Respect
沢田聖子 Lyrics

沢田聖子's song "Respect" tells the story of a break-up between two people who had been living together. In the first verse, we hear about one of them leaving the apartment, leaving behind only a small note that says "if something happens, call me." The person leaving turns around and smiles kindly, saying "always be yourself." Despite not having hated or disliked each other, they had both begun to feel trapped by each other's dreams.

In the second verse, we hear that the room they had shared now feels too big for the person who remains. They decide to keep the curtains and tablecloth they had picked out together, but it's difficult to move on from what they shared. Despite this, the person left behind doesn't regret their time together and will continue to live with the memories until they can fully accept reality. The chorus repeats the line "you were more than anyone I ever met, you were wonderful. I hope you shine more freely" twice, driving home the idea that they are not bitter about the end of the relationship and simply wish the best for their partner moving forward. The final line is "goodbye."

Overall, "Respect" is a poignant song that deals with the end of a relationship in a mature way. The lyrics focus on how, despite their differences and eventual separation, the two people still have respect and affection for each other. The choice to keep some of the shared items in the apartment feels like a symbolic gesture, a sign that the singer wants to hold onto some of the good memories they had together.