If you have ever watched a video about life in Japan, you may have heard this song in the background. "Kanashimi ga Tomaranai" (悲しみがとまらない), also known as "I Can’t Stop the Loneliness," is one of Anri’s best-loved songs.
The song
The lyrics were written by Chinfa Kan, and the music was composed by Tetsuji Hayashi, who also wrote "Mayonaka no Door ~Stay With Me." It appears on Anri’s 1983 album "Timely!!". The title sounds sad, but the sound is bright and dancing, and that mix is what makes it so special.
Today it is often used in short videos about cafes, food, and everyday life in Japan. In a popular YouTube ranking of city pop songs made by people from abroad, it was chosen as one of the top five.
What I remember
Of course, I knew this song very well back then. But I often wondered, "Why is such a sad song so popular?" Maybe it is the rhythm. It makes you want to move, even when the story is sad.
Now that I am older, I understand the words a little better. The song tells a tense, dramatic story about two women and one man, and I can almost feel the sparks between them. Back then, I did not really understand all of that. I was simply enjoying the mood of the song, just like many listeners around the world who do not speak Japanese enjoy it today.
Listen
You can also listen on YouTube (official):
Anri on CD
"Timely!!", the album with this song, is available from CDJapan, which ships worldwide (affiliate link):
Where did you first hear this song? I would love to know.
Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart, too.
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