Summer Beach

Yukiko Okada's song "Summer Beach" is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of summer memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a summer day at the beach, where the protagonist is caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The imagery of the sun, the sand, and the sea serves as a backdrop for a deeper emotional journey. The protagonist feels the intense gaze of their lover, even while pretending to sleep under a parasol, indicating a sense of longing and unspoken words.

The song delves into the protagonist's desire to forget everything and be bold, yet they are haunted by the feeling of missing their lover despite their physical proximity. This paradox of being close yet feeling distant is a central theme in the song. The mention of mermaids dancing in vibrant colors adds a touch of fantasy, symbolizing the fleeting and magical nature of summer love. The protagonist's tears and the act of brushing off white sand from their eyelashes by their lover highlight the tenderness and the pain of their relationship.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the past, mentioning last year's swimsuit and the desire to say goodbye to a love that has ended. The bronze-colored sky symbolizes the passage of time and the end of a chapter. The protagonist apologizes for their actions the previous night, acknowledging their own faults in the relationship. The repeated refrain of "Oh summer beach" and the plea to express their love as strongly as the sound of the waves encapsulate the essence of the song—a heartfelt farewell to a summer romance that has left an indelible mark on their heart.