小樽運河
都はるみ Lyrics

The song "小樽運河" by 都はるみ tells the story of a couple who have been together for a long time, perhaps forty-something years ("四十路半ばの"). The setting is the city of Otaru, in Hokkaido, Japan, where they are taking a walk by the Otaru Canal ("小樽運河"). The lyrics describe a rainy autumn day ("秋が逝き　セピア色した 雨が降る") and a feeling of nostalgia ("イエスタデイを聴きながら"), as the couple reminisces about their past ("別の生き方 あったねと").

However, the mood changes with the realization that their relationship might be coming to an end ("これで終わるの 始まるの"). The woman confronts her partner, telling him that if he is a real man ("あなたほんとの 男なら"), he won't leave her alone ("わたし独りに させないわ"). The song ends with a bittersweet image of the canal as a symbol of their memories together, which they will cherish even if they are no longer together ("イエスタデイをもう一度　窓の向うに あァ小樽運河").

Overall, the song explores themes of nostalgia, change, and the uncertainty of long-term relationships. The setting of Otaru, with its historic canal and buildings, adds to the sense of melancholy and reflection.