Memory

Yanagida Kumiko's song 'Memory' delves into the poignant and bittersweet emotions tied to love and loss. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone reminiscing about a past relationship, filled with moments of happiness and tenderness. The opening lines, 'amoo kee-eokdo najee anayo / haengbok'aettdeon soongando akkyeojoodeon naldo,' suggest a longing for the cherished memories that once brought joy. The protagonist reflects on how their lover used to smile at them, unaware that they would eventually part ways, as indicated by 'keudaen nal pomyeo ootneyo / moreusheelt'ejyo naneun ddeonangeoeyo.'

The recurring theme of tears and emotional turmoil is evident throughout the song. The lines 'jakkooman noonee kamgyeo-oneyo / naenooneun keudaemaneul yeojeonhee poneunde' reveal the protagonist's struggle to move on, as they continue to see their former lover in their mind's eye, leading to tears. This emotional conflict is further emphasized with 'jakkoo heuryeojyeo noonmooree nayo / tweet moseubeul pomyeo eensahaneyo,' where the protagonist feels a sense of helplessness and sorrow while reminiscing about their past love.

The song also touches on the theme of unrequited love and the pain of separation. The lines 'keedaryeodo naneun ojee aneulkkeoeyo / jamsheeman keudaegyeot'e meommoolda kalkkeyo' express the protagonist's realization that waiting for their lover is futile, yet they still wish to linger by their side for a moment longer. The repeated apologies, 'keudael saranghaeseo meeanhaeyo,' highlight the deep regret and sorrow felt by the protagonist for loving someone who is no longer present in their life. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the protagonist acknowledges that they must let go, 'keudaeyeo nareul eeseo peoryeoyo / nameonjeo keudael chajeulkkeyo,' yet they still hold onto the hope of finding their lover again, even if it's just in their memories.