希望
岸洋子 Lyrics

The lyrics to 岸洋子's song 希望 paint the picture of a woman who is constantly searching for hope in the form of a man she once knew. She travels long distances on trains in hopes of rediscovering the love and memories that this man brought into her life. The song opens with the lyrics “Hope in the name of you, I go looking for/Boarding another train to a distant country” which sets up the idea that this man represents a kind of hope that the singer cannot seem to find elsewhere. She reflects on the memories she has of this man, as well as the possible new memories that could be made if they were to come across each other again. Despite the fact that she has grown older and more mature without him, she still hopes to reconnect “until the day I meet you again, my journey will never end.”

Through the verses of the song, the listener learns of the singer's persistent search for the man she still loves but who quietly disappeared, leaving her alone on this journey. The chorus of the song repeats the idea that she is still searching for hope in the form of this man, always riding trains and attempting to get closer to the life she once knew, but never actually finding him. As she rides the train in the “cold late at night,” it is clear that she is left with only her sadness as a companion, but if this man was there with her in the neighboring seat, maybe that would be enough.

The lyrics of the song are particularly poignant as they touch on themes of hope, loss, and the human desire for connection with others. 岸洋子's beautiful, emotional vocals only serve to further emphasize these themes, making the song a truly moving piece of art.