Lemon – 米津玄師 Kenshi Yonezu
“Lemon,” released by Kenshi Yonezu in 2018, is a powerful and emotional ballad that has resonated deeply with audiences in Japan and worldwide. Known for his unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic music, Yonezu is a multi-talented artist who writes, composes, and produces his songs. “Lemon” is one of his most acclaimed works, characterized by its haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and emotional depth. The song became a cultural phenomenon in Japan, and its success is not only attributed to its musical beauty but also to the personal story that underpins its creation.
The Origins of “Lemon”
“Lemon” was originally written as the theme song for the Japanese television drama “Unnatural” in 2018. The drama focused on the lives of forensic scientists investigating mysterious deaths, often revealing emotional and heart-wrenching stories. Fittingly, Yonezu’s song encapsulates the themes of loss, grief, and the process of coping with the death of a loved one.
However, the significance of “Lemon” for Yonezu goes beyond its role as a soundtrack. The song was deeply influenced by the passing of his grandfather, a loss that affected him profoundly. Yonezu has publicly shared that “Lemon” became a personal reflection on his grief, making the lyrics more poignant and relatable to listeners who have experienced similar emotions.
Lyrical Exploration: Love, Loss, and Memory
The lyrics of “Lemon” revolve around the themes of love and the pain of losing someone dear. Yonezu’s words are poetic, filled with vivid imagery and emotional resonance, making the song both relatable and haunting. The opening lines set the tone for the entire song:
“夢ならばどれほどよかったでしょう / 未だにあなたのことを夢にみる”
(If only this were a dream, how much better it would be / Even now, I still dream of you.)
These lines convey the deep sorrow that comes with loss, as the speaker longs for the presence of a loved one, wishing the pain were just a bad dream. The reference to dreaming about the person highlights the inability to let go of their memory, a theme that runs throughout the song.
The chorus, which became one of the most memorable parts of the song, expresses the bittersweet nature of love and loss:
“今でもあなたは私の光”
(Even now, you are my light.)
In these few words, Yonezu captures the essence of enduring love, even after the person is gone. The person who has passed away continues to be a guiding light in the speaker’s life, a source of comfort, yet also a reminder of their absence. The lyrics suggest that while grief may never fully go away, the memory of the loved one continues to influence and shape the speaker’s life.
Another key moment in the song is the metaphor of the lemon, which symbolizes the bitterness and sweetness of memories:
“苦いレモンの匂いがする”
(The scent of bitter lemons lingers.)
This line encapsulates the complexity of grief, where the memories of a loved one bring both pain and comfort. The scent of the lemon represents the lingering presence of the lost person, a reminder of both the joy they brought and the sadness of their absence. It’s a powerful image that reflects the duality of emotions that come with loss.
Music Composition: A Perfect Marriage of Melody and Emotion
Musically, “Lemon” is a masterful composition that combines simplicity with emotional depth. The song opens with a gentle, melancholic piano melody that immediately sets a somber tone. As Yonezu’s soft, almost whispering vocals begin, the song gradually builds in intensity, with the introduction of strings and percussion adding layers of complexity.
One of the standout elements of the song is Yonezu’s vocal performance. His voice carries a raw, emotional quality that perfectly matches the lyrical content. He sings with a sense of vulnerability and introspection, allowing listeners to feel the weight of his grief. As the song reaches its chorus, his voice swells with emotion, drawing the audience into the heart of the song.
The arrangement of “Lemon” is carefully crafted to evoke a wide range of emotions. The delicate balance between the piano, strings, and drums creates a sound that is both ethereal and grounded, giving the song a timeless quality. The orchestration is minimal but effective, allowing the melody and lyrics to shine without overwhelming the listener.
The Music Video: A Visual Representation of Grief
The official music video for “Lemon” adds another layer of emotional depth to the song. Directed by Yoshiyuki Okuyama, the video is a visual metaphor for the themes of grief, memory, and the passage of time. Filmed in a grand, old church with soft lighting and minimalist decor, the video reflects a sense of solemnity and introspection.
In the video, Yonezu performs alone in the vast, empty space, symbolizing the isolation that often accompanies grief. His movements are subtle and restrained, mirroring the subdued tone of the song. Throughout the video, the camera frequently cuts to scenes of lemons scattered around the church, a visual representation of the song’s central metaphor.
The video’s use of light and shadow is particularly striking. The interplay of darkness and light mirrors the emotional contrasts in the song—the joy of love and the pain of loss. The flickering candles and dim lighting create a haunting atmosphere, further emphasizing the themes of mourning and remembrance.
Reception and Cultural Impact
“Lemon” quickly became a commercial success in Japan, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for several weeks and breaking numerous records. It resonated not only with fans of Yonezu’s music but also with a broader audience, due to its universal themes of love and loss. The song’s relatability, coupled with its beautiful composition, helped it become one of the best-selling singles in Japan in 2018.
Beyond its commercial success, “Lemon” became a cultural touchstone, particularly in Japan, where it has been used in various media, from television programs to social events. The song’s emotional depth has made it a popular choice for performances at funerals and memorials, as it offers comfort and solace to those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Conclusion: A Timeless Ballad of Love and Loss
Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon” is a poignant and beautifully crafted song that explores the depths of grief and the lasting impact of love. Its universal themes, combined with Yonezu’s emotive vocals and poetic lyrics, have made it a beloved track for millions of listeners. “Lemon” is not just a song about loss—it’s a tribute to the enduring nature of love, and how, even in the face of sorrow, memories of those we love continue to guide and illuminate our lives. It stands as one of Yonezu’s most iconic and emotionally resonant works, a song that will likely continue to touch hearts for years to come.
Yume naraba dore hodo yokatta deshou
Imada ni anata no koto wo yume ni miru
Wasureta mono wo tori ni kaeru you ni
Furubita omoide no hokori wo harau
Modoranai shiawase ga aru koto wo
Saigo ni anata ga oshiete kureta
Iezu ni kakushiteta kurai kako mo
Anata ga inakya eien ni kurai mama
Kitto mou kore ijou kizutsuku koto nado
Ari wa shinai to wakatte iru
Ano hi no kanashimi sae ano hi no kurushimi sae
Sono subete wo aishiteta anata to tomo ni
Mune ni nokori hanarenai nigai remon no nioi
Ame ga furiyamu made wa kaerenai
Ima demo anata wa watashi no hikari
Kurayami de anata no se wo nazotta
Sono rinkaku wo senmei ni oboete iru
Uketome kirenai mono to deau tabi
Afurete yamanai no wa namida dake
Nani wo shiteita no nani wo miteita no
Watashi no shiranai yokogao de
Dokoka de anata ga ima watashi to onaji you na
Namida ni kure sabishisa no naka ni iru nara
Watashi no koto nado douka wasurete kudasai
Sonna koto wo kokoro kara negau hodo ni
Ima demo anata wa watashi no hikari
Jibun ga omou yori
Koi wo shiteita anata ni
Are kara omou you ni
Iki ga dekinai
Anna ni soba ni ita no ni
Marude uso mitai
Totemo wasurerarenai
Sore dake ga tashika
Ano hi no kanashimi sae ano hi no kurushimi sae
Sono subete wo aishiteta anata to tomo ni
Mune ni nokori hanarenai nigai remon no nioi
Ame ga furiyamu made wa kaerenai
Kiriwaketa kajitsu no katahou no you ni
Ima demo anata wa watashi no hikari