6 posts tagged “yui”

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

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

Laugh away (Sample, ~1:50 mins)

YUI

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English:
Laugh away
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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.

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

Put Your Music on Love Support : YUI

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. (^___^")

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,

Put Your Music on Love Support : Utada Hikaru

Put Your Music on Love Support : Ai Otsuka

Put Your Music on Love Support : ayaka

Put Your Music on Love Support : YUI

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,

Fuel Your Passion : Utada Hikaru

Fuel Your Passion : Ai Otsuka

Fuel Your Passion : ayaka

Fuel Your Passion : YUI

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 (^___^")

Well, it may seem a little out of character for me to be posting in such quick succession, but I have some time left over and the truth is that translating doesn't actually take up all that much time, LOL. In fact, I usually take more time writing a translation post than translating the piece for the post itself. (^___^") Anyhow, another major reason for this quick post is my excitement to move on to translating ayaka's newest work of art.

I have, of course, updated the post for LOVE & TRUTH to reflect the addition of a YUI acoustic version to the song with this new single. I have to admit that I have had a little bit of difficulty coming to like YUI's Namidairo... LOL. I am more a fan of YUI's rock than of her ballads, but after a few listens, I am really beginning to appreciate Namidairo for what it is.

Nonetheless, as can be expected from YUI, the lyrics are quite literal and there is little room for any real analysis since it's quite clear what she is trying to say. With that then, let us join our hands together and move on to the exceedingly painful ballad that is Namidairo.

Listen to a sample of Namidairo (~1:20 mins)

Namidairo (Sample, ~1:20 mins)

YUI

First appearance:
Track 1 from YUI's single, Namidairo (Released 2008/02/27).

PV availability:
Yes, there is a PV available for the song. There is certainly a lot of YUI in it but that's about it. Not that that's a bad thing, especially if you are a YUI fan! LOL (^___^")

Theme song:
This song is used as the theme to the drama, 4姉妹探偵団 ("4 shimai tantei dan"; trans: "4 sisters' detective team").

Alternative versions:
There are no alternative versions of the song at the moment but, come the next single, there should be an acoustic version ready to go.

Comments:
YUI has always been quite literal in her lyrical composition; so it comes as no surprise that Namidairo is very straightforward. Indeed, she seems to be at her metaphoric peak in the chorus where she likens the colour of her tears to the silence of her voice.

Nonetheless, YUI does make a strong point on the nature of negativity and anger. Through this piece, she showed that such negative feelings can consume a person by causing them to lose sight of the world around them and become solely absorbed in themselves as a method of healing their pain. Indeed, there is a tendency for people to act and feel as though the world owes them something when they are encompassed by such emotions. By pointing this out, YUI demonstrates that we have to go beyond these states and recognise that turning our emotions inward may not be a good solution.

In the end, the song does have a way of growing on you when given a chance and it is because of that that I did, in fact, feel an urge to translate it. Well, that, and the fact that she sings it so well that it's impossible not to feel your heart getting wrenched out while listening to it... LOL (^___^")*

*If you read this earlier, you may have noticed the comments segment has changed. That's because I actually have something substantial to say now... LOL... The previous stuff was actually quite insignificant...

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Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics are retrieved from nowhere else but www.uta-net.com!

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日本語:
Namidairo
--------------------------------------
歌手: YUI
作詞: YUI
作曲: YUI
--------------------------------------
嫌われているような　気がしてた　帰り道
見上げた部屋の灯り　今　どんな気持ちでいるのだろう?

ケンカになればすぐ謝る　よわくて　アナタハ　ズルイヒト

なみだいろ　声が聞こえない夜は
困らせてしまうほど　わがままになりたい

だいじょうぶ　そう言ってみたけど
そんなはずないでしょ…

水たまりに映る　哀しい顔　見慣れている
ムリ　言わないつもり　わかってるから　苦しくなるの

優しくされると泣けてくる　やっぱり　アナタハ　ズルイヒト

なみだいろ　声が聞こえない夜は
困らせてしまうほど　わがままになりたい

だいじょうぶ　そう言ってみたけど
そんなはずないでしょ…

あなたの前じゃ　嘘つきよ
気づいてほしいと　思っているの
そんなに強いわけじゃないからね　アタシ

涙こぼさない　決めていたのに
困らせてしまうよね?　わがままになれない

だいじょうぶ?　なんてまた訊くけど
そんなはずないでしょ…

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romaji:
Namidairo
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: YUI
sakushi: YUI
sakkyoku: YUI
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
kirawarete iru you na   ki ga shiteta   kaeri michi
miageta heya no akari   ima   donna kimochi de iru no darou?

kenka ni nareba sugu ayamaru   yowakute   anata wa   zurui hito

namida iro   koe ga kikoenai yoru wa
komarasete shimau hodo   wagamama ni naritai

daijoubu   sou itte mita kedo
sonna hazu nai desho...

mizutamari ni utsuru   kanashii kao   minarete iru
muri   iwanai tsumori   wakatteru kara   kurushiku naru no

yasashiku sareru to nakete kuru   yappari   anata wa   zurui hito

namida iro   koe ga kikoenai yoru wa
komarasete shimau hodo   wagamama ni naritai

daijoubu   sou itte mita kedo
sonna hazu nai desho...

anata no mae ja   usotsuki yo
kidzuite hoshii to   omotte iru no
sonna ni tsuyoi wake ja nai kara ne   atashi

namida kobosanai   kimete ita no ni
komarasete shimau yo ne?   wagamama ni narenai

daijoubu?   nante mata kiku kedo
sonna hazu nai desho...

----------------------------------------
English:
The Colour of Tears
----------------------------------------
Performed by: YUI
Lyricist: YUI
Composer: YUI
Translated by: crystalise
----------------------------------------
On the way home with what seems like a rancid taste in my heart,
I look up at the lights in the room... what feelings can possibly remain now?

I was so quick to apologise when we argued... how weak I must have seemed... to the deceitful person you are.

On a night when my voice is as indiscernible as the colour of my tears,*
I became so disturbed that I just want to grow selfish and indulge myself...

Though I have said that I would be fine,
It never really seems like it would ever be so…

Reflected in the puddles of water is this dejected face that I’ve become familiar with
And though I know my intention not to speak is suffocating me, I just can’t do it.

I was given kindness, then driven to tears… certainly… it was insidious of you.

On a night when my voice is as invisible as the colour of my tears,
I am so troubled that I wish only for a more self-serving heart.

Though I said I would be fine,
It doesn’t ever seem like it…

Before you stands the liar in me,
And it is this fact that I want you to realise
Because although I may lie, it doesn't mean that I'm all that strong…**

Through this all, I’ve decided not to let my tears brim over any longer.
It’s so very perplexing, isn’t it? But I won’t allow my heart to grow cold.***

Though I’ve started once again to inquire if you have been well,****
Things don’t really ever seem that way…

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Notes:
*Note 1: Literally, “On a night when my tear-coloured voice cannot be heard”... Although this was what it literally said, the picture it paints in Japanese is different from the literal understanding in English.

**Note 2: Literally, “‘‘I want you to realise,’ I kept thinking.” I initially mistranslated this part to make it seem as if the man was the liar - after re-reading the lyrics, it seems a lot more sensible that she is the liar at this point... apologies! (^__^")

***Note 3: Literally, “It’s very troubling, isn’t it? I won’t become selfish.”

****Note 4: Literally, “‘Are you alright?’ I have somehow started asking again, although...”

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

My schedule has been so extremely crowded out with work recently that it seems almost impossible to fit a moment to post and yet, there are already a good number of things I want to post on.

My next post will be about the new camera that my sister and mother got me - it's so awesome that I really don't know how to thank them for it... THANK YOU! 大変感謝してる! LOL (^___^")

Also, although I did remember this, I didn't have time to say it, so...

「ヒッキーちゃん、遅れたけどお誕生日おめでとう！」

Anyhow, I thought it was time to get this post out since it's been two weeks in the pipeline now. Generally speaking, Jam is a tribute to punk rock and the lyrics reference some of the milestone pieces in the genre's history. In translation, the lyrics are readily understandable because they are quite literal, but there was one particular point in the Japanese original that left me scratching my head a bit...

Regardless, the lyrics do afford me the opportunity to discuss one very misunderstood and unfairly vilified concept - that is, the concept of anarchy. But I'll save that discussion for the comments segment since it's relevant to setting the mood of the song. Well, with that, let's hop on to this very unfairly addictive piece! (^___^")

Listen to a sample of Jam (~1:00 mins)

Jam (Sample, ~1:00 mins)

YUI

3 comments

First appearance:
Track 2 from YUI's single, LOVE & TRUTH (Released 2007/09/26).

PV availability:
There is a very nice PV for this piece . It's quite simple and basically reinforces the literal nature of the lyrics, but it's great for anyone that wants to get more YUI, LOL.

Theme song:
This song was not used as a theme to anything.

Alternative versions:
There are no alternative versions available for this song.

Comments:
Overall, the song is written in a very literal train of thought. The entire song documents the progression of one Thursday night in a live rock club, LOL. In this club filled with tons of sweaty people rockin' it out, there is one word that best describes the whole atmosphere of the night, the word: anarchy.

This is where some discussion of the word is warranted because in English, "anarchy" tends to conjure up an image of a world in flames... (-___-") Yet, in its most basic form, anarchist theory simply positions itself as a philosophy that believes that governments do more harm than good and should thus be eliminated.

In some regard, anarchy is a relatively hopeful philosophy because it allows for the imagination of a society that functions without a central governing authority. The theory posits that individuals are capable of self-government and order can be preserved through everyday interactions as well as transactions. Anarchy, then, aspires to an organic societal freedom and believes that individuals will not run amok when everyone is given absolute freedom.

Also, if you are ever in Kingston, Ontario in Canada, go along Princess Street and look for a cozy cafe called The Sleeping Goat. It's a cafe that works under the anarchist ideology and if you want a taste of what anarchists really believe in, walk in and say that you are hungry but have no money. They'll serve you some bread and soup for no cost at all, no questions asked, and no preaching about their view of the world either.

On a final note about the topic, you will realise I qualified the discussion about anarchy with the words "in English". Indeed, I spent most of my time talking about the English understanding of the concept but looking at my English-Japanese dictionary, I quickly come to definition number three: 「無政府のユートピア的社会。」 Which basically translates to, "A utopian society that is without government."

It's safe to say that that was more along the lines of what YUI meant because she was really talking about that feeling of transcending freedom that seized the night. Literally, although there was no one to govern the jamming rockers and everyone seemed to be doing their own little thing - order was maintained and most importantly, everybody there was having the time of their lives.

Of course, on a deeper level, YUI also alludes to punk being the counterpoint of government and that it is in that opposition that society progresses. But that argument deserves an even lengthier discussion that I do not intend to go into. Nonetheless, this theme is present in the lyrics albeit slight.

Well, I've gone on for quite a bit about the lyrics. Unable to resist the awesome tune that emanates from this piece any longer, let us now discover the anarchistic nature in Jam~ LOL (^___^")

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Lyrics:
Japanese lyrics retrieved from www.uta-net.com, do I ever go anywhere else?

--------------------------------------
日本語:
Jam
--------------------------------------
歌手: YUI
作詞: YUI
作曲: YUI
--------------------------------------
何度言えばいいの　あなたが　思うほどいい子じゃない
ガソリンスタンドの角を曲がる　古い倉庫の中

ライブハウス帰りのバンド達　集めてジャムる木曜日の夜

PUNK ROCKが好きなあいつは　夏でも革ジャンを着てる
ちょっとおかしく思うけれど　最高な時間
oh anarchy in the night Yeah!

明日テレビだよと電話が鳴る　ごめんね帰らなくちゃ
Punk's Not Dead !　ヘンな顔して　笑わせてくれたね

迎えに来なくてもいいのに　免許とバイクが欲しくなってきちゃう

PUNK ROCKが好きなあいつの　レスポールは重すぎる
あたしがドラム叩くから　最後にOh Baby
oh anarchy in the night Yeah!

唇をちょっと尖らせて　あいつの仕草を  真似てみる
あたしのGuitarにだってMy Rocks
負けてるつもりはないからね

PUNK ROCKが生きた時代は　今でもずっと続いてる
ちょっとくらい　壊してゆかなくちゃ　Oh Baby No Future
oh anarchy in the night Yeah!

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romaji:
Jam
-------------------------------------------------------
kashyu: YUI
sakushi: YUI
sakkyoku: YUI
romaji: crystalise
-------------------------------------------------------
nando ieba ii no   anata ga   omou hodo ii ko ja nai
gasorin sutando no kado wo magaru   furui souko no naka

raibu hausu kaeri no bandotachi   atsumete jamuru mokuyoubi no yoru

PUNK ROCK ga suki na aitsu wa   natsu de mo kawajan wo kiteru
chotto okashiku omou keredo   saikou na jikan
oh anarchy in the night Yeah!

ashita terebi da yo to denwa ga naru   gomen ne kaeranakucha
Punk’s Not Dead!   hen na kao shite   warawasete kureta ne

mukae ni konakute mo ii no ni   menkyo to baiku ga hoshiku natte kichau

PUNK ROCK ga suki na aitsu no   resu pooru wa omo sugiru
atashi ga doramu tataku kara   saigo ni Oh Baby
oh anarchy in the night Yeah!

kuchibiru wo chotto togarasete   aitsu no shigusa wo   manete miru
atashi no Guitar ni datte My Rocks*
maketeru tsumori wa nai kara ne

PUNK ROCK ga ikita jidai wa   ima de mo zutto tsudzuiteru
chotto kurai   kowashite yuka nakucha   Oh Baby No Future
oh anarchy in the night Yeah!

----------------------------------------
English:
Jam
----------------------------------------
Performed by: YUI
Lyricist: YUI
Composer: YUI
Translated by: crystalise
----------------------------------------
How many times need I say that I’m not the angelic girl you think I am?
Take a turn at the corner of that gas station and come into the old warehouse.

In that live bar, the returning band gathers to jam the Thursday nights away.

That admirer of punk rock dons a leather jacket, even in the summer.
Though it seemed a little ridiculous, it made for the best of times.
Indeed, there was anarchy in that night!**

But with tomorrow’s television production ringing on the phone, it’s almost time for me to get going...***
The band made funny faces and screamed, “Punk’s not dead!” – making me laugh.****

It’s alright that I won't get a ride home, but it does make a bike and license look all the more tempting.

This punk rock follower’s Les Paul is far too heavy,*****
And as my drums kick in, the final curtain begins to fall, baby.
Oh, there’ll be anarchy tonight!

My lips appear to pout as I try to mimic his actions.
Within my guitar lies my rock ‘n roll,
And it's because of this, that I have no intention to lose out to him.

The times of punk rock lives on and will continue to live on forever,
Because if punk rock were to even die down a little, baby, there’d be no future.******
No, there will always be anarchy in the night!

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Notes:
*Note 1: “My Rocks” could be a reference to the popular punk song Chinese Rocks. It was first performed by the punk band, The Heartbreakers.

**Note 2: “Anarchy in the night” may be a reference to the Sex Pistols song, Anarchy in the UK. The song can be found on their only album, Don’t Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.

***Note 3: Literally, “It’s tomorrow’s television on the phone, sorry but I have to leave” – This statement really makes no sense until you watch the PV... when she picks up her phone... LOL

****Note 4: Punk’s Not Dead was the debut album of British punk rock band, The Exploited. The title was a reaction to what many believed was the death of the punk genre around the late 1970s. A more recent influence may be the movie of the same name which was released in 2007. It came out in Japan in September 1, 2007 and makes the point that punk rock is still very much a part of the music scene today.

*****Note 5: Les Paul refers to the guitar line by Gibson acoustics and gets its name from the jazz guitarist. Some of the models have a reputation for being overly heavy because of the wood they are made of... YUI prefers Fender guitars and that’s why in the Jam PV, you find her using the Fender American Telecaster 2 with 2-color sunburst.

******Note 6: “No Future” is possibly a reference to the Sex Pistols song, God Save the Queen.

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Links:
YUI official website (maintained by Sony Music)