The song '季節は次々死んでいく (Seasons Die One After Another)' by Amazarashi, lyrically translated by Genius Romanizations, exudes a deeply melancholic and reflective vibe, capturing the impermanence of life and the changes that everyone inevitably faces. It delves into the emotions of sadness, mortality, and the struggle to find purpose and meaning amidst the transient nature of existence, all set against the backdrop of the changing seasons which metaphorically represent the cycle of life and death.
The emotional journey of the song begins with an acknowledgment of the relentless passage of time, paralleled by the changing seasons that die one after another. The imagery of the seasons’ death creates a somber introduction that prepares the listener for an introspective experience. The lyrics hint at a person's insignificance against the vast timeline, likened to a voice fading into the wind, planting seeds of existential contemplation.
As we proceed, the song paints a scene of an urban environment, perhaps dull and tainted, where the rain tastes like alcohol, suggesting a pervasive sense of intoxication or escapism in daily life. It's a journey through a life that seems aimless, observed by the eyes of apathy and suspicion, perhaps alluding to the disconnect one feels when amid the societal machine that lacks warmth or genuine connection.
In the heart of the song, the protagonist struggles with their own identity, feeling like a shadow whose existence is questionable. There's a vain hope that maybe singing in the rain could break the clouds, symbolizing a yearning to break free from the emotional storms that cloud one’s life. Despite the vibrant nature of summer, life in it appears withered, capturing the contrast between the outward festivity and internal decay.
The following verses explore a dichotomy between recognition of the past and embracing the future. The past is depicted as a burdensome and haunting specter that refuses to be discarded, yet there's a resignation to moving forward with the understanding that meaning in life is derived posthumously. The fleeting flame of life must be pursued quickly, highlighting the urgency to live despite the seeming lack of inherent purpose.
"Doro ni ashi mo tsureru seikatsu ni Ame wa Alcohol no aji ga shita"
This metaphor suggests that the rain, representing the trials of life, carries the bitterness and perhaps the numbing effect of alcohol, painting a picture of a bleak and challenging existence.
"Boku ga boku to yobu ni wa futashika na Hantoumei na kage ga ikiteru fuu da"
Here, the artist expresses doubt about their own identity and existence, feeling as if they are merely a semi-transparent shadow, questioning the very essence of what makes them real or significant.
"Kimi ga kimi de iru ni wa futashika na Fuantei na jiga ga kimi wo kiraou to"
The line reflects the internal battle one faces with insecurity and self-doubt, with their unstable ego seemingly antagonizing their true self.
"Sou da ikaneba naranu naniwanakutomo ikite iku no da"
This line captures a firm affirmation of one's resolve to continue living, regardless of the absence of grand purpose or direction, emphasising the necessity of life's journey.