High Touch
Your smile is always with me
High Touch is such a massive hint in favour of Pearlshipping. It was used as an opening theme in the Japanese episodes of DP090 to DP158, and also for the Japanese version of Arceus And The Jewel Of Life. It is a song that undisputedly, explicitly states the closeness of Ash and Dawn and their sucess as a team. Now let's analyse the lyrics together.
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First Section: Dawn
We fight, make up, and then we fight again
There are a lot of things I want to say to you
But foremost...
"Thanks for being here for me!"
This first verse is sung by Dawn. The first line is certainly true, especially of the first DP season. They have undoubtedly had little arguments througout the DP saga, all of them trivial. Of course, as Dawn says, they "make up" every time. Reminiscent of a true couple, don't you think?
The second line is a little ambiguous, and could read in several ways. The most significant interpretation would be that Dawn is, in fact, hinted to have a crush on Ash. "There are a lot of things I want to say to you." This line speaks for itself.
The final two lines, again, show their closeness. The phrase "But foremost..." suggests that Dawn is hesitating as to what she might want to say, perhaps influenced by the implications of the second line. This is unsurprising, of course. Dawn has been shown to be as dense as Ash sometimes, as seen in the penultimate episode of the Lyra Arc (DP146 Dressed For Jess Sucess).
Second Section: Ash
Companions in this journey, compassion in the world
I pretend to understand those things, but
The truth is...
"I'm happy you're here for me!"
Rarely does Ash ever express such affection for a female who is not his mother. He states explicity. "You're here for me." Not just "my friends are here for me.", but Dawn alone. He singles her out in such a way that cannot help but appear to be somewhat romantic, or at least friendship with romantic implications.
Third Section:
Nice Partner!
Nice Rival!
I'll push you forward
I'll pull you along
The sun seems so dazzling when I look up at it
Hey Hey Hey!
If it all goes well, let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
If we're feeling down, we'll come right back!
As long as we are together
I will not give up so easily! GO GO GO!
The pre-chorus and chorus are self explanatory and are here for reference. The bold parts show the alternating parts, starting with Dawn, after which they sing in unison. It is noted that the last line is sang by Ash alone. So, analysis time. What does Ash do? Gym Battles. It is obvious from the last two lines that Dawn is what drives Ash on to compete in Gym Battles, which require skill and persistence.
Fourth Section:
Take aim with Bubble Beam!
I've come to rely on Pochama, but
Sometimes...
I'll find myself in a mega pinch!
I let out a cry of "100,000 Volts!"
Pikachu is my pride and joy, but
To put it simply...
That doesn't mean I'll win!
Right. This is a very important section of the song. It is widely known that Ash and Dawn are very, very, close with their Pokemon. It is also an absolutely indisputable fact that Ash's best friend is Pikachu. All through the Original Series, Advanced Generation, Ash is shown to be inseparable and completely reliant on his Pikachu. Now he has just said that it "doesn't mean I'll win." Ash Ketchum has just said that. This song is about him and Dawn. He's saying that Dawn is just as close to him as his Pikachu is. For all of you who have watched the Pokemon series, that's saying something.
Fifth Section:
Nice Partner!
Nice Rival!
We may argue
But as long as we follow each other
I think we'll find a way to compromise!
Hey Hey Hey!
It all went well, so let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
I won't ever forget today's victory!
As long as we're together
We'll escape from any kind of pinch!
Hey Hey Hey!
Extending our arms, let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
Smiling this much is so heartwarming!
As long as we're together
Strong opponents are also welcome! GO GO GO!
This section captures the regular dynamics of their relationship. You can see easily how much stronger their relationship is than anything we've seen. I am speaking in the context of Pokemon with Best Wishes and XY inclusive.
Sixth Section:
Through today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow
This journey goes forever on, but
Always...
Your smile is with me!
To the north, to the south, east and west
The scenery goes on changing, but
No matter where I go...
Your smile is always there!
As you probably know, Ash and Dawn parted ways before the XY series. If Amourshipping seems to be an obstacle, then remember this line. "Your smile is always there." Ash is always thinking about Dawn, and Dawn about Ash. Also, saying that someone's smile is always with you is a very romantic thing to say, don't you think?
Seventh Section:
And so we end on a lighthearted note on the final chorus.
Underneath the sky, let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
We can understand that more easily than words!
As long as we're together
We can fly away, facing our dreams!
Hey Hey Hey!
If it all goes well, let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
If we're feeling down, we'll come right back!
As long as we're together
I will not give up so easily! GO GO GO!
Hey Hey Hey!
It all went well, so let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
Shake hands with our opponent in battle
As long as we're together
We can go even further than before! GO GO GO!
GO GO GO! GO GO GO!
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