Current mood:	tranquil
Current music:	Buck-Tick: Brilliant
Entry tags:	translations-singles

Of Myths





ナルシス
Narcissus
Lyrics: Sakurai Atsushi
Translation: Lola

If I can dance as if under a spell
If I indulge myself like Narcissus

Ah...captivating and crimson for whom I shall get wet
Ah...the thing I desire is the heart within the body

If I can go mad as I am
Within the secret room of my universe

Ah...tracing with fingers, hand pressing between my legs*
Ah...melting but it’s a peaceful feeling

As I am alone the mirror reflects me and I kiss my body
Loving only myself
I dance naked

Ah...someone’s reflection rubs me dangerously**
Ah...if I get dry***, please turn towards my back

As I am alone I only speak of the love in my heart to the mirror
Loving only myself
I dance naked

Notes: *Yes, that’s what he says. It’s actually a nicer and less vulgar way of just blatantly saying ‘crotch’ or...other things. ^^; Yet it’s still considered naughty in Japanese.
** Ah...this word. It’s hard to explain. It’s...something that can mean dangerous but cool, something...that you shouldn’t do but has that exciting thrill. I was going to translate it as ‘scandalously’ but opted for this instead. An example from everyday life is when my sister’s husband almost grabbed my behind thinking I was my sister and he shouted that and fled in embarrassment.
*** Erm...can also mean to get thirsty. But, given the song...and the following words well...I’m sure you don’t need me to explain why this works better.

To learn more about the myth of Narcissus and Echo: Not just a pretty flower

Regarding the song, I loved it from first listen. The CT live version is...wonderful. *_* I should have realized though when I loved it so much that surely the lyrics must be of a perverted nature. The dirty songs are always the first to get my attention. *weeps* See, at first I thought the lyrics would be something like...’hey look at that Narcissus guy all full of himself’.

...that was a really bad choice of words on my part. Oh forget it. I’ll stop before I make myself blush even more.


I am in love with this portrait of Pandora...the colors, the texture, you can actually feel the diaphanous softness of her gown.


BRAN-NEW LOVER
Lyrics: Sakurai Atsushi
Translation: Lola

In the end the North wind sweeps everything away
Don’t be afraid, close your eyes and we’ll embrace each other

The best moment* and the future in your heart all have to dissolve in the end

When you begin to cry it transforms into rain
When you become unable to see, dyed in dark night

The sad dreams and the future in your heart all have to vanish in the end

Now throw open Pandora’s box
Releasing the scattered fragments of a Moebius ring

If it’s the end of the world, then at the midsummer seashore
Don’t be afraid, close your eyes and we’ll embrace each other

The best moment and the future in your heart all have to dissolve in the end
The sad dreams and the future in your heart all have to vanish in the end

One day the time will come to bid goodbye to humanity
Until the day we can meet again in this universe...

Now throw open Pandora’s box
Releasing the scattered fragments of a Moebius ring

One day the time will come to bid goodbye to humanity
Until the day we can meet again in this universe...

Notes: * 瞬間 but Sakurai sings 時. Still, I ended up translating it as the former.
Regarding Moebius rings or strips as I like to call them. Here are some links if you’d like to check out the wonder that they are: Look at it spin~
This one doesn’t move

Side note: Once of my favourite school memories is making a Moebius strip in my CEGEP math class. It was a class where we explored the relation to math and music and math and art. Math is everywhere was my teacher’s constant phrase that and ‘Math is beautiful’ and when I look at the Moebius strip...I’m inclined to agree. When I made mine I proceeded to run around the campus and baffle them with it. I love the way Sakurai uses it in this song, it seems like such a thoughtful and poetic say of saying something like ‘the fragments of eternity’.

Regarding Pandora, if you are unfamiliar with this myth, I suggest you check it out (I’m not just saying that because I love mythology...maybe): The Myth of Pandora
I adore the myth...even if part of me inevitably feels that it was written by men to blame all the woes of the world on women. *sigh* But similarly I can say a woman then was also the reason for Hope in the world. *smiles*

This song is special to me. Being one of the first B-T songs I had the privilege of hearing I’ve always loved it dearly. That and I remember when my Japanese was not as good as it is now when I listened I couldn’t really understand much but I did understand the part about Pandora’s box and that made me shine because I’m always pleased to see lyrics that have thought, that make cultural references and simply show that Sakurai is not just a pretty face. He may not see himself as smart but he has an appreciation for the arts of the world and that pleases me greatly.

It’s also a great song live. I was lucky enough to witness it. Singing along to a song that I love, hearts high and eyes bright...it was a good moment.




These three songs are from singles. 'Speed', 'Bran-New Lover' <-Get this single. *-*



<3

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