NMB48 – Takane no ringo. Lyrics Meaning: The Apple You Can’t Reach is the Only One Worth Having
Why do we sometimes settle for the easy option? This song is basically a hype anthem for anyone who’s been told to be realistic. NMB48’s “Takane no ringo” is all about aiming for the impossible prize.
- NMB48 – Hajimete no hoshi | Becoming the Star You’ve Been Chasing
- NMB48 – Sunahama de Pistol | A Fierce Fantasy of Unrequited Love
- NMB48 – Otoshiana | Falling into an Unexpected Love Trap
- Treaty Oak Revival – Bad State Of Mind | Spiral Into Chaos And Toxic Love
- Lady Gaga – Dancin’ In Circles | Escaping Loneliness Through Fantasy
- Chappell Roan – Kaleidoscope | Embracing Love’s Shifting Colors
- AKB48 – Manatsu no Christmas Rose | A Summer Flashback to a Winter Romance
- AKB48 – Daiji na jikan | Finding Peace in the Pause
- Keyakizaka46 – Dare ga sono kane wo narasu no ka? | Who Will Ring the Bell for Humanity?
The Story Behind NMB48’s “Takane no ringo”
Imagine you’re in an apple orchard. There are tons of apples you can easily grab from the low branches. But then you look up. Way, way up at the top of the tree, there’s this perfect, shining apple. That’s the “Takane no ringo”—the high-hanging apple. This song is a story about choosing to go after that one.
The Easy Fruit vs. The High-Hanging Apple
The song kicks off by asking a pretty direct question. Why would you only pick the dreams that are easy to achieve? It’s like the singer is looking at a friend and shaking their head, wondering why they’re playing it so safe. The easy apples are for everyone, but the special one is for those who dare to climb.
The apples on the branches
Eda ni natta ringo wa
within your reach
Kimi ja nai
Aren’t just for you;
Dareka mo te wo nobasu
someone else will reach for them too
Minna ga
Akirameteru you na
seems to have given up on
Takai ki no ue
is at the top of a tall tree
Sagasanai no ka?
Aren’t you going to look for it?
The lyrics are basically saying, “Hey, that easy goal? Everyone’s going for that. Don’t you want the one nobody else thinks they can get?” It’s a challenge to stop thinking small.
Ignoring the Doubters
Of course, when you decide to chase something big, people will look at you funny. They’ll think you’re crazy for trying. The song totally gets that. It talks about pushing forward even when people give you cold stares or doubt you. You have to be willing to push yourself and not compromise, even if it looks like you’re overdoing it.
I will push myself too hard
Dakyou wa shinai
I won’t compromise
Hiyayaka na me de
Even if I’m looked at
Miraretatte…
with cold eyes…
I will push myself too hard
Subete wo kakete
and bet everything
Heikinten wa iranai (iranai)
I don’t need an average score (don’t need it)
Takane no ringo yo
Oh, high-hanging apple
Being “average” is the worst possible outcome here. The song rejects the idea of just being okay. It’s about giving it your all for that one amazing prize.
So, What’s “Takane no ringo” Really About?
At its heart, this NMB48 track is a powerful pep talk. It’s about rejecting mediocrity and passionately pursuing goals that seem out of reach. The song argues that the real value isn’t just in succeeding, but in the effort you pour into the challenge. It’s a musical reminder that playing it safe will never lead to anything truly great.
The Big Takeaway: Don’t Settle for Average
The message here is crystal clear. Don’t just wait for good things to happen to you. You have to climb the tree yourself and take risks. The song straight-up tells you not to make excuses like “winning or losing doesn’t matter.” The competition and the struggle are what motivate you to grow. The sweat and effort are what make the final prize taste so sweet. It’s better to aim for first place and try your hardest than to lower your standards from the start.
What’s Your “High-Hanging Apple”?
Honestly, this song is the perfect motivation when you’re feeling a little lazy or scared to try something new. It really fires you up to go after your own “Takane no ringo.” But what do you think? Does this song inspire you, or is it sometimes smarter to be realistic? Let me know your take on it!
