斜陽 (Setting Sun)

Yorushika's song "斜陽 (Setting Sun)" is a poignant exploration of melancholy, self-reflection, and the fleeting nature of moments. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a day bathed in the soft, red hues of the setting sun, a time often associated with introspection and the end of a journey. The imagery of the sun setting and the characters being unable to open their eyes suggests a sense of overwhelming emotion and a struggle to face reality.

The recurring theme of sadness is evident in lines like "悲しくってしようがないんだ" (I'm so sad I can't help it) and "途方に暮れた帰り" (lost on the way back). These lines convey a deep sense of sorrow and confusion, as if the characters are grappling with their emotions and the passage of time. The sun, a symbol of warmth and life, paradoxically brings a sense of melancholy as it sets, highlighting the transient nature of happiness and the inevitability of change.

The song also touches on themes of unrequited love and self-acceptance. The line "僕は恋をしたんだろうか あのお日様のように" (Did I fall in love, like with the sun?) suggests a longing for something unattainable, much like the unreachable sun. The repeated notion of almost being able to love oneself, "もう少しで 僕は僕をひとつは愛せたのに" (I almost could have loved myself), underscores the struggle for self-acceptance and the impact of external beauty and moments on one's inner world. The setting sun, while beautiful, also casts long shadows, symbolizing the duality of beauty and sadness.

In the end, the song leaves us with a serene yet somber image of a quiet evening, where the characters remain with their eyes closed, perhaps indicating a resignation to their emotions and the passage of time. The setting sun, while a natural phenomenon, becomes a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the bittersweet beauty found in moments of introspection.