The Bittersweet Scent of Memories: Unpacking Kenshi Yonezu's 'Lemon'

Kenshi Yonezu's 'Lemon' is a poignant ballad that delves into the themes of loss, memory, and unending love. The lyrics speak of a person who continues to dream about a loved one, indicating that this person holds a significant place in the singer's heart. The recurring dreams and the act of dusting off old memories suggest a longing for the past and an inability to move on from the moments they shared. The reference to 'lemon' in the song is metaphorical, representing the bittersweet nature of memories that are cherished yet painful.

The song also touches on the idea of irreversible happiness, as the singer acknowledges that there are forms of joy that will never return. This realization is something the loved one imparted to the singer, perhaps in their parting or through the relationship's end. The 'dark past' that the singer couldn't face without their loved one implies that the relationship brought light into their life, which has now dimmed in their absence. The metaphor of the lemon's scent, which lingers and cannot be washed away by the rain, symbolizes the enduring impact of the lost love on the singer's life.

The emotional depth of the song is further conveyed through the imagery of tracing the loved one's silhouette in the dark and the overwhelming tears that come with facing things that are too much to bear. The singer's plea for the loved one to forget them, despite still being their light, underscores the complexity of their feelings—wishing for the loved one's peace while still being unable to let go. The song's narrative is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the way it continues to shape our lives, even after it has changed or ended.

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  1. さよーならまたいつか (sayonara, mata itsuka!)
  2. 地球儀 (Spinning Globe)
  3. Lemon
  4. KICK BACK
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