初恋草紙
山口百恵 Lyrics

The lyrics of 山口百恵's song 初恋草紙 delve deep into the emotions of a first love, capturing the bittersweet essence of reminiscing on a past relationship. In the opening lines, the singer reflects on the act of putting on lipstick, a symbolic gesture that signifies a preparation to face the memories of a lost love. The mention of winter light gathering highlights a somber atmosphere, suggesting a sense of introspection and nostalgia that arises whenever thoughts of the past lover surface.

As the lyrics progress, the singer describes the path of farewell as one that transforms unfulfilled desires into a new form, symbolizing the evolution and progression of her own feelings of love and loss. The repetition of the phrase "あなたの言葉" (your words) emphasizes the lingering impact of the former lover's words on her soul, indicating how deeply the memories and words have etched themselves into her being.

The imagery of betrayal and transformation is evoked in the next verse, with the lipstick itself seeming to betray the singer by changing colors on the brush. The metaphorical depiction of the ex-lover's cheek becoming more mature through the weight of their separation speaks to the lasting imprint of their parting on both individuals. The singer's love is portrayed as a fleeting entity that is now scattering away, echoing the impermanence and transience of emotions in the face of goodbye.

The final verses poignantly depict the pain of longing and the sharp sting of memories as if being pricked by needles against the backdrop of red fruits and the echoing of past actions. The singer grapples with the torment of separation and the ghost of the past lover following her, illustrating the lingering presence of a lost relationship. The repeated themes of shame, wounds, and disappearing love convey a sense of acceptance and resignation towards the inevitable fading away of feelings and memories, signaling the closing chapter of a once cherished love.