惨たらしさ (minatarashisa) translates to 'misery' or 'wretchedness'. It's a powerful and evocative word that describes a state of extreme suffering or cruelty, often with a sense of pity or horror.
In the song, it appears in the line "やり場のない惨たらしさも" (even the unspeakable wretchedness), suggesting deep, unplaceable sorrow or pain. This word is less common than everyday terms for sadness, making it particularly striking and memorable in the context of life's journey.
This Mrs. GREEN APPLE song is about growing up and noticing it. The opening is small and honest: "苦手なものが / 平気になってさ" (the things I used to hate / don't bother me anymore), and then "ちょっぴり寂しさを知る" (I get a little taste of loneliness). That's such a real feeling. Getting used to things is supposed to be good, yet the singer feels a bit sad about it, the same way they miss "あなたが残した香り" (the scent you left behind).
The star of the song is the wind. Every chorus ends on "風はただ知っている" (the wind just knows). It invites, laughs and sings, and it quietly remembers the days you cried and "誰しもが持つ 胸のキズ" (the scars on the heart everyone carries). Notice ただ here: it means "just" or "simply", so the wind doesn't fix anything, it only knows. I find that oddly comforting.
Then the bridge drops into everyday talk: "おはよう" (good morning), "今日もいいお天気ね" (nice weather again today, isn't it), and "また明日ね バイバイ" (see you tomorrow, bye-bye). The little ね at the end asks the listener to agree, like a friendly nudge, and it's gold for learners. Between greetings come the big lines, "人が人を繋ぐ頃" (when people connect people) and "命の調べよ" (oh, the melody of life). It ends without a neat answer: "どこに向かうかはわからない / 道は続いている" (I don't know where it's heading / the road goes on).
Mrs. GREEN APPLE is a Japanese pop-rock band from Tokyo, formed in 2013 by vocalist and songwriter Motoki Ohmori. They made their major-label debut in 2015 with the mini-album Variety on EMI Records.
Since the start of 2022 the band has been a trio: Ohmori, guitarist Hiroto Wakai and keyboardist Ryoka Fujisawa.