9 posts tagged “utada hikaru”
For some reason, it seems like it's been so long since I've blogged despite the fact that it's only been a week since my last post... Somehow, I haven't been able to garner the time to do some of the things I've been meaning to do and have been falling behind on my scheduling...
But I have a perfect culprit to blame for my this dearth of time: the Olympics. Yup, ever since that jaw-dropping spectacle Beijing put on to welcome the Games, I've been glued to a television set whenever my eyes passed near one and knowing how sentimental I could get, the Games have already driven me close to tears so many times as I watch the world's athletes pitch their best against one another.
There are few places and occasions in the world that showcase the boundless limits of the physical human the way the Olympics does. Certainly, although athletes come forth representing nations and states (and I will admit that I am rooting for several countries), the Olympics is not about nationalisms and statisms; rather, the Olympics is about bringing out the very best of the human physique and, in that way, displaying the deep pocket of potential that lies within the human spirit.
Anyhow, I probably shouldn't embark on an essay about the spirit of the Olympics, so allow me to reset the tone of this post to a more neutral one instead as we get ourselves in the mood for some Hikki goodness - moving ahead to the next segment though, it should be said that this is not a happy, bouncy summer song... (but don't worry, it's not some sad winter song either... or is it? (^___^"))
Song information:
Track 10 from Hikki's album, HEART STATION (Released 2008/03/19).
PV availability:
There is no PV available for this track.
Theme song:
This song does not serve as a theme to anything.
Alternative versions:
There are no alternative versions at the moment.
Comments:
[UPDATED COMMENTS:] Thanks to Liz, I've been treated to a much more official and authoritative interpretation of the song -- an interpretation by Hikki herself, LOL. I will maintain my original comments below this update as I believe that there is some validity to that interpretation of the song still; that, and the fact that it's not as sombre as this interpretation, LOL (^___^"). Nonetheless, Liz's comment led me into a new interpretation of the song as I read Hikki's Listen Japan interview where she discusses the inspiration to the piece.
As it turns out, Take 5 dwells on the concept of death but it really isn't as simple as just talking about death in general because it takes its cue from Kenji Miyazawa's (宮沢賢治) novel entitled 銀河鉄道の夜 (ginga tetsudou no yoru; trans: "A Night on the Milky Way Railroad"). This is made clear as Hikki comments, "I wanted to make it like Kenji Miyazawa's Milky Way Railroad, something like being separated from the body and being close to death, like dying and becoming as the stars." (Notice how she is not actually saying that it is death, but rather that it is like death.)
Indeed, Miyazawa's is a story that speaks of death's journey as the train to the stars seems to be transporting, among other things, those in their afterlife. It is important to note that the protagonist himself is not actually dead though, he gets on the train through a dream he has as he lies atop a grass-covered mound. Shortly after getting on, the protagonist realises that he is on this fantastical journey with a person that he considers to be his best friend and their relationship becomes the one thing that takes the protagonist on an emotional roller-coaster ride as the train chugs along.
Luckily for me, I've read the novel before and, as with every good work of art, know that there is a lot of room for interpretation in regards to the concepts in Miyazawa's tale. Take 5 then, appears to be Hikki's homage to the novel and, through its lyrics, seems to reflect the story of its protagonist; and like the story, although the song deals with the concept of death, I would argue that the song itself is not about actually dying.
Relating this back to my original analysis below, the sudden end seems not so much to be a sudden death but rather a rude awakening. This is because the entire song takes place in a dream and at its climax, the dream comes to an abrupt end: much like the conclusion of Miyazawa's story. In the words of my original analysis then, it seems that life has snapped Hikki out of her take five under this interpretation, LOL.
But here's the thing, it seems that I also misled myself to believe that Hikki called the song "take five" because of the English phrasal verb meaning "to take a break". From that interview however, it is clear that she opted for a more Japanese understanding of the term as she notes, "With the song's title, I was sort of saying that the fifth album is also my fifth take." This doesn't completely negate the English understanding of "take five" though because the entire song still begins with the protagonist falling into a dream after he climbs up the mound to, well, take a break, LOL.
So there you have it, take five unravelled -- this time with an interpretation from Hikki herself rather than a personal interpretation, LOL. (^___^) Still, as I have mentioned, all good works of art do leave room for interpretation, so if you have the time, do read through the way I understood the song by looking through the original comments. That interpretation came about after reading Hikki's Oricon interview and seeing the song as a reflection of her person, instead of as a tribute to Kenji Miyazawa's work.
I will now end this update with similar words that I ended my original comments with since they seem extremely relevant still -- this piece is mind-blowing!! LOL, and once again, thanks Liz for pointing me in the right direction! m(_ _)m
[ORIGINAL COMMENTS:] I have to admit that I'm actually really happy to be finally writing about take 5 since I've been wanting to do this for some time now. For those who follow Hikki's music, this piece is notable for causing quite a stir among her fans for its abrupt and unexpected conclusion (that's also why my sample above suddenly ends too, LOL).
But perhaps "unexpected" is the wrong word to use, because in listening to the lyrics, one could see that the song's cut off was not only appropriate but a clear sign of how inspired Hikki is as a songwriter. The surprising finish was a triumph for art as it was proof that Hikki was making no concessions in getting her message across.
This entire thing certainly makes the message seem quite grand, so it may sound a little bizarre to understand that the take away from take 5 is simply that everybody needs a break from time to time. The title of the song says it all - the whole piece is about taking a break, nothing more and nothing less. Personally, I would argue that it is about taking a break from life although one can also readily argue that it's about taking a break from her relationship.
Nevertheless, I am going to refrain from talking about the song in regards to her relationship not only because I feel that I've beaten the poor horse to death on that subject, but also because I feel that Hikki only uses her relationship as an example of frustration and ordeal to pave a better understanding towards the theme of taking a break from life.
I'm sure that we've all encountered times when our spirits feel so crushed that we wish we could just disappear amid the pressure and let everything go - just for a little while. It is that "little while" that Hikki is describing as she notes the most amazing feelings of freedom from expectation and commitment. Still, Hikki remains realistic as she understands that people can't simply abandon everything and walk out the door indefinitely as the second verse acknowledges that these breaks could be rushed to an end (ナイフのような風が 私のスピードあげていくの テイク 5).
This brings us to the final chorus then, where Hikki makes a commitment to simply live - it is at this point that she returns to reality as she steps back into her home refreshed after laying on the grass to take a breather. Before she finishes however, she makes one final point: all the circumstances of life, be they ordeals, triumphs or even breaks, have no real beginning and no real end. Events can happen and unhappen but they are all intertwined in that a beginning could be an end just as much as an end could be a beginning.
It is in realising this that we can finally understand why she suddenly cuts the song's audio - it was a surprisingly abrupt ending just as much as it was a surprisingly abrupt beginning. It was an ending in the sense that the track had come to its conclusion but it was a beginning in the sense that it sparked the listener's mind to ponder. From the perspective of the lyrics itself, if we took the song to be Hikki's take five, then it would have been her life that snaps her out of her take five; conversely, if we took the song to be Hikki's life, then it would have been the take five that snaps her out of her life.
But it doesn't matter which way around it should be because the point is simply that the abrupt "ending" to the song is neither an ending nor a beginning as it is also both an ending and a beginning - in other words, it simply is; and it is in this way that it simultaneously evokes a feeling of nothingness as well as of being - the most wonderful feeling - the feeling of taking a break and of renewal.
Now, this may sound a little too abstract for something as simple as taking a break but if you really think about it, there is no escaping the fact that this is what a break really is. When we take a break, we throw all caution into the wind and enjoy ourselves by cutting away all the things that trouble us even though we are still grounded in reality. In taking a break, we are unafraid of laughing or being laughed at, yet we are still conscious of who we are and the limits of our behaviour. Taking five, we feel the joy of nothing bearing down on us - neither expectations nor commitments - though we remember that our existence means many things to many people. A break is the time and space that is occupied by the feeling of nothingness while still rooted to our very being - it is something that needs no justification for it simply is.
Hopefully, that makes some sense but this song is so packed with imagery and concepts that it really is hard to sum up properly. Regardless, I really enjoyed picking it apart, so much so that I didn't realise how long I've been going for. Well, I guess I should really take a breather myself as we move on to indulge in the lyrics that make up this mind-blowing piece! (^___^)
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics retrieved from the lovely uta-net.com.
--------------------------------------
日本語:
テイク 5
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: Utada Hikaru
作曲: Utada Hikaru
--------------------------------------
冷たい草の上に倒れ込み
火照る体を隠したい
真冬の星座たちが私の恋人
ずっと待っていたの
今日の気分は最高です
絶望も希望もない
空のように透き通っていたい
会わないほうが ケンカすることも
幻滅し合うこともない
ナイフのような風が
私のスピードあげていくの
テイク 5
どんな自分が幸せです
成功も失敗もない
空のように透き通っていたい
コートを脱いで中へ入ろう
始まりも終わりも無い
今日という日を素直に生きたい
-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
teiku 5
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: Utada Hikaru
sakkyoku: Utada Hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
tsumetai kusa no ue ni taore komi
hoteru karada wo kakushitai
mafuyu no seizatachi ga watashi no koibito
zutto matte ita no
kyou no kibun wa saikou desu
zetsubou mo kibou mo nai
sora no you ni suki tootte itai
awanai hou ga kenka suru koto mo
genmetsu shiau koto mo nai
naifu no you na kaze ga
watashi no supiido agete iku no
teiku 5
donna jibun ga shiawase desu
seikou mo shippai mo nai
sora no you ni suki tootte itai
kooto wo nuide naka e hairou
hajimari mo owari mo nai
kyou to yuu hi wo sunao ni ikitai
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Take 5
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
Falling upon the piercing cold grass,
I desire only to hide my fevered flesh.
Above, the constellations of midwinter accompany me,
Waiting for the eternity that it takes my love to show.
This day brings with it such a wonderful feeling,
A feeling void of all hope and hopelessness,
As I quest to become as lucid as the sky.
When we do not see each other, all our arguments
And disillusionments of one another also cease.
The wind cuts like a knife
As my take five
Continues to hasten.
In every which way, I can honestly say I am happy,
With feelings of neither success nor failure to restrain me,
As I look to become as invisible as the heavens.
Taking off my coat as I step in,
I avow this circumstance that has neither beginning nor end,
As it is for this day that I wish to simply live.
Notes:
There are no notes on this song.
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan)
Purchase HEART STATION online (via YesAsia Global)
I've been thinking... maybe I should change the title of these posts from "Lyrics Translation" to "Lyrics Localisation" as it has this whole alliteration thing going for it and also seems to be a more accurate description of what I am aiming to achieve with these posts. Hmm...
All this thought was sparked off by a comment I received, one which I am really grateful for since it shows that there are still individuals that are keeping me in check and it also gave me an opportunity to share the process of how I translate these songs, which may sound quite tedious and complicated, though I have to emphasise that it really isn't and doesn't take nearly as much time as my reply may imply, LOL. (^___^")
Nonetheless, I've been a little torn lately since I know that I should really be translating some YUI now. She has already released an album and will be releasing a single tomorrow! But ayaka just released her album last week as well and there are so many awesome tracks on it! ARRGGGHHHH~~~
On top of that, there is this backlog of artists that I really want to introduce to the blog, namely, the funky techno-pop trio, Perfume; the girl with one very massive voice, Miho Fukuhara (福原美穂); and the Tibetan singer that I'm sure could sing to trees and have them sing back, alan... (^___^") So many artists, so little time...
But it's decision time and I have to pick my next song, which is why I know I should be finding something that I could laugh away about after going through a song as heartbreaking as this one... right?
Song information:
First appearance:
Track 9 from Hikki's album, HEART STATION (Released 2008/03/19). Note that the CD jacket I used for the above sample is from the single, Prisoner Of Love, which was released after the album. I did it to mix things up a bit... (^__^")
PV availability:
A PV was made available for the song when the single was released. The PV itself doesn't have much of a relationship to the song besides maybe the fact that it shows her in the process of writing Prisoner Of Love... and perhaps the fact that she seemed to be a prisoner of her studio throughout the video. (^___^") Personally, I absolutely loved the parts where she was struggling to finish the song and did tons of random things as a result, including air boxing and falling asleep on the couch. Those snippets reminded me very much of me, except she's an unquantifiable amount of times more awesome than me, LOL.
Theme song:
This song serves as the theme song to the uber-well-received drama, ラスト・フレンズ ("Last Friends").
Alternative versions:
1. Prisoner Of Love -Quiet Version- (Released with the single Prisoner Of Love on 2008/05/21)
If it were up to me, I'd be calling this the "-Deep Depression Version-" as Hikki brings the pain with the help of what seems to be only two instruments - a piano and a violin. Add along with that a slight echo to her vocals as well as a full song in that it doesn't fade off before she sings her final words, and you have yourself a heart-crushing mix of pure emotion that manages to belittle my other depression song of choice, Be My Last, LOL.
Comments:
How do I even begin talking about this song? It's not as if anyone needed to read the lyrics to understand how absolutely heart-wrenching and intensely desperate this song actually is and yet, from the entire song, the only part that depicts how extremely angry she is with him is the very first stanza. From there, the song carries itself along the bittersweet moments that form the highlights of their now broken relationship... As the title succinctly articulates, she's now nothing more than a prisoner of love - sentenced, it would seem, to life.
Musically, this piece is absolutely amazing as the violins clearly depict the sense of disbelief and then sorrow as they deliver their weeping song throughout. The bass drums also form another important part of the song's mood, sharpening the pain as it emphasises the heavy beating of a devastated heart; note how it pauses on the stanza where she recalls her final push to save the relationship - where she believed there was still hope.
As if that wasn't enough to break a million hearts, Hikki perfects this objet d'art with her heart-piercing vocals. Indeed, the song's vocal finale carries its message so powerfully that, even without understanding a single bit of the lyrics that preceded it, the message is instantly comprehensible (I know, because one of my friends heard the tail end of the song and asked if the poor girl was going through heartbreak... LOL).
With that then, let us plunge into the emotional depths within Prisoner Of Love.
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics are from uta-net.com, with modifications to the end of the song to give me more leeway to write, LOL.
--------------------------------------
日本語:
Prisoner Of Love
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: Utada Hikaru
作曲: Utada Hikaru
--------------------------------------
平気な顔で嘘をついて
笑って 嫌気がさして
楽ばかりしようとしていた
ないものねだりブルース
皆安らぎを求めている
満ち足りてるのに奪い合う
愛の影を追っている
退屈な毎日が急に輝きだした
あなたが現れたあの日から
孤独でも辛くても平気だと思えた
I'm just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
病める時も健やかなる時も
嵐の日も晴れの日も共に歩もう
I'm gonna tell you the truth
人知れず辛い道を選ぶ
私を応援してくれる
あなただけを友と呼ぶ
強がりや欲張りが無意味になりました
あなたに愛されたあの日から
自由でもヨユウでも一人じゃ虚しいわ
I'm just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
Oh もう少しだよ
Don't you give up
Oh 見捨てない 絶対に
残酷な現実が二人を引き裂けば
より一層強く惹かれ合う
いくらでもいくらでも頑張れる気がした
I'm just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
ありふれた日常が急に輝きだした
心を奪われたあの日から
孤独でも辛くても平気だと思えた
I'm just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
Stay with me, stay with me
My baby, say you love me
Stay with me, stay with me
一人にさせない
Stay with me, stay with me
My baby, say you love me
Stay with me, stay with me
一人にさせない
------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
Prisoner Of Love
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: Utada Hikaru
sakkyoku: Utada Hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
heiki na kao de uso wo tsuite
waratte iyaki ga sashite
raku bakari shiyou to shite
ita
nai mono nedari buruusu
minna yasuragi wo motomete iru
michi tariteru no ni ubai au
ai no kage wo otte iru
taikutsu na mainichi ga kyuu
ni kagayaki dashita
anata ga arawareta ano hi kara
kodoku de mo tsurakute mo
heiki da to omoeta
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
yameru toki mo sukoyaka naru
toki mo
arashi no hi mo hare no hi mo
tomo ni ayumou
I’m gonna tell you the truth
hito shirezu tsurai michi wo
erabu
watashi wo ouen shite kureru
anata dake wo tomo to yobu
tsuyogari ya yokubari ga muimi
ni narimashita
anata ni ai sareta ano hi kara
jiyuu de mo yoyuu de mo hitori
ja munashii wa
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
Oh mou sukoshi da yo
Don’t you give up
Oh misutenai
zettai ni
zankoku na kenjitsu ga futari
wo hiki sakeba
yori issou tsuyoku hikare au
ikura de mo ikura de mo
ganbareru ki ga shita
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
arifureta hi nichijou ga kyuu
ni kagayaki dashita
kokoro wo ubawareta ano hi
kara
kodoku de mo tsurakute mo
heiki da to omoeta
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love
Stay with me, stay with me
My baby, say you love me
Stay with me, stay with me
hitori ni sasenai
Stay with me, stay with me
My baby, say you love me
Stay with me, stay with me
hitori ni sasenai
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Prisoner Of Love
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
With all the calm on your
face, you spill forth your lies...
I can see you’ve grown sick of
all the laughter...
It was all simply fun and
games to you.
I’ve been gripped by the depression
that comes from asking for the impossible,
A request stirred from that
basic human drive for security.*
Even in a life so fulfilling,
we continue to struggle,
As we keep chasing after the
shadow of love.
My colourless everyday routines
were suddenly punctuated with brilliance
From the day that you came
into my life.**
Whether it’s in loneliness or in
adversity, I never doubted that I would be alright.***
It seems that I’m just a
prisoner of love,
Just a prisoner of love.
...In sickness and in health,
Through storm and through fair
weather, I pledge always to walk on your side...
I’m gonna tell you the truth
now,
Though no one knew, I felt
that I had committed myself to a rugged road
And at the time, you were there
for me...
Making you the only person
that I can honestly call my friend.
All my pretences of strength
and all my greed crumbled to nothing
From the day you said you
loved me.
Whether it’s for freedom or for
free time, a life alone seems a life wasted.****
Perhaps you could say I’m just
a prisoner of love,
Just a prisoner of love.
“We’re almost there.”
“Don’t you give up.”
“There’s no way you could fail
– of that, I’m sure.”
If cruel reality is tearing us
apart,
Then let us redouble our
efforts to stay as one.
In every possible way, with
all possible means, I gave my everything to this.*****
Now, I simply appear a
prisoner of love,
A mere prisoner of love.
My mundane days were sparked
to life in that instant,
That day when you took my
heart captive.******
Whether it’s in loneliness or in
adversity, I always thought things would work out;
But I’ve become a prisoner of love,
Nothing more than a prisoner to
love.
Stay with me, stay with me...
Baby, say you love me...
Stay with me, stay with me...
Baby, don’t you leave me...
Stay with me...
Tell me you love me!
Stay with me...
Please... don’t walk away from
me...
Notes:
*Note 1: Literally, “We are all looking for a sense of security.”
**Note
2: Literally, “From the day you appeared.”
***Note 3: Literally, “Even in loneliness, even in adversity, I thought that it would be fine.”
****Note 4: Literally, “Even if I were to be free or if I were to have time to myself, it’s all meaningless if I am alone.” This struck me as a little odd when I thought about why she decided to take these two themes – “freedom” and “time for oneself”. Well, it soon struck me that these two items are, in fact, the most common arguments for staying single… Hikki seems to be going through extreme prisoner of love syndrome! Somebody help her!!! (^__^”)
*****Note 5: Literally, “In as many ways as possible, in as many ways as possible, I felt that I would keep at it.”
******Note 6: Literally, “From that day when you stole my heart.”
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan)
Purchase HEART STATION online (via YesAsia Global)
Purchase Prisoner Of Love online (via YesAsia Global)
If you read any of my recent translation posts, you may have noticed that I've been putting up banners at the end of them. Hopefully, the message was clear from just glimpsing at them, LOL. (^___^") In general, there are two different sets of banners although both carry the same notion: music should be properly bought.
I was prompted to embark on this endeavour because of the increasingly errant arguments I've recently found myself getting into. Some of my friends don't quite understand why I would waste my money on original copies of games, movies, music and whatever it is that I wish to so have since all these things can readily be attained "for free". Indeed, it got even more confusing for them when they realised that I do download things... and that the things I download are the same things I buy... (^___^") So I guess I can't really blame them for finding my position a little odd, can I?
Nonetheless, arguments can seem somewhat unavoidable as my group and I do sit around talking about theoretical issues every now and then, so it's no surprise that we would launch into discourses on the false premises behind the concept of "copyright", the omni-capital might of corporations, and the propagation of the neoliberal agenda, amongst other things (yes, I really am as boring as I sound). But try as I might, I find it very hard to support their position on this issue.
Don't get me wrong though, I have no love for the entertainment industry's incessant chiming that "downloading is theft", nor do I have any respect for their heavy-handed tactics of taking individuals to court in what amounts to outright corporate bullying. No, it is not because I buy their arguments that I buy originals.
Rather, my commitment to purchasing these items is borne from the reasoning that I ultimately live in a meritocratic society, whether I like it or not. It must be stressed then that in a meritocratic society, people are asked to "vote with their wallets" - and when this becomes the primary means of communicating the public will, the purchase of music inevitably buys an artist credibility and legitimacy; however, it also means the converse is ever truer: not purchasing anything from an artist will effectively amount to a vote of no confidence.
Thus, it is for this reason that I have no qualms about forking out the money to buy my music, among other things. It is not in support of the capitalist machinery, but in support of the artist. Not for EMI, but for Hikki; not for avex, but for Ai-chin; not for Warner, but for ayaka; and certainly, not for Sony, but for YUI.
As mentioned, I'm not trying to say that downloading is a bad thing - in fact, I doubt J-pop could have grown so large without such facilitation but in the end of the day, there aren't many avenues with which I could show my appreciation for the impact their work has on my life; so, fortunately for me, one of these methods is hopping into a store and picking up that disc.
With that then, allow me to move on to address each of the two sets of banners and give a very brief description of what I was trying to convey with the words I used, LOL. (^___^")
The LOVE SUPPORT stream
You may have already figured this out, but "love support" is a play on the compound noun, "life support". The idea is simply to encourage people to support the things they love and, at a time when people seem to be buying less music, it serves as a reminder for us not to inadvertently pull the plug on our music.
The banners that have so far been created under this stream are,
The PASSION stream
I have to admit that although it seems quite simple, I actually put quite a lot of thought into the words, "FUEL YOUR PASSION" - specifically thinking of each word, the direction of their meaning, rhythm, pronunciation and so on. The point of this stream is to raise awareness that we, as individuals, have a responsibility to sustain the things that we truly feel about.
The banners created to date in this stream are,
Out of Steam
Well, I've run out of steam, so I guess it's time to bring this post to its conclusion. Check back in a day or so as a translation post follows shortly on the heels of this post! LOL (^___^")
With this, I can finally give off a very, very long exhale... according to Vox, this post has been sitting on the blog in a hidden state since April 7th... Before I start, please do excuse my writing since I haven't actually written in some time and it would come as no surprise to me if it's a little rusty now... LOL
I have to admit though that I did not realise that I've been gone for so long since day after day I was flooded with so much work that I actually started having nightmares about it as the weeks piled on... (^___^") Forgive me therefore as I went on an unannounced hiatus.
In the period between my last post and now, quite a lot has happened in the world although not much has changed in my own personal life... Indeed, I have changed my theme temporarily as a mark of respect and a sign of mourning for the countless souls that have perished in this past month. My heart has been very heavy in this solemn period; which is why although my workload has lightened somewhat, I still write with a heavy heart.
Still, I am sure that the healthy amount of comments as well as posts that I look forward to catching up on from my community of friends here will help in fighting this bout of the blues. I have been so out of touch with this space that Buttercup had to call me one day to tell me that the number of visits to this page had gone past 10,000... Indeed, I must take time out here to thank you, my Buttercup, for taking each step with me through this extremely hectic time. Thank you baby~~~~~!!! \(^ o ^)/
Nonetheless, the fact that the number of views has gone past 12,000 as of this writing is a very humbling realisation since I placed the counter and map there only as a matter of interest - when I first installed them, I truly believed that it would have been enough of a feat for the counter to reach 100, LOL... Again, I'm deeply humbled and sincerely thankful to everyone for taking the time to read through these rather dull postings and especially to those who have taken the time to comment on them. 心からの感謝を受け取ってください。m(_ _)m
As you may (or may not) be able to tell, I am actually quite a mixed bag of emotions at the moment... It's bizarre because I had wanted so much to return to writing here and replying the comments that I have received. Finally, now there is some time for me to write and post the scores of translations that I've wanted to share... but, with all the tragedies of the world concentrated so closely into one frame of time, it seems so very difficult to express how glad I am to be back.
Perhaps this is why this post is somewhat fitting - a post that encourages us to Fight The Blues and, even if it doesn't teach us how to do it, it gives us the words to do it with...
It's funny though - when I came back today, Vox asked for my login and as I entered my details, my heart quietly whispered, "tadaima"... Strangely, I thought I heard someone returning a warm and receiving "okaeri" as the site began to load. (^__^) はい！みんなさん、ただいま！*
*Ack!! Before editing this, I realised that I mixed up "tadaima" and "okaeri". Not sure where my head was, but I'm blaming it on ayaka for repeatedly singing "okaeri, I'm home"... (@__@) LOL... excuses, excuses... Luckily, no one commented on this yet and I had time to reread this post. (^__^") It goes to show how I haven't touched any Japanese at all while I was chipping away at my own work. Nonetheless, don't worry about this translation since I did it before my hiatus; but sorry for any confusion that the earlier mix up caused... I am not sure how I allowed for that mistake to happen, especially since I use "tadaima" so much in my everyday life.
Song information:
Track 1 from Hikki's album, HEART STATION (Released 2008/03/19).
PV availability:
There is no PV available for this track at the moment.
Theme song:
This song has not been used as a theme song.
Alternative versions:
There are no alternative versions of the song for now.
Comments:
Fight The Blues is, simply put, a blues-fighting song. Everything about the song, from the lyrics to the title, deliver one strong and consistent message: we have to fight the blues. So, if you ever find yourself in a depressed mood and in need of some blues-fighting energy, turn to Hikki for some heart-mending medication. (^___^")
Nonetheless, although the song is generally quite straightforward, there is one line that requires some context to understand. For those who are unversed in Japanese history, the line "鳴かぬなら 鳴かせてみせよう ホトトギス" ("If the cuckoo bird doesn't sing, I'll make it sing") may seem a little out of place in the lyrics; but it actually has a lot of relevance, because it is quite a popular saying that is meant to represent immense self-confidence.
To understand how that is so, let me first put this in context: the saying refers to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (安土桃山時代) that came around the end of the Sengoku period (戦国時代; also called the "period of warring states") whereby Japan was unified into one country. In the instability wrought by the times, three prominent figures rose to power, each in succession of the other, to shape Japan into the country we know today. These three figures were Nobunaga Oda (織田信長), Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣秀吉), and Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川家康).
Despite achieving this singularly significant feat, it is said that the three warlords actually had very different personalities and each therefore played a different role in negotiating the character of the Japanese state. The differences in their personalities are taught to Japanese history students today by the use of three senryus (川柳; short Japanese poems), each representing the mindset of a particular warlord.
The first to rise to prominence was Nobunaga Oda, and to him was attributed the senryu, "鳴かぬなら 殺してしまえ ホトトギス" ("If the cuckoo bird doesn't sing, kill it"). Nobunaga, as you could have guessed, is remembered for his ruthlessness as a leader since he never seemed to think twice about the spilling of blood to fulfil his ambitions - in fact, in modern Japanese popular culture, he is sometimes presented as synonymous with Satan himself. Unfortunately for Nobunaga, he only managed to almost unify Japan; the complete unification of Japan fell to his successor, Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
It is Hideyoshi then that Hikki is referring to in her song as to him was attributed the senryu, "鳴かぬなら 鳴かせてみせよう ホトトギス". Instead of killing the poor bird, Hideyoshi would resort to methods that would make it want to sing. He is known for his confidence and resourcefulness since he seemed to consistently prove Adidas' point that impossible is, in fact, nothing. In his story, it is noteworthy that he was born of common blood since that was what made his rise to prominence an achievement of insurmountable odds. From that line then, one could draw a very powerful message that reads, "never give up."
Finally, to close off this historical explanation, I should probably cover Ieyasu too, whose senryu goes, "鳴かぬなら 鳴くまで待とう ホトトギス" ("If the cuckoo bird doesn't sing, I'll wait for it"). No doubt you've figured out that Ieyasu was known for his extraordinary patience... LOL, but we really don't need to get into that for the purposes of this post.
Anyhow, I do hope that all that delving into history has helped in understanding that one line of the song because it certainly helps to complete the picture that the song conjures. Regardless, you don't really need a full understanding of the lyrics to see the message as the music and vocals deliver it so well that the piece stands out as a powerful battle cry against depression.
Nonetheless, I've spent quite an excessive amount of time here, so let us move on to some actual blues fighting action now, LOL. (^___^")
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics are still retrieved from the one and only www.uta-net.com. (^___^")
--------------------------------------
日本語:
Fight The Blues
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: Utada Hikaru
作曲: Utada Hikaru
--------------------------------------
We fight the blues
くよくよしてちゃ敵が喜ぶ
男も女もタフじゃなきゃね
明るいニュース聞かせてあげる
笑う門には福来る
女はみんな女優
か弱いフリして めっちゃ強い
それでも守られたいんです
We fight the blues
憂鬱に負けそうになった日もある
流した涙は ぼくの自由
We fight the blues
くよくよしてちゃ敵が喜ぶ
男も女もタフじゃなきゃね
金じゃ買えない
目には見えない
答えはメンタルタフネス
期待をされて プレッシャーすごい
それでもやるしかないんです
We fight the blues
調子の悪い時は深呼吸
こらえた涙は ぼくの一部
I hate to lose
鳴かぬなら鳴かせてみせようホトトギス
今宵もファイトのゴングが鳴る
We fight the blues
憂鬱に負けそうになった日もある
流した涙は ぼくの自由
We fight the blues
くよくよしてちゃ敵が喜ぶ
男も女もタフじゃなきゃね
-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
Fight The Blues
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: Utada Hikaru
sakkyoku: Utada Hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
We fight the blues
kuyokuyo shite cha teki ga yorokobu
otoko mo onna mo tafu ja nakya ne
akarui nyuusu kikasete ageru
warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru
onna wa minna joyuu
kayowai furi shite meccha tsuyoi
sore demo mamoraretain desu
We fight the blues
yuutsu ni makesou ni natta hi mo aru
nagashita namida wa boku no jiyuu
We fight the blues
kuyo kuyo shite cha teki ga yorokobu
otoko mo onna mo tafu ja nakya ne
kane ja kaenai
me ni wa mienai
kotae wa mentaru tafunesu
kitai wo sarete puresshaa sugoi
sore demo yaru shika nain desu
We fight the blues
choushi no warui toki wa shinkokyuu
koraeta namida wa boku no ichibu
I hate to lose
nakanu nara nakasete miseyou hototogisu
koyoi mo faito no gongu ga naru
We fight the blues
yuutsu ni makesou ni natta hi mo aru
nagashita namida wa boku no jiyuu
We fight the blues
kuyo kuyo shite cha teki ga yorokobu
otoko mo onna mo tafu ja nakya ne
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Fight The Blues
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
We have to fight the blues as
Adversity delights at our worrying.
Regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman, you have to be tough.
Here’s some encouraging news for you:
Fortune favours those who smile.*
Indeed, women are all actresses,
Their fragility is an act, for immense strength lies within them.
Even so, they still truly want to be protected by someone.
We’ve got to fight the blues as
There were certainly days when it felt like I was going to lose to depression.
At those times, the tears I cried became the source of my freedom.**
We have to fight the blues as
Adversity gratifies itself in our troubles.
Whether you’re a man or a woman, you have to stay tough.
This is something that cannot be bought by money,
Nor can it be seen by the eyes,
This can only be unravelled by sheer mental toughness.
Even when much is expected of us and the pressure is intense,
We’re still going to have to finish the job.
We must fight the blues.
When times are bad, take a deep breath.
In those times, the tears I held back became a part of me.***
I hate to lose,
So, little cuckoo bird, if you aren’t going to sing, I’ll make you sing.****
Even tonight, I’ll be sounding the fighting gong.
We’ve got to fight the blues as
There were days when everything seemed at a loss.
It is in these times that the tears I cried had set me free.
We have to keep fighting the blues as
Adversity relishes in our anxieties.
So, regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman, remind yourself to stay strong.
Notes:
*Note 1: Literally, “Luck comes to the laughing door.” This is a Japanese proverb that doesn’t necessarily require too much interpretation to understand, but I have translated it to make it closer to an English proverb of a similar strain.
**Note 2: Literally, “The tears I cried were my freedom.”
***Note 3: Literally, “The tears I held back were a part of me.” Although there is nothing wrong with a more literal translation, I felt that the concept of “became” somehow came closer to the original meaning as it hinted that those tears she held back were ultimately a source of strength. This also seems to carry over to the next line, “I hate to lose,” a lot better than a more literal interpretation.
****Note 4: Like, 笑う門には福来る, this senryu actually requires some cultural context. Admittedly, this one is actually a lot harder to understand without context – so if you are interested, you will have to scroll back up to find the explanation in the comments segment. Briefly though, this is a saying that is attributed to one of the great warlords who is remembered for forging Japan into the country it is today: Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan)
Purchase HEART STATION online (via YesAsia Global)
Wow... it feels like an eternity since I've written a translation post. Come to think of it... it has been an eternity since I've written a translation post and yet, there was so much I wanted to translate between now and then.
Unfortunately, I wasn't really able to find much time between work and illness. This time around though, I can no longer resist the temptation to translate because Hikki has just released her new double A-side single!
It's no secret that HEART STATION makes for another bizarrely addictive but emotionally-charged addition to Hikki's already varied library of tunes.
With that, be sure to grab a ticket to the next segment of the post as I hope to meet you soon in HEART STATION. (^__^") (That's a hint to my next translation post, in case you were wondering why the whole statement seems so random... LOL)
Song information:
PV availability:
Conceptualising "station" in a slightly different manner, the PV takes place in a subway train that is populated by what seems like lifeless shadows. Take a closer look though and you'll notice plenty of clever imagery all over the PV. There is one central theme running through the PV and that is the degrees of human consciousness. Nonetheless, it's great to finally see Hikki in a PV again after so long. (^___^)
Theme song:
This song was not used as a theme to anything.
Alternative versions:
There are no alternative versions available for this song.
Comments:
HEART STATION begins at the break down of a relationship and continues to dwell on the aftermath in the mind afterwards. The words strongly portray the tension and confusion that transpires throughout the song. Certainly, it may also be because of the mutual termination of the relationship in the song that it becomes so difficult to move forward without looking back.
The tension and uncertainty is further illuminated by the use of polite Japanese in the lyrics. Using the polite form of Japanese is actually quite rare in lyrical writing, so it may have been undertaken to highlight the uncertainty that has developed in the relationship. Indeed, its usage certainly brings to the fore the question: "Are we even friends still? Or have we become less than that?"
Nonetheless, the song also speaks of feelings that both individuals could possibly still share but have no outlet of overt expression. That is, both of them could still really miss each other, but because neither of them are talking, there is no way to know. In some ways, this is why the hidden lyrics provide such a very personal dimension to the song because it is structured in the form of an appeal for a response.
Those are the main reasons why I believe that HEART STATION is, in fact, a vocalisation of her feelings about her divorce. Of course, I may just be looking for something that really isn't there but the lyrics do provide substantial support to entertain the thought.
As for the music, there is a certain quality of sadness and loneliness that permeates through the entire song. The violins accent the pain throughout the song and near the end, when Hikki's voice is left against the cry of a synthesizer, there is an oddly overwhelming sense of loneliness and conviction that overcomes the listener. Indeed, the emotions embedded within the music are as unique as they are strong in their expression.
In the end, HEART STATION has a captivating melody that is deviant for the message it is trying to express. Indeed, the resulting song sets HEART STATION apart from other melancholic tunes and undoubtedly makes it another stroke of absolute genius on Hikki's part~ (^___^)v
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics retrieved from uta-net.com, as always.
--------------------------------------
日本語:
HEART STATION
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: 宇多田ヒカル
作曲: 宇多田ヒカル
--------------------------------------
肌寒い雨の日
ワケありげな二人
車の中はラジオが流れてた
さよならなんて意味がない
またいつか会えたら
素敵と思いませんか?
私の声が聞こえてますか?
深夜一時のHeart Station
チューニング不要のダイアル
秘密のヘルツ
心の電波 届いてますか?
罪びとたちのHeart Station
神様だけが知っている
I miss you
忘れなきゃいけない
そう思うほどに どうして
いい思い出たちばかりが残るの?
離れていてもあなたはここにいる
私のハートのまんなか
あなたの声が聞こえた気がした
深夜一時のHeart Station
いつもどこかで鳴っている
二つのパルス
心の電波 届いてますか?
恋人たちのHeart Station
今夜もリクエストきてます
I Love You
私の声が聞こえてますか?
深夜一時のHeart Station
今もぼくらをつないでる
秘密のヘルツ
心の電波 届いてますか?
罪びとたちのHeart Station
神様だけが知っている 秘密
-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
HEART STATION
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: utada hikaru
sakkyoku: utada hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
hada samui ame no hi
wake arige na futari
kuruma no naka wa rajio ga nagareteta
sayonara nante imi ga nai
mata itsuka aetara
suteki to omoimasen ka?
watashi no koe ga kikoetemasu ka?
shinya ichiji no Heart Station
chuuningu fuyou no daiaru
himitsu no herutsu
kokoro no tenpa todoitemasu ka?
tsumibito tachi no Heart Station
kamisama dake ga shitteiru
I miss you
wasurenakya ikenai
sou omou hodo ni doushite
ii omoide tachi bakari ga nokoru no?
hanareteite mo anata wa koko ni iru
watashi no haato no mannaka
anata no koe ga kikoeta ki ga shita
shinya ichiji no Heart Station
itsumo dokoka de natteiru
futatsu no parusu
kokoro no tenpa todoitemasu ka?
koibito tachi no Heart Station
konya mo rikuesuto kitemasu
I Love You
watashi no koe ga kikoetemasu ka?
shinya ichiji no Heart Station
ima mo bokura wo tsunaideru
himitsu no herutsu
kokoro no tenpa todoitemasu ka?
tsumibito tachi no Heart Station
kamisama dake ga shitteiru himitsu
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
HEART STATION
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
On a day battered with unforgiving cold rain,
There sits a couple who have reasoned everything out
In a car that now relies on the radio to pierce the silence.
There is no meaning to goodbye,
Because if we were to meet again someday,
Wouldn’t that be just wonderful?
Were you able to hear my voice as I spoke?
The Heart Station broadcasting at one o’clock in the dead of night
Requires no tuning on the dial as it lies
On a secret frequency.*
Were the radio waves of my heart able to reach you?
It’s broadcasting from the Heart Station of sinners
And only God knows
How much I miss you.
I can’t go on without forgetting you,
That’s how it seems at least... But why is it then
That only all the good memories of us remain?
Without a doubt, though I’ve separated from you, you’re right here...
Right here at the centre of my heart.
I felt like I heard your voice back there,
Coming from the Heart Station that broadcasts at 1 in the night.
Wherever I am, there always seems to be
This beating of two pulses.
Were the radio signals of my heart able to get to you?
It broadcasts from the Heart Station of lovers,
And tonight’s requests also flood in with myriads of**
“I Love You”.
This voice of mine, were you able to hear it?
It’s broadcasting in the small hours of the night from that Heart Station...
Even now, we are still connected
On this secret frequency.
Were you able to receive these transmissions from my heart?
They come from the Heart Station of sinners
And only God knows.... this secret I keep.
Notes:
*Note 1: Literally “Secret hertz”.
**Note 2: Literally, “Tonight’s requests coming in are also…”
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan)
Purchase HEART STATION/Stay Gold online (via YesAsia Global)
Carrying out step two of my move over from maintaining two accounts (Windows Live Spaces and Vox) to only accommodating the Vox account, I am abandoning the Tahoma font for the default Arial font that Vox offers. Also, I've updated Ai-chin's HEART translation post to reflect the fact that the song now has a PV to call its very own. You can find out more about the PV here.
Back on topic, it's a pity that the only live performance of Kiss&Cry turned out to be a little disappointing and as Sam pointed out, even Hikki personally acknowledged that it was as a terribly disheartening showing in her blog. Nonetheless, the song is difficult to properly execute and the performance was really not all that bad in itself. Believe it or not though, live performances and radio airplay time of this track were restricted due to the mention of "Nissin Cup Noodles" in the lyrics... go figure, LOL
As for the song, I have to admit that I was a little confused when I first heard it... was Hikki going big band!? Though this track certainly seemed influenced by that genre, it still carries a uniquely modern groove that has Hikki written all over it. Kiss&Cry is, in that way, refreshing and reassuring as it shows that Hikki is still pushing forward in positive directions with her music.
I say this only because I've been disappointed before by some other Japanese singer-songwriters and that's why I am very sensitive to things that begin to sound alike, LOL. I understand that getting too creative with a musical wand doesn't always mean that they will make good music nor does it mean that they will continue to appeal to their fanbase, but if their songs keep sounding the same then it feels as if they've stunted their own development and their talent as songwriters are never fully realised.
Indeed, there is the danger that their new direction really only adds up to mainstream conformity but the way Hikki is going, I am not worried that she is going to conform any time soon, LOL. With that, let us move on to the very funky music and lyrics of Kiss&Cry.
Song information:
Track 2 from Hikki's single, Beautiful World/Kiss&Cry (Released 2007/08/29)
PV availability:
A PV was released for the track, but like the Beautiful World PV, there is no Hikki in sight. Instead, you will be treated to anime characters from the Freedom Cup Noodles series lip-synching to the song. Yay for fans of Freedom, I guess (Now I have an honest answer to that odd American war justification question of "Do you hate freedom?"... Frankly, yes - they took my "Hikki time" away from me, bastards - down with freedom!!! LOL)... (>___<)
Theme song:
This song is the theme to the Freedom Cup Noodles commercials. The "Freedom Project" is a very interesting concept that was headed up by Nissin as a promotional campaign. It is an official anime with a story and everything, but it's primary focus is a promotional tool. Kiss&Cry will take the place of the project's previous theme song, which was Hikki's very own This is Love (another song that I adore).
Alternative versions:
There are currently no known alternative versions of the piece at this time.
Comments:
So, what is Kiss&Cry really about and why in the world was it originally titled Dancing Leah? (it looks like Hikki also got caught up in the strange Leah Dizon craze that's been going around Asia!) Well, for the record - it has nothing to do with Leah but everything to do with the concept of freedom. Kiss&Cry is merged into one word because they are two takes of the same thing - freedom. Kissing is the freedom to express affection and crying, the freedom to express anguish.
On a superficial level, this song is simply one person encouraging another person to take a chance. Beyond this understanding however is the fact that Hikki is asking this individual to free himself/herself to love (the additional lyrics at the end of the song reinforce this urging). The song is very much based on the world created in Freedom - a world on the moon where peace exists relative to strict social controls placed on its citizens.
In this lunar society called Eden, true freedom is only available for a certain period between graduating from studying to become a productive citizen and actually being a productive citizen (both of which are false freedoms). But it is during this period of "true freedom", that we understand how effective the system of social control is because its citizens continue to stream themselves into prescribed events and acts despite their brief period of "true freedom". In the story, the main character, Takeru, deviates through an act of creativity and in doing so, glimpses the secret of freedom within Eden.
Who would have thought a promotional anime campaign with characters that adamantly consume Nissin's Cup Noodles could have such an intriguing storyline? But there you have it, that's the basic plot to Freedom. In this way, one can understand the song as an encouragement to simply deviate - to reject defined experiences and throw oneself to the mercy of raw, turbulent and passionate emotions instead.
Of course, there is also the Cup Noodles verse in the song which seems to serve as an intermission or a highlight of the motions of life today. In some ways, the heavy use of katakana in the verse also implies the adoption of Western lifestyles in Japan. The stanza can also be seen as a critique of Cup Noodles which is the symbol for a quick meal that can be eaten alone and thus also a symbol for Western capitalism and its predominance in the Japanese mind (concepts of individualism, "time is money" mentalities, profit-making, and so on).
Nonetheless, that verse does serve as a reminder of the anime's purpose which is the promotion of Cup Noodles. More relevantly however is the message that Cup Noodles can accommodate almost any lifestyle - if you need a cheap, quick, easy and light meal then look to Cup Noodles, LOL (it carried me through my undergraduate years! But I don't recommend too much of it just because noodles in styrofoam cups don't scream "HEALTH FOOD!!!", LOL).
Overall, the song is very well done with a major funk factor that really gets the listener into the song. Although Hikki's only live performance of it didn't go too well (I will never forget how much disappointment was written into her face as the song came to a close - it was terribly heart-aching for me...), the recorded track is actually very good.
Anyhow, this comments segment is getting way too long. Enough rambling and on to the good stuff!
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics retrieved from www.uta-net.com with some modifications to facilitate karaoke-ing, LOL.
--------------------------------------
日本語:
Kiss&Cry
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: Utada Hikaru
作曲: Utada Hikaru
--------------------------------------
不良も優等生も先生も
恋に落ちれば同じよね
鼓膜にあたるバスドラと
心地よく突くハイハット
とろけるようなＢセクション
あなたの笑顔がぼくの心に
クリティカルヒット
いつの間にやらハイテンション
もっと近づいて(kiss and cry)
我慢しないで(you are my)
少しケガをしたって(natural high)
まあいいんじゃない
Kiss and cry
被害者意識って 好きじゃない
上目遣いで誘って 共犯がいい
お父さんのリストラと
お兄ちゃんのインターネット
お母さんはダイエット
みんなは夜空のパイロット
孤独を癒すムーンライト
今日は日清CUP NOODLE
もっと近づいて(kiss and cry)
我慢しないで(you are my)
少しケガをしたって(natural high)
まあいいんじゃない
Kiss and cry
ドントウォーリーベイベー(kiss and cry)
考えすぎたり(you are my)
守ってばかりいたって(natural high)
さみしいじゃない
Kiss and cry
I just want to be happy
少し、もう少し
I just want you to hold me
わたしの弱虫
来年の誕生日までに
このままじゃ何も変わらない
I just want you to hold me
恥をかいたってかまわない
ちょっと傷ついて(kiss and cry)
あきらめないで(you are my)
笑い飛ばしてがんばれ(natural high)
あとはしょうがない
Kiss and cry
もっと勇気出して(kiss and cry)
もっと本気見せて(you are my)
うまくいかなくたって(natural high)
まあいいんじゃない
Kiss and cry
-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
Kiss&Cry
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: Utada Hikaru
sakkyoku: Utada Hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
furyou mo yuutousei mo sensei mo
koi ni ochireba onaji yo ne
komaku ni ataru basudora to
kokochi yoku tsuku haihatto
torukeru youna B sekushon
anata no egao ga boku no kokoro ni
kuritikaru hitto
itsu no ma ni yara hai tenshon
motto chikadzuite (kiss and cry)
gaman shinai de (you are my)
sukoshi kega wo shitatte (natural high)
maa iin ja nai
Kiss and cry
higaisha ishikitte suki ja nai
uwame dzukai de sasotte kyouhan ga ii
otousan no risutora to
oniichan no intaanetto
okaasan wa daietto
minna wa yozora no pairotto
kodoku wo iyasu muunraito
kyou wa nisshin CUP NOODLE
motto chikadzuite (kiss and cry)
gaman shinai de (you are my)
sukoshi kega wo shitatte (natural high)
maa iin ja nai
Kiss and cry
donto woorii beibee (kiss and cry)
kangae sugitari (you are my)
mamotte bakari itatte (natural high)
samishii ja nai
Kiss and cry
I just want to be happy
sukoshi, mou sukoshi
I just want you to hold me
watashi no yowamushi
rainen no tanjoubi made ni
kono mama ja nani mo kawaranai
I just want you to hold me
haji wo kaitatte kamawanai
chotto kizutsuite (kiss and cry)
akiramenai de (you are my)
warai tobashite ganbare (natural high)
ato wa shou ga nai
Kiss and cry
motto yuuki dashite (kiss and cry)
motto honki misete (you are my)
umaku ikanaku tatte (natural high)
maa iin ja nai
Kiss and cry
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Kiss&Cry
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
Delinquents, honours students and even teachers,
They’re all the same when they fall in love.
As my eardrums throb to the bass drum
And the high hats continue their captivating beat,
A mesmerising B section comes to life.
Your smile launched a
Critical hit to my heart
And before I knew it, there was a feeling of high-tension.
Keep coming ever closer to me, (kiss and cry,)
I can’t resist you any longer. (you are my)
It will hurt a little (natural high.)
But it’ll be alright.
Just simply kiss and cry.
This feeling of victimisation – I don’t like it.
This upward glance of seduction – having accomplices is alright.
Dad’s corporation is restructuring.
Bro’s on the internet.
Mom is dieting.
Everyone is a pilot of the night sky
As the moonlight heals the loneliness.
Today is a day for Nissin CUP NOODLES.*
Keep coming ever closer to me, (kiss and cry,)
I can’t hold it back anymore. (you are my)
It could hurt a little (natural high.)
But it’ll be okay.
Just simply kiss and cry.
Don’t worry baby, (kiss and cry,)
You are thinking too much. (you are my)
I have always protected you, (natural high.)
So don’t feel like you are alone.
Let’s just kiss and cry.
I just want to be happy...
More, just a little more.
I just want you to hold me,
My little coward.
If you keep on going like this
Nothing will change even when you grow another year older.**
I just want you to hold me...
Don’t worry about that feeling of embarrassment.
When it hurts a little, (kiss and cry,)
Don’t give in to it. (you are my)
Laugh it all away and hang in there. (natural high.)
We can’t help whatever else happens but this we can do...***
Kiss and cry.
Show more courage, (kiss and cry,)
Look more serious, (you are my)
And even if you were to fail (natural high.)
It’ll be alright.
We’ll just simply kiss and cry.
Notes:
*Note 1: For the uninitiated, Nissin (pronounced “nisshin” in Japanese) is the producer of the Cup Noodles brand. They are noodles in a cup – just add water and you’ve got a meal in two minutes, LOL.
**Note 2: Literally, “Until your next birthday, nothing will change if you keep this up.”
***Note 3: Literally, “We can’t help the rest of it” – I added the point that there is something that can be done to highlight that that is the gist of the sentence in Japanese. There are some things that we can’t do, but for the things that we can do – we should keep at them.
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan)
Purchase Beautiful World/Kiss&Cry online (via YesAsia Global)
Let me start off by congratulating Hikki on being crowned queen of the digital music world! Selling 7.7 million tracks online of her single Flavor of Life has effectively led to Hikki towering above all other artists worldwide - yes, the list does take into account American, British and other great artists from other nations as well in case you are still wondering what I meant by "worldwide". With the recent release of her full discography into the UK iTunes store, we are likely to only see that number grow.
It's ironic though - her misadventures into the English-speaking market earned her a phrase all to herself in the Japanese entertainment industry - "to pull an Utada", which means to seriously screw up in entering the English-speaking market even when you are at your peak. Indeed, I've always wondered why the lyrics for her English songs were not as good as they could be because it is clear that she could write excellent songs in Japanese (Hikki is solidly bilingual - heck, she speaks English with a New York accent and has written some of her most successful songs in English first before translating and releasing them in Japanese)... Ah, those were indeed trying times for Hikki...
But it seems I am digressing too far, time to get back on point! So, after translating one painful song comes yet another translation of a sad song, but this time it's from Hikki. Although the tempo of the song seems quite in contrast to the lyrics, when they are put together they do give off a unique feeling of pain. Beautiful World seems reminiscent of her most recent album ULTRA BLUE (when I first heard it, the songs from the album - Making Love and BLUE - came to my mind at the same time although I can't explain why).
The song was written as the theme to the ultimately depressing anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion (they are "rebooting" the series in four movies) - the English title of this remake is known as Rebuild of Evangelion. Hopefully with this retelling they will also make it a lot easier for normal people to understand what they were going on about... Sure, I understood that there was plenty of religion, philosophy and psychology in there but it seemed too hard to grasp what was going on sometimes. Regardless, from what I do know of it, it's not for the faint of heart nor is it a "feel-good" anime - thus, perhaps this song hints at some of the more despairing themes from the movie (but I will never know, LOL).
As a note, the physical single is not actually on sale yet - that will take another three more weeks as August 29th is the release date of the physical single. The lyrics and the song itself has already been released to the public, though besides radio and chaku-uta (early release of full-length songs downloaded via mobile phones), there is no way of securing the song at the moment. Nonetheless, three weeks is not that long to wait... still, I can't wait to get my hands on the single!
Thus, in anticipation of the great successes that lie ahead for Hikki - and Beautiful World - here is an attempted translation of a beautiful song from a beautiful singer.
Song information:
Track 1 from Hikki's single, Beautiful World/Kiss&Cry (Released 2007/08/29).
PV availability:
A PV was released for the song. If you are looking for more Hikki though, the PV doesn't deliver because it's made up entirely of Evangelion scenes... Oh Hikki, where art thou?
Theme song:
This
is the theme song to the tetralogy of movies: ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版
("wevangeriwon shin gekijouban"; trans: "Evangelion - New Theatrical
Edition"; English title: "Rebuild of Evangelion")
Alternative versions:
There
are no alternative versions of this song at this time.
Comments:
Beautiful world is
a heartbreaking song that is filled with contradiction in the lyrics -
the entire song is, in itself, a contradiction to itself. Despite the
obvious sadness that the world has brought upon the protagonist, it's
still a beautiful world nonetheless and it seems that the only real
thing that is beautiful is the boy - which really represents an
unattainable object of desire. It is the boy, in this regard, that
makes the world beautiful but at the same time, the boy does not
recognise this effect nor does he realise his own beauty. The English
echo "It's only love" seems to hint that she is trying to justify her
intense feelings for him (notice how this line only comes in parts
where she speaks of the boy not knowing his own beauty).
There is a lot of hidden meaning to parts of the songs and I especially like the observation where newspapers have nothing relevant to the individual lives of most people - we are always worrying more about other things that are more personal to us. The background music also hints a sense of urgency (the haunting refrain of the piano does this quite well) and this feeling is reinforced near the end of the lyrics. As with some of her other songs, there are also hidden lyrics in this song - they grow louder with each refraining chorus probably to hint something of a realisation that becomes increasingly clear. If you listen, you can hear them coming after "Beautiful world" and "Beautiful boy"... They can be heard at their clearest at the end of the song.
[My problem is this... I can't really make out what is being said... Sometimes I am sure I hear: "Beautiful Life" and other times "Beautiful Lie" and then sometimes I also here "Beautiful prayer" but other times "Beautiful prey"... They all make for some really interesting perspectives to view the song with. Personally, I think it's really "Beautiful lie" followed by "Beautiful prayer" but I can't be certain.]*
In the end, Beautiful world is a great song which not only works to give off the feeling of sorrow but also a sense of urgency or at least a feeling of emotions swelling up in the melody. The addition of hidden messages only make the song even more intriguing. Alright, time to cut to the chase and get the lyrics going for this piece of musical magic.
*[UPDATE] It took me quite some time to edit this but a while back I actually slid the CD single into my home stereo to listen to the songs in their full glory. From it, there is no mistaking that Hikki was actually singing "Beautiful lie" followed by "Beautiful prayer". Really, if you ever want to find out how much quality is lost by converting music into MP3 format - look no further for proof, LOL. (^___^") Yea, MP3 has spoilt me so much that I rarely slide in all the singles I bought to listen to them... it's a lot nicer to have an entire digital library playing than to slide CDs in and out all the time, no?
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics retrieved from www.uta-net.com, with additions to make it easier to sing along from myself.
--------------------------------------
日本語:
Beautiful World
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: Utada Hikaru
作曲: Utada Hikaru
--------------------------------------
It's only love
It's only love
もしも願い一つだけ叶うなら
君の側で眠らせて どんな場所でもいいよ
Beautiful world
迷わず君だけを見つめている
Beautiful boy
自分の美しさ まだ知らないの
It's only love
寝ても覚めても少年マンガ
夢見てばっか 自分が好きじゃないの
何が欲しいか分からなくて
ただ欲しがって ぬるい涙が頬を伝う
言いたいことなんか無い
ただもう一度会いたい
言いたいこと言えない
根性無しかもしれない
それでいいけど
もしも願い一つだけ叶うなら
君の側で眠らせて どんな場所でもいいよ
Beautiful world
迷わず君だけを見つめている
Beautiful boy
自分の美しさ まだ知らないの
It's only love
どんなことでもやってみて
損をしたって 少し経験値上がる
新聞なんかいらない
肝心なことが載ってない
最近調子どうだい？
元気にしてるなら
別にいいけど
僕の世界消えるまで会えぬなら
君の側で眠らせて どんな場所でも結構
Beautiful world
儚く過ぎて行く日々の中で
Beautiful boy
気分のムラは仕方ないね
もしも願い一つだけ叶うなら
君の側で眠らせて
Beautiful world... Beautiful
boy...
Beautiful world... Beautiful
boy...
Beautiful world... Beautiful
boy...
-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
Beautiful World
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: Utada Hikaru
sakkyoku: Utada Hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
It’s only love
It’s only love
moshimo negai hitotsu dake
kanau nara
kimi no soba de
nemurasete donna basho de mo ii yo
Beautiful world
mayowazu kimi dake wo
mitsumeteiru
Beautiful boy
jibun no utsukushisa mada shiranai no
It’s only love
nete mo samete mo shounen
manga
yume mite bakka
jibun ga suki janai no
nani ga hoshiika wakaranakute
tada hoshigatte
nurui namida ga hou wo tsutau
iitai koto nanka nai
tada mou ichido aitai
iitai koto ienai
konjou nashi ka mo shirenai
sore de ii kedo
moshimo negai hitotsu dake
kanau nara
kimi no soba de
nemurasete donna basho de mo ii yo
Beautiful world
mayowazu kimi dake wo
mitsumeteiru
Beautiful boy
jibun no utsukushisa mada shiranai no
It’s only love
donna koto de mo yatte mite
son wo shitatte sukoshi keiken chiagaru
shinbun nanka iranai
kanjin na koto ga nottenai
saikin choushi doudai?
genki ni shiteru nara
betsu ni ii kedo
boku no sekai kieru made aenu nara
kimi no soba de
nemurasete donna basho de mo kekkou
Beautiful world
hakanaku sugite yuku hibi no naka de
Beautiful boy
kibun no mura wa shitakanai ne
moshimo negai hitotsu dake
kanau nara
kimi no soba de nemurasete
Beautiful world… Beautiful
boy…
Beautiful world… Beautiful
boy…
Beautiful world… Beautiful
boy…
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Beautiful World
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
It’s only love…
It’s only love…
If I could only have one
desire fulfilled,
I would wish to be sleeping by
your side, wherever that may be
In this beautiful world.
I gaze at your determined
figure -
What a beautiful boy.
Yet, you are unable to see your
own beauty.
It’s only love...
Eating, sleeping and breathing
comics,*
I hated myself in that passing
dream filled with those images.
I know that I don’t know what I
want,
Nonetheless, I want it... As tepid
tears stream down my cheeks.
I really have nothing I want
to say to you,
But I still want to see you
one more time.
The things that I want to say
– I cannot say.
Perhaps I am a coward,
But it’s alright.
If I were to have only one
wish fulfilled,
It would be to lie sleeping by
your side, it doesn’t matter where that is
In this beautiful world.
I keep gazing at your
determined figure -
What a beautiful boy.
Yet, you still can’t see the beauty
within you.
It’s only love...
Trying my hand at almost
anything,
It all seems at a loss...
Perhaps besides gaining some experience.
I don’t see the need for
newspapers,
The things that are most
important to people are not even in there.
Have you been taking care of yourself
recently?
So long as you are well,
I’ll be fine.
If I don’t get to see you even
when my world disappears,
As long as I am resting beside
you, any place is bearable
In this beautiful world.
In the midst of these fleeting
days
There stands a beautiful boy.
My ever-shifting moods,
nothing can be done to help them.
If I could only have one wish
fulfilled,
It would be to be there lying
by your side.
Beautiful world... Beautiful
boy...
Beautiful world... Beautiful
boy...
Beautiful world... Beautiful
boy...
Notes:
*Note 1: Literally,
“sleeping and waking to comics”
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan)
Purchase Beautiful World/Kiss&Cry online (via YesAsia Global)
This song has some odd spell on me since I've been listening to it for quite some time and I still haven't gotten it out of my head. I know I am not alone though, as the success of this song is utterly tremendous - setting new records in Japan as well as worldwide. Nevertheless, although I have enjoyed all of Hikki's work up to now, I can understand if the recent experiments that she's been doing with her music seems more like a "hit-and-miss" to some. In the past, she has dabbled in a variety genres, but since the end of 2005, she has begun to take more risks with her music and sometimes it takes some understanding to truly appreciate the beauty of it.
This song was commissioned to tie-in with the drama 花より男子リターンズ - the second season of the popular drama, romanised as hana yori dango. The drama itself is based on a very popular manga and the title is actually a play on words meaning "Boys over Flowers". The original Japanese proverb, hana yori dango (花より団子), actually means "dumplings over flowers" - as in, "practicality over romance" (understanding this is important to seeing how Hikki relates this song to the drama). On a side note, there is also a very popular Taiwanese drama based on the same manga called 流星花園 or "Meteor Garden". This was the drama that gave birth to the popular Taiwanese boy band, F4.
Anyhow, Hikki was commissioned to write a song for hana yori dango because the production team wanted a song that captures the feeling of her third single from ages past, First Love (this was the song that propelled Hikki into superstar status in Japan and Asia). The lyrical theme of the songs are alike, however the music itself is quite different (taking only the original versions of both songs as a comparison since First Love has been remixed to hell as with every other popular song...). Whereas First Love expressed a quiet sadness in ending a relationship, Flavor of Life expresses more a confident and hopeful frustration.
Indeed, this song speaks my heart, soul and mind when I think about my relationship - with my Playstation 3, LOL. Yes, I am in the space between where I am more than a friend but not quite a lover to my PS3. I want a warm future in my hands, that's why I chose the PS3 to be the platform that springboards me into the next generation and although I am enjoying my time with it (I use it daily - just not for games at the moment), it's time for Sony to fulfill their promise to the gamers.
But I digress... Flavor of Life is a song with a relevant melody packed with plenty of emotional content. I watched the first season of hana yori dango
and could see how nicely the song fits in with the drama. Indeed, fans
of the drama and maybe even the producers were probably hoping for a
slower song (the drama did use the "Ballad version" of this track after
all) but in its original format - I certainly felt it better expressed
and conveyed the feelings of the story's protagonist, Makino Tsukishi.
Song information:
Track 1 from Hikki's single, Flavor of Life (Released 2007/02/28).
PV availability:
None, there is no PV for the original track. The only PV available is for Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-.
Theme song:
Used as an insert song for the drama - 花より男子リターンズ ("Hana yori Dango Returns"; trans: "Boys over Flowers - Returns")
Alternative versions:
There are two alternative versions of the track.
1. Flavor of Life -Ballad Version- (released with the original single, Flavor of Life, in physical CD format and downloadable digital format)
This
was actually the piece that was used for the drama insert song, not the
original version. It is somewhat slower than the original - being
played to an orchestral background. The only PV available for Flavor of
Life is for this version of the song. The PV itself is mainly clips of
the studio recording of this song - with the orchestra, of course.
2. Flavor of Life -Antidote Mix- (released with the original single, Flavor of Life, and only available in physical CD format)
Personally,
I've never really been a big fan of any of the "antidote mixes" of any
of her songs. The song has a more R&B edge to it, which probably
explains why I am not as attached to this version as the other two.
Like the ballad version, this song is quite slow and there are some
nifty effects that are done to it. Not bad, if you want to hear another
take on Flavor of Life.
Comments:
As
the title notes, the flavour of life is bittersweet. It's not always
good, but it's not always bad either - it's mixed and people could
learn to appreciate that mix as a good thing (just as I am learning to
appreciate the hateful flavour of "sweet and sour" dishes
(>___<)). The song itself is about the frustrating position of
going nowhere in a relationship while holding out hope for it. The song
is actually an encouraging song, especially when one listens carefully
and notes that at the points when the lyrics seem to show the
individual about to "give up", the hidden words in the background sing
"Don't be afraid" and "You'll be okay" (Hikki is known to sometimes
hide English in her songs that add to the true meaning of the song).
Contrast and contradiction are major components of the flavour of life
and the comparisons relate back to the drama by emphasising priorities.
Apart from what seems to be fear for the future, one should also note
the themes of faith, confidence and responsibility throughout the song.
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics retrieved from www.uta-net.com, with some modifications made by myself.
--------------------------------------
日本語:
Flavor of Life
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: Utada Hikaru
作曲: Utada Hikaru
--------------------------------------
ありがとう、と君に言われると
なんだかせつない
さようならの後も解けぬ魔法
淡くほろ苦い
The flavor of life… The flavor of life…
友達でも恋人でもない中間地点で
収穫の日を夢見てる 青いフルーツ
あと一歩が踏み出せないせいで
じれったいのなんのってBaby
ありがとう、と君に言われると
なんだかせつない
さようならの後も解けぬ魔法
淡くほろ苦い
The flavor of life… The flavor
of life…
甘いだけの誘い文句
味っけの無いトーク
そんなものには興味をそそられない
思い通りにいかない時だって
人生捨てたもんじゃないって
どうしたの？と急に聞かれると
ううん、何でもない
さようならの後に消える笑顔
私らしくない
信じたいと願えば願うほど
なんだかせつない
｢愛してるよ｣よりも｢大好き｣の方が
君らしいんじゃない?
The flavor of life
忘れかけていた人の香りを 突然思い出す頃
降りつもる雪の白さをもっと 素直に喜びたいよ
ダイヤモンドよりもやわらかくて
あたたかな未来 手にしたいよ
限りある時間を 君と過ごしたい
ありがとう、と君に言われると
なんだかせつない
さようならの後も解けぬ魔法
淡くほろ苦い
The flavor of life… The flavor
of life…
-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
Flavor of Life
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: Utada Hikaru
sakkyoku: Utada Hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
arigatou, to kimi ni iwareru
to
nandaka setsunai
sayounara no ato mo tokenu
mahou
awaku horo nigai
The flavor of life… The flavor
of life…
tomodachi de mo koibito de mo nai chuukanchiten de
shuukaku no hi wo yume
miteru aoi furuutsu
ato ippo ga fumi dasenai sei de
jirettai no nan notte Baby
arigatou, to kimi ni iwareru
to
nandaka setsunai
sayounara no ato mo tokenu
mahou
awaku horo nigai
The flavor of life… The flavor
of life…
amai dake no sasoi monku
ajikke no nai tooku
sonna mono ni wa kyoumi wo sosorarenai
omoi doori ni ikanai toki datte
jinsei suteta mon janaitte
doushita no? to kyuu ni
kikareru to
uun, nande mo nai
sayounara no ato ni kieru egao
watashirashikunai
shinjitai to negaeba negau
hodo
nandaka setsunai
“aishiteru yo” yori mo
“daisuki” no hou ga
Kimirashiinjanai?
The flavor of life
wasurekaketeita hito no kaori
wo totsuzen omoi dasu koro
furi tsumoru yuki no shirosa
wo motto sunao ni yorokobitai yo
daiyamondo yori mo yawarakakute
atataka na mirai
te ni shitai yo
kagiri aru jikan wo kimi to sugoshitai
arigatou, to kimi ni iwareru
to
nandaka setsunai
sayounara no ato mo tokenu
mahou
awaku horo nigai
The flavor of life… The flavor
of life…
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Flavor of Life
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
When you thank me,
It somehow seems painful
And that enduring magic that
comes after saying goodbye
Leaves a faint taste of the
bittersweet.
This must be the flavour of
life.
The space where we are neither
friends nor lovers
Makes me feel like an unripe
fruit dreaming to be harvested.
The way we are is aggravating,
baby,
As we never seem to make any progress.
This is why thanking me
Seems to somewhat hurt
And yet the magic that comes
after we say goodbye
Leaves traces of the
bittersweet.
That is the flavour of life.
With only sugar-coated words
and phrases,
Talking seems to have lost its
taste.
I just don’t find such things
intriguing.
Just because everything is
falling apart,
Doesn’t make our lives any more
dispensable.
Asking me “What’s the matter?”
all of a sudden
Can only elicit the response,
“Nothing, nothing at all.”
Yet, when the smile fades away
after we have parted,
I don’t seem myself.
Wanting to believe and hoping
for hope
Seems to somehow amplify the
pain.
“I really like you” is better
than “I love you”,*
That’s more like you, isn’t it?
Such is the flavour of life.
Suddenly remembering the smell
of the person you had almost put behind**
Invites a joy that is more innocent
than the white of fresh snow.***
Devotion means more than
diamonds.****
I want a warm future in my
hands
And in the limited time that
is my life, I hope to share it with you.*****
Still, when you thank me,
It seems somewhat painful
And the magic that comes after
we say goodbye
Leaves traces of the
bittersweet.
This is the flavour of life.
Notes:
*Note 1: Actually, in Japanese 好き (suki)
and 大好き
(daisuki) can be taken to mean “I love you” although a more direct translation
would be “I like you” and “I really like you”, respectively. Saying “愛してるよ”
(which really means, “I love you”) is rare and usually only used in romantic
situations. In this way, you could interpret the line as I have translated it
or you could also take it to mean “Practical love is better than romantic
love”. (-__^)b
**Note 2: Literally, “Suddenly remembering the smell
of someone you had almost forgotten”
***Note 3: Literally, “I want a happiness that is
more innocent than the whiteness of the thick snow”
****Note 4: Literally, “A soft and warm future is better
than diamonds”. I split the “soft” from the “warm future” line, because I felt
that it was too clumsy when translated into English as it was, and it also
failed to highlight the comparison that was being made. The translation is
derived from the contrast between hard diamonds (material value) and soft
gentle devotion (emotional value) for the person you love.
*****Note 5: Literally, “In the limited time, I
want to spend it with you”
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan, previously Toshiba-EMI)
Purchase Flavor of Life online (via YesAsia Global)
Depression seems to be the order of the day as my next post relates to Utada Hikaru's song, Be My Last (Utada is more affectionately known as Hikki to her Japanese fans). Yes, sometimes I like depressing things because it reminds me that everyone of us goes through rough patches here and there. As the theologian John Watson once said, "Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a battle."
We don't always have to learn lessons the hard way on our own, sometimes we just need to listen to what others have to say to learn from their experiences. Indeed, Utada married surprisingly early and surprisingly suddenly as well. The song had caused me to suspect that something was amiss in that part of her life at the time and sure enough, Hikki split from Kazuaki Kiriya, her husband of five years, earlier this year (OK, fine, there is a simpler and more plausible explanation for the song's mood, lyrics, and all - it fits the theme of the movie that it was used for... (0___o)).
This song seemed to have marked a turn in her music however. Indeed, this song was a departure from her previous style of music towards a bolder and more mature style that may have taken some getting used to for some of her fans. Still, perhaps one of the oddest things about this single was the fact that it was only released with one track on it. The concept of one CD, one song, somehow floated with the Japanese audience and though physical sales weren't strong, the copies were still bought up in fair numbers (enough to bring it up to the #1 spot on the Oricon charts on its release date - certainly a show of support for Hikki's exploits). Nonetheless, the single didn't really shine in the physical sales sector, instead it really showed its full potential in the online sales segment - becoming the second most downloaded track of 2005 from the iTunes Japan store (quite an achievement especially since the single came out in September 2005).
I feel that this experimental phase to her music is far from over and I am really enjoying all her new work. Her previous works were great, but Hikki's current tracks really shine in showing her versatility as a singer-songwriter with every single at the moment being outrageously different from the last while still maintaining some familiarity to her fans. Certainly, I am excited to find out how her next single will sound as August draws nearer.
In
the end, though this song is depressing, it ranks as one of my
favourite songs because of the haunting vocals and the emotions that it
powerfully conveys.
Song information:
The only track on Hikki's single, Be My Last (Released 2005/09/28).
PV availability:
Yes, a PV was released with the single.
Theme song:
Theme to the movie - 春の雪 ("Haru no Yuki"; trans: "Spring Snow"; English title: "Snowy Love Fallin' in Spring")
Alternative versions:
None, there are no alternative versions of this track at the moment.
Comments:
Be My Last, as a title, hints something of a desperate romance as it notions towards the seeking of an eternity together that seems less-than-mutual. The contents of the song also bring out the concept of desperation - of a great desire for something without thinking through its consequences. Hands play a significant part in the song in several ways - first, by demonstrating the humanness of this condition (our hands are what differentiates us from other animals). Second, the hands are holding on to the things most dear to us while at the same time destroying these very things. Another thing illustrated through the use of hands is how there are things beyond our own control, though we may believe that we have them under our control. At times, the song seems to criticise the arrogance of youth who believe they control their own destinies and how they seem impatient to experience everything. Finally, Utada's heart-rending vocals give the music the appropriate sense of falling or slipping away. Ultimately, though the song may be depressing, it also heeds us to think carefully about whether our choice of lifestyles and decisions may be the unravelling of ourselves by our very own hands.
Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics retrieved from www.uta-net.com.
--------------------------------------
日本語:
Be My Last
--------------------------------------
歌手: 宇多田ヒカル
作詞: Utada Hikaru
作曲: Utada Hikaru
--------------------------------------
母さんどうして
育てたものまで
自分で壊さなきゃならない日がくるの？
バラバラになったコラージュ
捨てられないのは
何も繋げない手
君の手つないだ時だって…
Be my last… be my last…
be my last… be my last…
どうか君が be my last…
慣れない同士でよく頑張ったね
間違った恋をしたけど
間違いではなかった
何も掴めない手
夢見てたのはどこまで？
With my hands With my hands
With my hands With my hands
私の手でbe my last…
いつか結ばれるより
今夜一時間会いたい
何も繋げない手
大人ぶってたのは誰？
Be my last… be my last…
be my last… be my last…
どうか君が be my last…
-------------------------------------------------------
romaji:
Be My Last
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: utada hikaru
sakushi: Utada Hikaru
sakkyoku: Utada Hikaru
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
kaasan doushite
sodateta mono made
jibun de kowasanakya naranai hi ga kuru no
barabara ni natta koraajyu
suterarenai no wa
nani mo tsunagenai te
kimi no te tsunaida toki datte…
Be my last… be my last…
be my last… be my last…
douka kimi ga be my last…
narenai doushi de yoku ganbatta ne
machigatta koi wo shita kedo
machigai de wa nakatta
nani mo tsukamenai te
yume miteta no wa doko made?
With my hands With my hands
With my hands With my hands
watashi no te de be my last…
itsuka musubareru yori
konya ichi jikan aitai
nani mo tsunagenai te
otona butteta no wa dare?
Be my last… be my last…
be my last… be my last…
douka kimi ga be my last…
-------------------------------------------------------
English:
Be My Last
-------------------------------------------------------
Performed by: Utada Hikaru
Lyricist: Utada Hikaru
Composer: Utada Hikaru
Translated by: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
Mother, why is it
That all the things we were brought up to cherish*
Are the very same things we eventually work to destroy?**
Without doing away with
This increasingly senseless collage of reality,***
I will be left with nothing to hold on to.
Even if I were to keep holding on to your hand…
Be my last… be my last…
Be my last… be my last…
Please, you have to be my last…
Friends without faces encouraged me to give it my best.****
Though falling into this love was a mistake,
It was not a mistake at all.
My hands can no longer grasp anything.
How much further does this dream go?
With my hands… with my hands…
With my hands… with my hands…
With my hands… you have to be my last
Rather than waiting to be with you one day,
I would prefer to be with you for an hour tonight.
My hands no longer hold on to anything.
Who is this person staring back at me, believing she has all grown up?*****
Be my last… be my last…
Be my last… be my last…
Please, I am begging you to be my last…
Notes:
*Note 1: Literally, “Things that we were brought up on”
**Note 2: Literally, “Cannot help but destroy them ourselves when the day comes”
***Note 3: Literally, “Collage that has become disconnected”
****Note 4: Literally, “Companions that I am not accustomed to told me to give it my best”
*****Note 5: Literally, “Who is this person pretending to be an adult?”
Links:
Utada Hikaru Official Website (maintained by EMI Music Japan, previously Toshiba-EMI)
Purchase Be My Last online (via YesAsia Global)
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