Kimi ga Inakereba
岩崎良美 Lyrics

The lyrics of 岩崎良美's song Kimi ga Inakereba ("If You Were Not Here") are characterized by a heartfelt sentimentality that is expressed through poetic images and metaphors. The song opens with the metaphor of twinkling stars that seem to hold back tears in their luminosity. The singer reflects on the fact that without the presence of the person they love, even the smallest things in life lose their meaning, such as the tiny bud that opens into a flower on the windowsill. This is contrasted with the lightness of heart that comes from simply being able to express one's love freely, without fear of judgment or rejection.

However, the singer's expression of love becomes more complicated and nuanced as they admit that in the presence of the person they love, they are rendered speechless and unable to find the right words. They become self-conscious and shy, staring at their shoes or looking away whenever their eyes meet. The song goes on to describe various mementos and memories that the singer holds dear, from a blue notebook and polished shoes to a postcard that was never sent, but all of them lose their value without the person they love.

The lyrics of this song are poignant and expressive, capturing the bittersweet emotions of longing and affection that are universal to human experience. The metaphors and images used are both whimsical and evocative, creating a vivid sense of nostalgia and yearning. When paired with the soft and melancholic melody, they create a somber yet beautiful ballad that speaks to the power of love and the impact that our relationships have on our lives.