Released: 2021
The song “suima” by KANKAN featuring Ayase weaves a story steeped in the feeling of longing and nostalgia, often dipping into the introspection of solitude. At its heart, the lyrics capture a person reflecting on the past moments shared with a significant other, conveying emotions of missing their presence and the color they added to life.
The recurring refrain of closing the window, wishing for more sleep, serves as a metaphorical request to block out the noise and distractions of the outside world. It’s about seeking comfort and peace, symbolized by the act of closing a window against outside chaos, representing an escape into one’s thoughts and dreams.
The opening verse sets a melancholic tone, expressing frustration with disturbances—both literal and metaphorical. This character feels weary of interruptions, be it the noise or emotional chaos, craving solitude or dreams, which are often more comforting than their reality.
There is a palpable tension in the lyrics where the artist reflects on how, in the absence of a loved one, life loses its flavor and becomes mundane. This speaks to the emptiness that can accompany missing someone significant, indicating that this person’s presence once added vitality to their days.
The song speaks to a personal truth of longing through its allusions to memories, such as “あの日の溜め息” (the sigh of that day), hinting at regret or unspoken feelings from past moments. These small reminiscences evoke powerful emotions and give weight to the character’s reflections.
Continuing through the song, there’s an admission of avoiding reality, of ignoring signs because facing them was daunting. The narrator remembers softer moments like “君の柔らかな涙” (your soft tears) that linger in memory, pulling on the heartstrings and reflecting deep emotional pain.
Amidst these recollections, the singer talks about actions that signal disinterest or neglect—”邪魔臭い” (troublesome), repeating a desire to be woken up to end their monotonous life. The call to “早く起こしてよ” (hurry and wake me up) shows a desire to return to a vibrant life with their loved one.
The line about “枕に残る気配” (the presence left on the pillow) powerfully conveys a physical absence. This subtle detail emphasizes a haunting sense of loneliness and longing as the memory of a person is present but physically absent, a universal emotion of those dealing with loss or separation.
Reflecting on the chorus, the recurring plea for the person’s return punctuates the pervasive boredom and loss without them. It beautifully captures the idea that without the one they care about, time becomes uninteresting and lacks depth, as highlighted by “味気なく過ぎていく日々” (the tasteless days pass by).
Concluding the song, there is an acknowledgment of past errors, missed opportunities, and a wish for resolution, which resonates in lines like “向き合うことができたら” (if I could have faced it). It’s an admission of regret, mixed with the sweetness of past companionship, portrayed in “君の声心地良くてまた眠たくなる” (your voice was so pleasant, it makes me sleepy again). This reflection implies comfort in memories, but also a sad realization that these moments remain out of reach.
