Meaning of イズント・イット・オールウェイズ・ラヴ (Isn’t It Always Love) by 竹内まりや (Mariya Takeuchi)

The Timeless Serenade of Love: Demystifying the Meaning of "Isn’t It Always Love" by Mariya Takeuchi

Mariya Takeuchi’s iconic hit "Isn’t It Always Love" is a melodious exploration of the ebbs and flows of romance, a poignant reflection that continues to resonate with music enthusiasts worldwide. This remarkable ballad delves deep into the complexities of the human experience, capturing the ups and downs of emotional intimacy with uncanny ease. As I delve into the lyrics, I cannot help but share my personal experience with this song and uncover the secrets that make "Isn’t It Always Love" a timeless serenade.

A Journey Beneath the Starry Night

The song begins under the starry sky, where the narrator embarks on a contemplative journey. The opening lines of "Isn’t it always love that makes our eyes shine bright?", as the narrator ponders, set the tone for an introspective exploration. As I reflect on these opening lines, I realize that the song is actually about the transformative power of love. It’s this emotional connection that has the potential to illuminate our darkness and bring us closer to the people we care about.

The Duality of Love

The verse goes on to highlight "love that makes tears fall like rain", a poignant acknowledgment that romance is not always filled with sunshine and rainbows. "Love can bring us down, wiping away our tears" – this dichotomy struck a chord within me as I reminisced about my past experiences. I, like the narrator, have confronted moments of heartbreak where I felt like I couldn’t breathe. But ultimately, it was the prospect of love that helped me find solace and encouraged me to keep moving forward.

The Struggles and Triumphs

"Some days will be rough and blue, some days will be cloudy", the narrator soothly advises, encouraging us to persevere even when the road ahead is uncertain. This message spoke to me on a profoundly personal level. In moments of doubt, I remembered those words and pushed onward, convinced that the struggles we face are an essential aspect of the journey towards happiness. "But what makes life worth living are those moments we share, moments that make our lives a little brighter", as the narrator poetically captures the essence of an enriching relationship.

Unlearning and Reborn

As I reflect on the lyrics, it became clear that the narrative’s personal transformation is nothing short of remarkable. We hear the narrator recount, "I used to believe love was a losing game, and I said never again", recounting a past where skepticism clouded their perception. It is only through maturity, self-reflection, and experience that they emerge wiser, recognizing love’s fundamental importance in bringing happiness, sadness, and ultimately, growth.

Unraveling the Web of Emotions

Perhaps it is this takedown of preconceived notions that allows listeners to connect with the essence of "Isn’t It Always Love". As someone who has experienced the lows of heartbreak and risen again, I can vouch for the transformative force that love can exert in our lives. Mariya Takeuchi’s poignant refrain is a testament to love’s capacity to foster change, to push individuals outside their comfort zones and bring about a deeper awareness of themselves and others. The song’s narrative journey encapsulates this concept in a way that touches hearts and minds alike.

Conclusion

Mariya Takeuchi’s seminal track "Isn’t It Always Love" is nothing short of a masterpiece that resonates with the rhythms of our collective human experiences. Through its intricate interplay of melody and harmonious lyrics, this powerful ballad reminds us "love is a dance between the light and shade, a dance that unfolds over time", painting a vivid picture that both heals and inspires in equal measure. As the song’s final crescendo fades away, I am met with a profound sense of longing, a desire for this serenade to last an eternity. For I believe that in its soaring, emotive essence lies the power to love anew, to rediscover ourselves, and to begin the journey anew with a renewed sense of promise.

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