Expecting Rivers

Yellow Magic Orchestra's 'Expecting Rivers' is a poetic and ethereal journey through the subconscious, blending both English and Japanese lyrics to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The recurring line, 'Dreams fly by in a starless sky,' sets the tone for the song, evoking a sense of drifting through an endless, dark expanse. This imagery suggests a journey through the unknown, where dreams and reality blur together, creating a surreal experience.

The Japanese lyrics add depth to this dreamscape. Phrases like 'ときどきやみよにただようぼく' (sometimes I drift in the darkness) and 'てさぐりでながれるぼくら' (we flow, groping in the dark) convey a sense of aimlessness and searching. The imagery of flowing rivers and drifting boats further emphasizes the theme of navigating through life's uncertainties. The repetition of 'ざぶざぶながれるかわぎし' (the riverbank flows) and 'しくしくみずはなみだしょく' (the water is tear-colored) introduces a melancholic tone, suggesting that this journey is not without its emotional challenges.

Despite the melancholic undertones, there is a sense of hope and resilience. Lines like 'そろそろぼくはおきあがる' (soon I will rise) and 'ころころわらっていようね' (let's keep laughing) indicate a determination to keep moving forward and find joy amidst the uncertainty. The imagery of rowing a boat and progressing smoothly ('するするぼーとこぎだして' and 'すいすいぼくらすすんでく') symbolizes the effort to navigate through life's challenges with grace and perseverance.

'Expecting Rivers' by Yellow Magic Orchestra is a beautifully crafted song that captures the essence of human experience—navigating through dreams, emotions, and the unknown. It speaks to the universal journey of finding one's way, embracing both the struggles and the moments of joy along the way.