Haruto Uzumaki
渦巻ハルト
- 24 Apr 2022
- 382
- 470
Japanese is definitely one of the best languages, maybe the best language for intricate, indepth expression and intense wordplay. Take a look at this song for example, 「あなたを保つもの」.
An extremely deep song with meaning beyond all physicality... I have been listening to this song before I even truly knew what Japan was as a country and a culture (about 7 years ago), and even back then I knew this song was special, but in the past couple of years I became able to truly understand the song at a deeper level (and still discovering new hidden meanings). I don't think I'll break down most the intense deep meanings of this song here, however, I would love to showcase some of the unparalled wordplay that goes on in this song, which may very well only be possible in Japanese. The premise of the song though, to me, appears to be about gaining a layer of primal self-awareness and consciousness at a sub-level of what we experience in daily life.
Take a look at the lyrics:
1⃣
The way 新た（あらた） complements あなた, absolutely beautiful wordplay. The replacement of a single "syllable" can result in a completely different word, and more often than not, it will happen to be a real word.
2⃣
The Japanese particle system (along with the mora-based system) in particular allows for clean, uniform transitions in meaning while only changing one "syllable" as well. Creates a deeper sense of meaning by allowing the listener/reader to focus on the single difference in the phrase.
3⃣
語りかける is one of countless examples where the Japanese language has a tendency to naturally alliterate in compound words, especially those with an even number of "syllables".
4⃣
By repeating the same reading with different words, it is possible to give a hidden double meaning while also creating a displayed meaning distinct from where the repeated readings originate from. In other words, one would be able to create an obvious meaning while alluding to a secondary and tertiary meaning behind it, all using the same reading. Even using different kanji for the same words with the same readings can provide a similar result.
5⃣
We also see that not only is から repeated three times, but て is also repeated three times (if we ignore the dakuten), creating poetic balance between the two lines. The Japanese language often allows for repeated syllables which can be used in creative ways.
These are just a few points that I feel make these lyrics, not to mention the whole song, a masterpiece. Thank you for taking a deeper look at it with me
If you found anything else in particular that you like about the way these lyrics are written, or other Japanese lyrics, I encourage you to write about it below! I believe gaining a deeper understanding of the layers contained within Japanese lyricism can create greater enjoyment and appreciation for music created in Japan!
An extremely deep song with meaning beyond all physicality... I have been listening to this song before I even truly knew what Japan was as a country and a culture (about 7 years ago), and even back then I knew this song was special, but in the past couple of years I became able to truly understand the song at a deeper level (and still discovering new hidden meanings). I don't think I'll break down most the intense deep meanings of this song here, however, I would love to showcase some of the unparalled wordplay that goes on in this song, which may very well only be possible in Japanese. The premise of the song though, to me, appears to be about gaining a layer of primal self-awareness and consciousness at a sub-level of what we experience in daily life.
Take a look at the lyrics:
1⃣
The way 新た（あらた） complements あなた, absolutely beautiful wordplay. The replacement of a single "syllable" can result in a completely different word, and more often than not, it will happen to be a real word.
2⃣
The Japanese particle system (along with the mora-based system) in particular allows for clean, uniform transitions in meaning while only changing one "syllable" as well. Creates a deeper sense of meaning by allowing the listener/reader to focus on the single difference in the phrase.
3⃣
語りかける is one of countless examples where the Japanese language has a tendency to naturally alliterate in compound words, especially those with an even number of "syllables".
4⃣
By repeating the same reading with different words, it is possible to give a hidden double meaning while also creating a displayed meaning distinct from where the repeated readings originate from. In other words, one would be able to create an obvious meaning while alluding to a secondary and tertiary meaning behind it, all using the same reading. Even using different kanji for the same words with the same readings can provide a similar result.
5⃣
We also see that not only is から repeated three times, but て is also repeated three times (if we ignore the dakuten), creating poetic balance between the two lines. The Japanese language often allows for repeated syllables which can be used in creative ways.
These are just a few points that I feel make these lyrics, not to mention the whole song, a masterpiece. Thank you for taking a deeper look at it with me
If you found anything else in particular that you like about the way these lyrics are written, or other Japanese lyrics, I encourage you to write about it below! I believe gaining a deeper understanding of the layers contained within Japanese lyricism can create greater enjoyment and appreciation for music created in Japan!
