Passage
山崎まさよし Lyrics

Passage is a bittersweet song by Japanese singer-songwriter, Masayoshi Yamazaki. The opening verse sets a tone of longing and distance as the singer tells us that where he wants to go is still far away, with long winding paths. He goes on to describe the occasional sandstorm that blows through the area, shaking a thin shadow. The singer reminisces on a friend who once called out to him, but their voice eventually fades as they move on, and he is left with the promise they once made to each other to hold onto.

As the song progresses, he reveals that he's preoccupied with everyday things, even though he's far away from where he wants to be. The singer feels like he's been staring back at the place he longs to be, but it's still too far away. He looks up to the sky and wonders if that same star that has always been there, beyond the clouds, is still there, hoping it is because he continues to dream of reaching that star’s end.

The second verse has a more despondent tone, with the singer passing by a rusty, abandoned car, and the weight of unfulfilled wishes just floats by. He feels like he’s stuck and alone, with no idea of what to do. He then reminds himself that the star he dreams of is still there beyond the clouds, and fate will open up the path to the place he longs to be. He resolves to keep dreaming, hoping that one day he'll find it, and be able to continue walking forward.

Passage is a melancholic song that conveys feelings of distance and aloneness, mixed with a sense of hope and longing. It speaks to the universal experience of being stuck in a rut, expressing a yearning to move forward towards a better life. While the song has a slow pace, it is thought-provoking and emotive, aided by the raw vocals of Yamazaki. It’s no wonder the song has resonated with so many listeners worldwide.