Having been uprooted from their homeland, a brave young magician faces the daunting challenge of adapting to American culture. It’s a struggle many can relate to, feeling lost in a world that seems so different. They begin their CIAB with a heartfelt quote from “Anne with an E,” a touching TV series based on a classic book. In it, an orphan girl is taken from everything she knows in search of a place to call home:

It’s not what the world holds for you; I

t’s what you bring to it.

And you bring so much.

This heartfelt quote resonates with many of people, reminding us of the incredible strength we each hold within. As the  introduction music from the anime “One Piece” plays, it evokes an overwhelming sense of embarking on a new journey together. It captures the hope and anticipation that come with fresh starts, underscoring the promise of brighter days ahead.

あなたの希望と夢をすべて持 (With all your hopes and dreams)

ってきてください!一緒に、(Please come, together)

私たちは探しているす (Where we are looking for)

べてを見つけるでしょう (You will find everything)

ONE PIECE

What begins upbeat turns into longing-

古い記憶の埃を払い落とす (Dust off old memories)

忘れ物を取りに家に帰るよ (I’m going home to get something I forgot.)

うな結局、(In the end)

私にそれを教えてく (Tell em that)

たのはあなたでした (it was you who did it)

取り戻せない幸せもある (Some happiness is irretrievable)

The feeling of melancholy truly envelops the listener in Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon,” as the deeply emotional lyrics emphasize the sense of loss and longing. The slow tempo reflects this sorrow, while the gentle combination of drums, violin, and piano creates a comforting yet haunting backdrop. It’s a poignant reminder of the complex emotions we all experience, inviting us to reflect on our own moments of heartache and remembrance.

あの日の悲しみさえも (Even the sadness of that day)

あの日の痛みさえも (Even the pain of that day)

全部大好きだったので、(I loved it all)

あなたと一緒に (With you)

レモンの苦い香りが残る (the bitter lemon sent remains)

私の心に埋め込まれた (embedded in my heart)

雨が止むまでは家に帰れない (I can’t go home until the rain stops)

今でもあなたは私の光です (Even now, you are my light.)

“Lemon” is a touching tribute that expresses the deep pain of losing a beloved grandfather. The weight of grief is a theme that recurs throughout the CIAB journey, echoing the sentiments found in “Older” by Alec Benjamin. In this heartfelt song, Benjamin gently reflects on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of memories, inviting listeners to connect with their own experiences of loss and the emotional complexities that come with growing older. It’s a moving reminder that while grief can be heavy, it’s also a testament to the love and connection we hold dear.

Guess my childhood is over,

Now I’m taking down my posters,

And I’m telling all my friends

We’ll get together next October,

That’s my closest thing to closure,

I can’t stop this rollercoaster,

I’m not ready to get older,

I’m not ready to get older.

Also,

I know I gotta make a little money then maybe find somebody

To call my own

Mm, I’m not ready but I

Can’t go back in time, I

Know it’s all out my control

Now I know

Guess my childhood is over