メトロに乗って
斉藤和義 Lyrics

These lyrics from the song メトロに乗って (Take the Metro) by 斉藤和義 convey a sense of adventure and nostalgia, urging the listener to explore unfamiliar places and rediscover the excitement of falling in love. The first verse begins with a proposal to take the listener to unknown streets, leaving behind their coat as a symbolic gesture of shedding the old and welcoming the new spring breeze. As they pass through the ticket gate and sprint up the stairs, the singer describes the listener's face looking like that of a young girl, reminiscing about past conversations where phrases like "someday" and "eventually" were used as common sayings. The lyrics emphasize the idea that tomorrow is not guaranteed and should not be taken for granted, urging a departure from routine by boarding the metro and venturing into a changing city.

The second verse continues the theme of exploration and spontaneity, with the singer now requesting to be taken to unknown places, referencing a bookstore mentioned in a previous conversation. The lyrics touch upon the excuses of being busy or lacking interest in trying new things, emphasizing the uncertainty of tomorrow as no one truly knows what the future holds. By suggesting a trip to Asakusa to pull omikuji (fortunes) until a great blessing is received, the singer expresses a willingness to engage in lighthearted and repeated attempts at fortune-seeking, highlighting the joy that can be found in simple moments of laughter and connection.

As the song progresses to the chorus, the repeated refrain to "take the metro" and venture into changing cityscapes signifies a readiness to break away from the familiar and embrace the unknown. The singer proposes a return to the city where they first met, adopting the role of travelers in love once again, symbolizing a rekindling of romance and rediscovery of shared memories. The journey continues to Kanda for a meal of wild buckwheat noodles, with an emphasis on savoring the experience to the point of making slurping sounds, capturing the essence of enjoying life's simple pleasures with unabashed delight.

In the final verse, the singer suggests taking the metro once more to explore the evolving cityscape of Tokyo, their shared hometown. The lyrics evoke a desire to revisit the past and fall in love again, referencing a boxing match at Korakuen where an unnamed man rose repeatedly, highlighting resilience and determination in the face of challenges. The song closes with a sense of admiration for this anonymous figure and leaves the listener with a lingering contemplation on the beauty of embracing change and pursuing love amidst life's uncertainties.