Etude
高橋由美子 Lyrics

The lyrics of 高橋由美子's song ETUDE tell a poignant story of longing and emotional turmoil. The singer describes walking up a gentle slope towards a church, but instead of taking the direct route, they take a detour to prolong the time spent with their loved one. The scene is set with images of flowers and trees swaying in the wind, creating a bittersweet atmosphere where the singer finds it hard to leave. There is a sense of guilt and selfishness expressed as the singer admits to causing trouble and being reluctant to let go, ultimately releasing the hand that was held tightly. The conflicting emotions of desire and hesitance are palpable as the singer questions the origin of their painful feelings, wanting to hold onto the moment forever despite their own insecurities.

The imagery shifts to a solitary room where sleep eludes the singer, prompting them to open the window and wonder about the dreams their loved one is having at that moment. The feelings of longing and pain persist, leading the singer to question the source of their emotions once again. There is a deep sense of vulnerability and a desire to shield their loved one from sad dreams, expressing a wish through prayer to the starry sky. The repetition of expressing their thoughts and calling out the loved one's name underscores the emotional intensity of the singer's affection, culminating in tears welling up as they realize the depth of their love.

The lyrics capture the complex emotions of love and yearning, portraying the singer as someone who may feel inadequate or uncertain in their affections. Despite their perceived shortcomings, there is an overwhelming desire to hold their loved one close and shield them from sadness. The repetition of phrases such as "こんなにも大好きなの" ("I love you so much") emphasizes the depth of the singer's feelings and the undeniable strength of their love, even though they may struggle with feelings of unworthiness or insecurity. The imagery of the night sky, dreams, and tears all evokes a sense of emotional vulnerability and raw honesty in the singer's expression of their love, making "ETUDE" a beautiful and heartfelt contemplation on the complexities of human emotions.