アメリカ橋
山川豊 Lyrics

The song "アメリカ橋" by 山川豊 talks about a moment of nostalgia and introspection where the singer finds himself standing at the base of the "American Bridge" (referring to the Meganebashi in Nagasaki, Japan, nicknamed by the locals because of its resemblance to a pair of glasses). Looking back on his youth, he remembers the warmth and coziness he felt in this place, as well as the memories of unfulfilled love buried in the streets. The streetlights of the city and the architecture made of stone further reinforce the sense of history and permanence of those past times. However, when he meets someone he knew from that time, he realizes how much has changed, both for him and for the city. Time has passed, and people have moved on, but the nostalgia and sense of longing persist.

The lyrics convey complex emotions using imagery and subtle references to the specific time and place, evoking feelings of both comfort and disorientation. The imagery of the bridge and the smoke from the cigarettes almost feel tangible, and the references to the physical changes, like a new haircut, give the impression of a time capsule that suddenly opened. The chorus emphasizes the inescapable nature of time, which keeps moving forward despite one's longing to hold onto the past.