Ripe
家入レオ Lyrics

The lyrics of 家入レオ's song "ripe" convey a deeply personal and emotional journey that revolves around the themes of love, longing, and the bittersweet moments of youth. At the outset, the singer sets the stage by vividly describing an everyday scene of riding a bicycle down familiar roads. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and innocence, transporting listeners to a simpler time. The lines about a "broken wound" being healed by someone special introduce the idea of vulnerability and connection. The "bubbles" that were played with as a child symbolize fleeting happiness and innocence, while the wish to send them "far away" intertwines the wishful thinking that accompanies young love. The singer is yearning for a deeper connection, infusing the experience with hope and nostalgia as they prepare to meet someone significant.

As the narrative unfolds, the singer expresses a determination to face their fears and insecurities by seeking out this person, despite the potential for pain. The repeated affirmation, "怖くったってね 傷付いたってね" (even if I'm scared, even if it hurts), highlights the complexity of young love—where the excitement of connection often dances hand-in-hand with the fear of rejection or heartbreak. This duality becomes integral to the theme of the song, as it showcases the courage required to pursue love amidst possible emotional turmoil. The imagery of spring, with its arrival symbolizing new beginnings, amplifies this sense of hope and aspiration. The cherry blossoms serve as a visual metaphor for the transient nature of beauty and love, suggesting that even amidst the ephemeral moments, the desire to be close to someone remains a powerful driving force.

Further in the song, the singer observes their love interest with a sense of longing and subtle melancholy. The "orange" that flows without reason indicates moments of deep emotional reflection, where feelings arise unbidden yet resonate deeply. This line encapsulates the notion that love can evoke a range of emotions—joy, pain, and yearning—that often feel inexplicable. The singer's wish to convey their feelings transforms into an urgent desire to act, as indicated by the repeated determination to meet this person. This growing intensity of emotion reinforces the urgency of youth—the need to seize the moment before life's fleeting opportunities slip away. The interplay of emotions emphasizes how love can inspire and simultaneously unsettle, providing depth to the singer’s experience.

In the concluding verses, a pivotal change occurs when the singer firmly decides to vocalize their feelings, culminating in a sense of empowerment by expressing their love openly. The simplicity of uttering “好き” (I love you) highlights the beauty and significance of that moment, showcasing how love transforms personal fears into courageous declarations. The desire to walk side-by-side with their love interest amidst a backdrop of cherry blossoms symbolizes a longing for emotional and physical closeness, intertwining the personal with the picturesque aspects of spring. Ultimately, the song encapsulates the essence of youthful love—its innocence, complexity, and transformative power—while capturing the introspective journey of one who embraces vulnerability in the pursuit of connection and affection.