2023.
This thing we do when we are trying to get o… Read Full Bio ↴The last part.
2023.
This thing we do when we are trying to get over someone, we throw stones at them, we criticise them when, in secret, we are hurting and we feel inadequate.
Thank you to everyone who has listened over the last six years. I’m truly lucky to live in an age where I can release music independently.
I hope you enjoy the last part.
Late Nights & Compact Discs
Available 2023
Kyoto
Simon McLoughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You would be my love
I would be happy
Praying at the shrines for the Shinto
Ignorant English washing my mouth out
If I was alone in Kyoto
Who would hold my hand as I walk through the Gion
What kind of life are you prepared to withstand?
Hope in a flight bound for Japan
Quiet and polite but they don't understand
You don′t understand me
What do you see now?
I'm not the creature you met in your dreams
Would you fly away to Kyoto
Living in a one bed two person apartment
Get a high ball at a Lawson's
Drinking on the streets of Higashiyama-Ku
If I was alone how would I feel
Talking to myself as I crawl through the neon
Wondering if any of this is real
What kind of life are you prepared to withstand?
Hope in a flight bound for Japan
Quiet and polite but they don′t understand
You don′t understand me
What do you see now?
I'm not the creature you met in your dreams
The lyrics to Simon McLoughlin's "Kyoto" delve into the thoughts and emotions of the singer as they contemplate the possibility of moving and living in Kyoto, Japan. The song opens with the idea of finding love and happiness in Kyoto, while feeling a sense of curiosity and fascination with the Shinto religion. The line "Ignorant English washing my mouth out" suggests that the singer feels a sense of cultural difference and is humbled by their lack of understanding.
The second verse explores the idea of being alone in Kyoto and the longing for companionship. The mention of Gion, a famous district in Kyoto known for its traditional architecture and geishas, portrays a picturesque scene that highlights the desire for someone to share those experiences with. The line "The leaves in my tea don't even know" adds a touch of whimsy, suggesting a feeling of isolation despite being surrounded by beauty and tranquility.
The chorus reflects on the singer's struggles with being understood and misunderstood. It questions the kind of life one is willing to endure, possibly suggesting the sacrifices and challenges that come with pursuing dreams and venturing into the unknown. The reference to a flight bound for Japan and the contrast between being "quiet and polite" yet not understood implies the cultural differences and potential alienation that may come with immersing oneself in a different society. The line "You don't understand me, what do you see now?" reveals a sense of frustration and the singer's desire to be seen for who they truly are, challenging any preconceived notions or expectations others may have.
Overall, "Kyoto" is a contemplative song that explores the themes of love, longing, cultural differences, and the search for personal identity.
Line by Line Meaning
I could go and live in Kyoto
I have the option to move and settle in the city of Kyoto
You would be my love
You would be my romantic partner
I would be happy
I would experience joy and contentment
Praying at the shrines for the Shinto
Engaging in religious rituals and offering prayers to Shinto deities
Ignorant English washing my mouth out
Being criticized or ridiculed by English-speaking individuals for my lack of knowledge or understanding
If I was alone in Kyoto
If I were to be by myself in Kyoto
Who would hold my hand as I walk through the Gion
Who would provide me companionship and support while exploring the Gion district
The leaves in my tea don't even know
The natural elements, such as tea leaves, are unaware of my experiences and emotions
What kind of life are you prepared to withstand?
What challenges and difficulties are you willing to endure in life?
Hope in a flight bound for Japan
Having hope and expectation while traveling to Japan
Quiet and polite but they don't understand
People in Kyoto may be reserved and courteous, but they may not comprehend my thoughts and feelings
You don't understand me
You lack understanding of my true self
What do you see now?
How do you perceive me at this moment?
I'm not the creature you met in your dreams
I am not the idealized version of myself that existed in your fantasies
Would you fly away to Kyoto
Are you willing to travel to Kyoto by air?
Living in a one bed two person apartment
Residing in a small apartment with one bedroom designed for two individuals
Get a high ball at a Lawson's
Purchasing a highball drink from a convenience store called Lawson's
Drinking on the streets of Higashiyama-Ku
Consuming alcoholic beverages while walking along the streets of Higashiyama-Ku district
If I was alone how would I feel
If I were without companionship, what emotions would I experience?
Talking to myself as I crawl through the neon
Engaging in self-conversation while navigating through the neon lights
Wondering if any of this is real
Questioning the authenticity and reality of the experiences
What kind of life are you prepared to withstand?
What challenges and difficulties are you willing to endure in life?
Hope in a flight bound for Japan
Having hope and expectation while traveling to Japan
Quiet and polite but they don’t understand
People in Kyoto may be reserved and courteous, but they may not comprehend my thoughts and feelings
You don’t understand me
You lack understanding of my true self
What do you see now?
How do you perceive me at this moment?
I'm not the creature you met in your dreams
I am not the idealized version of myself that existed in your fantasies
Writer(s): Simon John Mcloughlin
Contributed by Bailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.