ちいさな愛 ~i~

Lyrics Translation: konya mo hoshi ni dakarete… (今夜も星に抱かれて…) ~ ayaka (絢香)

nobody@vox.com(crystalise) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:25:27 +0800

Just a quick note, I've updated the previous translation post on Laugh away to reflect the fact that the song now has two PVs, hooray! \(^ o ^)/

Before I get into this post though, I should really note that this post features an extremely contextualised translation - so if you are hoping for a more literal interpretation, click here to jump to the user comments segment. I initially tried to strike a more balanced translation but found it exceedingly difficult to convey the beauty of the lyrics under that approach... So I took the lazy way out, LOL (^__^")

Nonetheless, I still don't feel that I have done any justice to the piece, though I can promise you I tried very hard to do so. Indeed, the song's lyrics were so powerful in Japanese that it led Sky Crawlers (スカイ・クロラ) director, Mamoru Oshii (押井守), to redo the ending credits so that he could better fit it to the song. This is a significant gesture because Oshii is known for his adamant refusal to use any musical work that was not tailor-made for his movies... but after listening to this, he seems to have decided otherwise. (^___^")

Anyhow, the summer is certainly making its presence felt these days as the heat has been torturous in Hong Kong. As I wake up each morning to face that pale and diluted blue sky, I scorn - the thought of how hot it is outside sends chills through my spine... and with the Olympics a mere few weeks away, I can't imagine what it'd be like for the horses and their jockeys as the city hosts the equestrian events.

Shooting Clouds Out of the Air

At a time when I am trying to find any possible shade I could, it's difficult to understand why the Chinese government would ever want to ensure cloudless skies by sniping the poor balls of fluff out of the air with their darned anti-aircraft guns...

As if stepping up their control of 1.3 billion people was not enough to ensure a "peaceful and harmonious" Olympics, Beijing has gone the extra mile to reign in control of the weather as well. (-___-") If you are interested in how the whole thing works, hop on to this USA Today article.

Still, the two months leading up to the Games have been somewhat hectic as the government finds itself clearing up pollution, algae and political commentators in anticipation of welcoming the world through its doors. Anyway, I've gone on enough about this; I just wanted to share my awe at the Chinese army's ability to shoot clouds out of the air... LOL (^___^")

So, getting back on track as we long for the future that will bring us the Olympics, let us move on to this jewel of a song (^___^)

Song information:

Listen to a sample of 今夜も星に抱かれて・・・ (~1:30 mins)

今夜も星に抱かれて・・・ (Sample, ~1:30 mins)

ayaka (絢香)

First appearance:
Track 15 from ayaka's album, Sing to the Sky (Released 2008/06/25).

PV availability:
This PV marks the first ayaka video that features no sign of her whatsoever... (@__@) In her stead, viewers will be treated to scenes from The Sky Crawlers; which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on which you are a bigger fan of - clearly, I fall in the "not all too impressed" camp, LOL (^___^")

Theme song:
This song is the theme to the movie, スカイ・クロラ (also known as The Sky Crawlers).

Alternative versions:
There are no alternative versions at this moment.

Comments:
Listening to the first few lines of the song, ayaka's serenade certainly makes the ballad seem like nothing more than an ode to love, but it is not until the bridge of the song that the context of her words are truly revealed - the piece is not so much a song of love as it is a eulogy for someone she loves. In the booklet that came with the CD, her notes on this song go:

"In spending time with the people we love, a warm feeling is evoked from the touch of their skin. Though these occasions don’t seem particularly special, they are in fact irreplaceable moments. Sadly, we often get too used to a person and it is only when we lose them that we begin to realise this. In this way, the happiness that frames the moment of “now” is a happiness that we ourselves should strive to be grateful for with its every occurrence."

Of course, her notes were written in Japanese in the booklet, but I took the liberty of translating it in order to provide more context for understanding the song. The nice thing about the album is simply that ayaka takes time out to write notes on all the songs in the album and also explains why the album is titled, Sing to the Sky, LOL. I'll be translating these notes as I go through the songs in this album, so stay tuned as I work my way through it. (^___^")

Returning to the focus of this segment, despite noting that this song is more of a eulogy, it is really not about the loss but about the appreciation of the love left behind; not about sorrow and regret but about joy and gratitude; not a lamentation but a celebration. The song's message is not in the literal reading of its words but in understanding the concepts that it is implying through the lyrics, vocal expression as well as melody.

今夜も星に抱かれて・・・ is such an evocative piece that one requires no PV nor understanding of the lyrics to "see" what ayaka is singing of. Close your eyes as you listen and allow the simple yet beautiful melody to take you into a world where the night sky is filled with stars. Close your eyes and let ayaka's vocals guide you through a love that is at its warmest, most honest and most intense expression. Close your eyes and you will see what this piece is truly about.

After that, you probably won't even need to read the lyrics, but just in case you do want to reaffirm what you felt, feel free to scroll down to the next segment (you'll probably have to keep your eyes open though... (^___^")). Remember, this translation is highly contextualised - if you are looking for a more literal interpretation, click here to jump down to the user comments segment... (^___^)

Lyrics:
As always, Japanese lyrics are retrieved from www.uta-net.com.

--------------------------------------
日本語:
今夜も星に抱かれて・・・
--------------------------------------
歌手: 絢香
作詞: 絢香
作曲: 西尾芳彦・絢香
--------------------------------------
この世で一番心地よい場所　それはあなたの胸の中
胸に耳あて鼓動感じるの

What l need now is you
あなたのリズムで眠りそうになる
You made me what l am
このささやかな幸せが続くように…

あなたの愛をこの身に感じ　あたしも伝えるの
あなたの胸に抱かれ　あなたの匂いに包まれて

What l need now is you
これ以上の幸せなどないの
You made me what l am
あたしに不安などないの　あなたがそばにいるから…

５年たった今でも　ゆらゆらと陽炎のように
星になった君に触れることは　できないけれど
今夜も夢を見よう…

What l need now is you
Everyday Everynight l miss you
You made me what l am
Everyday Everynight Everything is you

そばにいるから

-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
konya mo hoshi ni dakarete...
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: ayaka
sakushi: ayaka
sakkyoku: nishio yoshihiko・ayaka
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
kono yo de ichiban kokochiyoi basho   sore wa anata no mune no naka
mune ni mimiate kodou kanjiru no

What I need now is you
anata no rizumu de nemurisou ni naru
You made me what I am
kono sasayaka na shiawase ga tsudzuku you ni...

anata no ai wo kono mi ni kanji   atashi mo tsutaeru no
anata no mune ni dakare   anata no nioi ni tsutsumarete

What I need now is you
kore ijou no shiawase nado nai no
You made me what I am
atashi ni fuan nado nai no   anata ga soba ni iru kara...

gonen tatta ima de mo   yurayura to kagerou no you ni
hoshi ni natta kimi ni fureru koto wa   dekinai keredo
konya mo yume wo miyou...

What I need now is you
Everyday   Everynight   I miss you
You made me what I am
Everyday   Everynight   Everything is you

soba ni iru kara

-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Even Tonight, I am Nestled in the Stars...*
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: ayaka
Lyricist: ayaka
Composer: Yoshihiko Nishio & ayaka
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
At your bosom, as I listen to the gentle throbbing of your heart
Through my earmuffs, I find my only solace in this world.

You are all that I need now
And in your comforting rhythm, I can find the safety of sleep.
It was you who made me what I am
And that is why a simple happiness flourishes in me still.

Held closely in your arms and enveloped tenderly in your perfume,
I feel your love within me as I reciprocate my feelings for you.

I need nothing more but you now,
As I know that there is no greater joy than this.
You were the one who made me what I am
And that is why nothing can trouble me, so long as you are with me.

...Five years from this day, my love for you will continue to burn...
And although I can’t snuggle up to that star you have become,
Even tonight, I could still dream...

All I need is you,
Everyday and every night... I miss you so.
I am who I am because of you,
My everyday, my every night, my everything... is you.

Because I know, unfailingly, that you are always by my side.

Notes:
*Note 1: This is the contextual version of the translation, if you are looking for the literal version - click here.

Links:
ayaka Official Website (maintained by Warner Music Japan)
Purchase Sing to the Sky online (via YesAsia Global)

Fuel Your Passion : ayaka

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Lyrics Translation: Laugh away ~ YUI

nobody@vox.com(crystalise) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:32:17 +0800

Well, I am aiming to break this post out in short order since I will be off the worldwide web for a few days and don't want to leave without getting something in this week! LOL

Luckily, this song is generally quite straightforward despite some moments when I was left a little puzzled over the English phrasal verbs she chose to use in her lyrics. (^___^") Regardless, I have to say that I am a little late to the game on this one since this song was written as a spring song, as the lyrics themselves make clear.

But I have to say that it was really difficult to escape a very profound sense of happiness as I translated this song - certainly, the joyfulness that is found in the music and lyrics are so enchanting that I can't help but want to share it, LOL.

It is also because of this song's expression of delight that I am dedicating this post to Deedee, though the lyrical content may be slightly inappropriate. I know you will take things in your own stride and to that end, I just wanted to tell you to stay strong amidst the storm. Indeed, may the stars embrace you tonight as well as you find comfort in dreams... (^___^") LOL

Song information:

Listen to a sample of Laugh away (~1:50 mins)

Laugh away (Sample, ~1:50 mins)

YUI

First appearance:
Track 1 from YUI's album, I LOVED YESTERDAY (Released 2008/04/09).

PV availability:
Yes, there is a PV available for the song and there is quite a lot of YUI with pretty screenshots scattered all over the place. Notice the protagonist, gestures, as well as items utilised in this PV since it is actually related to the SUMMER SONG PV which was released later. The PV sticks very closely to the message that YUI tries to convey through her lyrics, which makes it, in many ways, a visualisation of the song itself. (^___^")

UPDATE: There is now a second PV for this song, well, it is tied to the acoustic version of this song so it does count. The PV follows the same timeline as the Laugh away PV but follows the female protagonist's side of the story instead. It also gives good meaning as to what the phrase, "I LOVED YESTERDAY" tries to convey. Not a lot of YUI, but definitely worth checking out just to see the "flip side" of the earlier Laugh away PV. (^___^)

Theme song:
Not counting commercials, this song has no tie ups with any programme.

Alternative versions:
1. Laugh away -YUI Acoustic Version- (Released with the single SUMMER SONG on 2008/07/02)
I have to admit that this one caught me by surprise as I expected a "YUI Acoustic Version" of Namidairo instead. So much for my fortune-telling, huh? LOL. Consistent with all other such versions of her music, this track features a pure acoustic rendition of Laugh away; however, as I've always felt that the original song was fairly acoustically inclined anyway, which is why, for me, this version failed to capture that sense of brilliance that some of the other acoustic versions achieved.

Comments:
Perhaps it is because her lyrics are generally so descriptive of the concrete that she becomes a little difficult to comprehend sometimes when she speaks of the abstract. Overall though, the lyrics for this song are best described as "super cute" with depictions of puppy love written all over it. It has to be said that the song actually does really well to spread its brand of cheerfulness with bits of it that really make one smile as they sing along.

Overall, YUI's vocals and instrumental liveliness work very well to extend that warm fuzzy feeling to her listeners. Indeed, YUI seems to have been moving in this direction with her music recently and we are only just beginning to see her take shape as a lighter and happier individual in the music scene. Hopefully, she will be able to continue evolving her music further as there is no denying her talent as a songwriter. (^___^")

With that then, let us move on to the best part of YUI's smile campaign, LOL.

Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics were retrieved from www.uta-net.com, the all-powerful, LOL (^___^)

--------------------------------------
日本語:
Laugh away
--------------------------------------
歌手: YUI
作詞: YUI
作曲: YUI
--------------------------------------
見上げたら　ヒコーキ雲　明日へと消えた
僕は　それでもずっと　自転車を漕ぎ続けた

上り坂　駆けあがる　あの空の向こう
いつか　追い越せるような　そんな気がしているから

逸れそうな　Get away Get away
情熱を　Get away Get away
逃がさないように　手を伸ばして…

ちっぽけな事に悩んじゃって
とにかく君に会いたくなった　yeah

生まれたての春の匂いに
咲き誇るサクラのはなびら
いつだって負けないように　ねぇ

そう　笑って　そっと　笑って　Laugh away
そう　笑って　いつも　笑って

丘の上　息を切らし　街を見下ろした
たぶん　君の家の　屋根くらいは見えるはず

窓のそと　海がすぐだよなんて　話してた
だから　あの場所あたり?　同じ“今”感じている

溢れそうな　Get away Get away
情熱を　Get away Get away
こぼさないように　手を伸ばして…

ちっぽけな事に悩んじゃって
とにかく君に会いたくなった　yeah

目の前に広がる景色を
忘れてはいけない気がした
いつだって　負けないように

Never mind. Never mind.　落ち込んだら
yeah yeah ここに来て　風に吹かれたい

ちいさな笑顔がみたいから
僕だって強くなれるのさ　yeah

生まれたての春の匂いに
咲き誇るサクラのはなびら
いつだって　負けないように　ねぇ

そう　笑って　いつも　笑って

-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
Laugh away
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: YUI
sakushi: YUI
sakkyoku: YUI
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
miagetara   hikooki gumo   ashita e to kieta
boku wa   sore demo zutto   jitensha wo kogi tsudzuketa

nobori zaka   kake agaru   ano sora no mukou
itsuka   oi koseru you na   sonna ki ga shite iru kara

haguresou na   Get away Get away
jounetsu wo   Get away Get away
nogasanai you ni   te wo nobashite...

chippoke na koto ni nayanjatte
tonikaku kimi ni aitakunatta   yeah

umaretate no haru no nioi ni
saki hokoru sakura no hanabira
itsudatte makenai you ni   nee

sou   waratte sotto   waratte   Laugh away
sou   waratte   itsumo   waratte

oka no ue   iki wo kirashi   machi wo mishitaro shita
tabun   kimi no uchi no   yane kurai wa mieru hazu

mado no soto   umi ga sugu da yo nante   hanashiteta
dakara   ano basho atari?   onaji “ima” kanjite iru

afuresou na   Get away Get away
jounetsu wo   Get away Get away
kobosanai you ni   te wo nobashite...

chippoke na koto ni nayanjatte
tonikaku kimi ni aitakunatta   yeah

me no mae ni hirogaru heshiki wo
wasurete wa ikenai ki ga shita
itsudatte   makenai you ni

Never mind. Never mind.   ochi kondara
yeah yeah   koko ni kite   kaze ni fukaretai

chiisana egao ga mitai kara
boku datte tsuyoku nareru no sa   yeah

umaretate no haru no nioi ni
saki hokoru sakura no hanabira
itsudatte makenai you ni   nee

sou waratte itsumo waratte

----------------------------------------
English:
Laugh away
----------------------------------------
Performed by: YUI
Lyricist: YUI
Composer: YUI
Translated by: crystalise
----------------------------------------
Looking up, I see a vapour trail vanishing off into tomorrow,
As I carried on riding this bicycle of mine.

Feeling as though I would someday be able to overtake it,
I face the sky as I race up the mound.

All these feelings of euphoria are getting away –
Scattering aimlessly as it gets away,
So stretch out your hands to hang on to it all...

I accept that just can’t help but get bogged down by tiny matters,
It’s just that... I really want to see you.

Surrounded by an aroma that is the freshness of spring
Emitted from the petals of cherry blossoms that are brimming with life,*
There is no real reason for me to ever say that I’m feeling down.**

So laugh, laugh affectionately, and keep laughing away;
Laugh away, and laugh always.

Breathless as I stand atop the mound, I looked upon the town below,
And am quite certain that I could make out the roof of your house from here.

You had said that just beyond your window lies the vast ocean,
So it should be around there, right? As I look on, I feel our connection in the currency of this very moment.***

All these rhapsodic emotions are getting away –
Filled to the brim and getting away,
So put your hands out and don’t let them spill over...

I confess that I can’t help being bugged by little matters like these,
But I just really, really want to see you.

I know that I won’t be able to forget
The panoramic expanse that lies before my eyes...
Taking in this view, I can’t ever say that I’m unhappy.

Never mind all the little things that may trouble you, if you are ever down,
Come on over and call out for the wind to blow it all away.****

I confess that it is from the desire to see a teeny-weeny smile on your face,
That I, too, garner the strength to carry on.

Surrounded by the fragrance that is the vigour of springtime
Composed of the petals from cherry blossoms that are bursting with life,
I find it impossible to ever feel dispirited.

So, laugh away, and laugh always.

Notes:
*Note 1: Literally, “Fully-bloomed cherry blossom petals.”
**Note 2: Literally, “Always, it like I can’t lose.”
***Note 3: Literally, “Therefore, shouldn’t it be around that area? I am feeling a same sense of ‘now’.”
****Note 4: Literally, “Yeah, come here and want for the wind to blow.”

Links:
YUI official website (maintained by Sony Music)
Purchase I LOVED YESTERDAY online (via YesAsia Global)

Put Your Music on Love Support : YUI

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

ちいさな 愛 ~i~

Lyrics Translation: konya mo hoshi ni dakarete… (今夜も星に抱かれて…) ~ ayaka (絢香)

Lyrics Translation: Laugh away ~ YUI

ちいさな愛 ~i~