatsukoi)

Utada Hikaru's song "Hatsukoi" delves into the profound and often overwhelming emotions associated with experiencing first love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the physical and emotional responses that come with this new and intense feeling. The song opens with the protagonist's heart beating loudly and their feet feeling unsteady, signaling the onset of love. The tears that quietly stream down their cheeks confirm that this is indeed their first love. The repetition of the phrase "I need you" underscores the deep longing and dependency that often accompany such a powerful emotion.

The song also explores the idea that love is a universal experience, something that everyone goes through. However, the protagonist reflects on how meeting this particular person has made them feel emotions they never thought possible. This encounter has awakened a part of them that might have remained dormant otherwise. The lyrics suggest that without this meeting, the protagonist might have lived a life devoid of such profound feelings, merely existing without understanding the true meaning of their existence.

As the song progresses, it touches on the vulnerability and fragility that come with first love. The protagonist admits to blaming others for things beyond their control and pretending to accept situations they couldn't change. The lyrics also highlight the fleeting nature of this unique season of life, emphasizing that it will never come again. The imagery of trembling branches reaching towards the sunlight and the gentle rain hitting their shoulders symbolizes the growth and pain that come with love. The song concludes with the protagonist acknowledging that even small joys and sorrows are magnified in the context of first love, making it a deeply transformative experience.