浅い眠り
中島みゆき Lyrics

The lyrics to 中島みゆき's song 浅い眠り (Shallow Sleep) describe a nostalgic longing for a lost love, set against the backdrop of a summer day and night. The first stanza creates a sense of distance and separation from the past, as the singer reflects on a summer day that was promised to never be forgotten but now feels far away. The imagery of the waves receding and the absence of the wind from that day emphasizes the sense of loss and longing. The second stanza shifts to a plea for the lost love to be remembered and for the pain and longing to be shared, even more so if the loved one is someone close and familiar.

The chorus expands on the theme of longing and suggests that the city itself is calling out for love, even if it may seem hidden or shallow amid the distractions of daily life. The repetition of "浅い眠りにさすらいながら" (asai nemuri ni sasurai nagara, meaning "while wandering in a shallow sleep") reinforces the idea of being lost and adrift in a world where even the city is searching for connection and love. The final "Ah" is a wistful but unresolved note, leaving the listener to continue to wander and search.

Overall, the lyrics of 浅い眠り convey a melancholic, yearning mood and suggest that even in the midst of a bustling city, individual hearts can feel isolated and disconnected.