銀の龍の背に乗って
中島みゆき Lyrics

In 中島みゆき's song 銀の龍の背に乗って (Riding on the Back of a Silver Dragon), the singer is expressing feelings of helplessness and sadness, imagining himself as a fledgling bird who is unable to fly. He observes that there are others who are currently suffering beyond the distant, pale-blue sea. The lyrics encourage the listener to rise above their feelings of weakness and pain, to transform into wings that can soar, and to become a compass that can guide them away from past hurts. Even if we are like baby birds who cannot yet fly, we can dream of riding on the back of a silver dragon to deliver ourselves and others to a better place, such as the lifeless desert that represents death or the swirling clouds of uncertainty.

The second verse of the song emphasizes the human need for connection and empathy. The singer observes that even when they've lost everything, people still cling to others for support. The reason humans only have soft, vulnerable skin and no other means of protection is because it allows them to feel the pain of others and connect with them on a deeper level. Similar to the first verse, the chorus repeats, encouraging the listener to take flight even with flawed wings and unreliable talons, to join the dragon and journey to places of pain and darkness, to carry the weight of others on their journey.

Overall, the lyrics of the song paint a portrait of emotional transformation and human connection. Through the imagery of a silver dragon and the metaphor of bird wings and a compass, the song encourages listeners to let go of their fears and limitations and find strength in themselves and others.