Merry Go Round

Tatsuro Yamashita's 'Merry Go Round' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, lost love, and the passage of time. The song begins with the imagery of sneaking into an amusement park at midnight, a setting that evokes a sense of adventure and intimacy. The rusted fence and the rising moon symbolize the passage of time and the fleeting nature of these moments. This setting serves as a backdrop for the deeper emotional journey that the song undertakes.

The merry-go-round itself is a powerful metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and love. The lyrics describe a heart that has been shattered and a love that has been lost, likening these feelings to a broken merry-go-round. The repetition of the phrase 'merry-go-round' and the imagery of it moving 'round and round' emphasize the inescapable cycles of joy and sorrow, love and loss. The mention of a 'unicorn' awakening adds a layer of fantasy and hope, suggesting a desire for renewal and a return to innocence.

Under the 'heaven-colored moon,' the couple laughs and loves, but the faded polka-dot bench they sit on is imbued with the scent of decaying time. This contrast between the joy of the moment and the inevitable decay of time underscores the bittersweet nature of their love. The song's refrain, which speaks of being reborn and the merry-go-round moving once more, hints at the possibility of new beginnings, even as it acknowledges the pain of the past. Yamashita's smooth vocals and the nostalgic melody further enhance the emotional depth of the song, making 'Merry Go Round' a timeless reflection on love, loss, and the hope for renewal.