Nekojarashi by the Radwimps: The Song In My Head

Weekly Topic: A song that you recently can’t get out of your head

Olimpia

Music has often lifted me out of overwhelming situations. 

Like many expats teaching overseas, I found myself in a difficult situation in the beginning of the pandemic. Each day became more uncertain in many areas of my life. At the time, I was unable to work and my mind was flooded with questions:
  • Should I go to my parent's home?
  • Should I stay abroad and see if my work will open again?
  • Should I defer graduate school? 
  • Should I start graduate school remotely?
By week three of the lockdowns, I had become overwhelmed and unable to make simple daily decisions. One day I stayed in my bed feeling helpless.

The next morning, I woke up early and unable to go back to sleep. The sun was about to rise and so I decided to play a random radio playlist on my music app. 

As the sun shined into my room, "Nekojarashi" by the Radwimps began to play. I did not understand the words, but my heart understood the feeling of the song.

There were small things to be grateful for like the sun shining through my window. I replayed the song for over an hour and I found myself cleaning my apartment, cooking a healthy breakfast and leaving to walk along the river to enjoy the blue sky.

I still replay this song often and it reminds me to breathe, stay present and let life take its course.


Language Insights:

Vocabulary:
expats: person living in a country different from their own. 
replayed: to play a song again prefix: re- (again)

Phrases:
I found myself in a: used to describe a situation or condition someone is experiencing in their life
stay present: the action of not thinking to hard about the past or the future; appreciating the moment

Modal:
Should I (infinitive): used to suggest or consider a plan of action
This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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