かあさんへ
吉幾三 Lyrics

The lyrics to 吉幾三's song "かあさんへ" (To Mother) express the singer's gratitude and admiration for his mother. Throughout the song, he addresses her directly, using the respectful and affectionate term "かあさん" (kaasan). He describes how her kindness, strength, and love have shaped him into the person he is today. The singer also acknowledges the challenges his mother has faced, particularly in her old age, and expresses his desire to support and comfort her.

The first stanza of the song highlights the singer's appreciation for his mother's physical presence - her back, arms, and smile. By being close to her, he has come to understand love. The second stanza acknowledges the difficulties and hardships his mother has faced over the years, and how her strength in the face of these challenges has inspired him. The third stanza shifts to a different scene, where the singer sees someone who reminds him of his mother and wonders if they too are happy. He goes on to express his concern for his mother's loneliness, but also notes that through her he has learned about the value of being alone sometimes. The fourth stanza speaks to the deep emotional connection between the mother and son, with the mother often shedding tears. Even in the midst of this, however, the singer has learned about his mother's past and experiences. The fifth and final stanza concludes with the singer writing a letter to his mother, as he cannot express the emotions he has in a phone call. He tells her that she is not alone, and that he will be back to see her soon.

Overall, "かあさんへ" is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to a mother's love and sacrifice. The lyrics convey a sense of gratitude, respect, and emotional complexity that is characteristic of the Japanese concept of "amae." Amae refers to a deep emotional dependence on others, particularly family members, and is seen as a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture. In this song, the singer's deep love for his mother is evident, but so too is the complexity of their relationship, with moments of sadness, loneliness, and misunderstanding.