影を慕いて
春日八郎 Lyrics

The lyrics of the song 影を慕いて (Kage wo Shiite) by 春日八郎, which roughly means "Longing for Shadows", speaks of a lover's yearning for their beloved, who is portrayed as a shadow or an illusion that appears only during the rain, the day or the night. The persona confesses to having an insatiable longing for their lover, whose existence seems void and without touch or substance. The persona's feelings are described as an intense burning fire within their heart, which they can barely conceal. The guitar, which is taken up by the persona, serves as a solace from the singer's pains and becomes a medium in which they express their emotions. The autumn is said to be unforgiving to the persona's sorrows, and the trill in the guitar, as well as the sound of the rain, is described as lonesome and depressing. The persona talks about their forlorn destiny and their willingness to endure life, just like the cicada, which only lives for a brief period.

In summary, the song 'Kage wo Shiite' portrays a protagonist who is melancholic and yearning, with unrequited love towards an elusive lover who only exists in their imagination. The persona's pain is heartfelt in their description of their intense emotions, which can be barely concealed. The guitar represents an escape from their sorrow and the sound of the trills as well as the rain reflects their lonesome state. They are ready to endure the pain of unreciprocated love like the cicada that only lives for a short period.