Sayonara
James & Brian Eno Lyrics


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Sayonara
I must be dreaming
For rain
Sayonara
I must be dreaming
For ever
You excite enough faith
For me

Sayonara
I must be dreaming
They sing
Sayonara
I must be dreaming

We are singing
Some swing
Who loved crying




Fear and laughter
Sway end and swing

Overall Meaning

At its core, James & Brian Eno's song Sayonara appears to be a dream-like experience of bidding farewell to someone or something. Both the title and the repetition of the word "Sayonara" throughout the lyrics evoke a sense of departure, as if the singer is leaving behind something that they have grown attached to. This feeling of separation is emphasized by the line "I must be dreaming", which could suggest that the singer is having trouble accepting the reality of their situation. Additionally, the reference to rain could serve as a symbol of sadness or cleansing, perhaps implying that the departure is not entirely positive.


As the song progresses, the lyrics become more abstract, with lines like "You excite enough faith for me" offering little concrete meaning. It is possible that these lines are meant to convey the emotional intensity of the singer's attachment to whatever they are leaving behind. The repetition of "some swing" and "sway end and swing" towards the end of the song seem to suggest a sense of release or movement, as if the singer is letting go and allowing themselves to be carried away.


Overall, Sayonara is a song that uses dream-like imagery and repetition to evoke a sense of departure and emotional intensity. While the lyrics are open to interpretation, the song's haunting melodies and atmospheric production contribute to its overall feeling of detachment and longing.


Line by Line Meaning

Sayonara
Farewell or Goodbye


I must be dreaming
I cannot believe what is happening, it seems like a dream


For rain
Perhaps longing for something to wash away past troubles


For ever
Seems like wishing a dream to last for eternity


You excite enough faith
Someone or something has earned trust and inspires confidence


They sing
Implies a group or chorus singing together


We are singing
The singer is joining in with the chorus of singing


Some swing
Perhaps indicating some sort of musical style or dance move


Who loved crying
This line is more ambiguous, could suggest someone who enjoyed something melancholy or was emotional


Fear and laughter
These two emotions are being contrasted against each other


Sway end and swing
Another potential reference to dancing or music, perhaps suggesting a rhythm or beat




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Comments from YouTube:

TheWorldsWorstMan

This album will forever mean cool summer nights, a bit too chilly for t-shirts but you'll survive, you're in too good a mood to get a hoodie out the car, or go indoors. Just chilling with someone you love, or at least dreaming of them ❤️

Segi gise

one of the best albums for relaxing during the morning, afternoon, night...anytime i play these tracks it feels like im walking on clouds from the simpson intro

always and forever, james <3

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