"Ikanaide" (いかないで) by Eve is a song about unrequited love and the fear of being left behind. The narrator expresses their feelings of wanting to stop time and stay by the side of the person they love. However, the person they love is always walking ahead at a fast pace, leaving them behind. The song reflects on the narrator's emotions and inner struggles. They are torn between wanting to hold on to the person they love and the realization that they can't force them to stay. The lyrics mention crying and the conflict of wanting to express their true feelings, saying "Naicha dame naicha dame demo honto wa iitai yo" (泣いちゃだめ 泣いちゃだめ でもホントは言いたいよ) which means "It's no good to cry, it's no good to cry, but I really want to say it." The narrator also experiences a sense of loneliness and uncertainty about the future. They reveal that even though life goes on, they feel lost and invisible without the presence of the person they love. The line "Tōku e to kieteiku boku o oite tte" (遠くへと 消えていく ぼくを置いてって) translates to "You're leaving me behind as you disappear into the distance." The song conveys a delicate balance between longing and acceptance, illustrating the pain and heartache of unrequited love. Despite their overwhelming feelings, the narrator understands the importance of letting go and allowing the person they love to continue their journey, even if it means being left behind. Overall, "Ikanaide" is a poignant and emotional song that captures the complexities of unrequited love and the fear of being abandoned.
