Kayo Kyoku Plus: Yumi Arai -- Hikoki Gumo （ひこうき雲）

Today, I came across this blog post - Kayo Kyoku Plus: Yumi Arai -- Hikoki Gumo （ひこうき雲）.  Last spring, a friend of mine lost his 4 year old to brain tumor.  Upon reading this post and the lyrics, it immediately reminded me of that...

The English translation is excellent.  If there's one thing I think could be improved, it would be the 3rd paragraph.  In my humble opinion, the line,
    高いあの窓で　あの子は死ぬ前も 空をみていたの
is a question.  And the next 2 lines are the singer's answer to this question.  Basically, the singer is asking herself a question and then she answers herself (and the answer is "she doesn't know the answer").

So, I would have done it like this:

By that tall window, before that child passed away
Was he also gazing at the sky?
I don't know at this moment
Other people also don't know
I just think he was too young
But he's happy

Correction: Now that I read the lyrics again, I think I was wrong.  Thanks to Miyazaki Hayao's (宮崎駿) recent anime "The Wind Rises" (風立ちぬ).  Otherwise, I would not have listened to the song and read the lyrics again.  The English translation at Kayo Kyoku Plus is as good as it can get.

- June 21, 2014 

Here's the original Japanese lyrics:

白い坂道が空まで続いていた
ゆらゆらかげろうが
あの子を包む
誰も気づかず　ただひとり
あの子は昇ってゆく
誰もおそれない　そして舞い上がる

空に憧れて　空をかけてゆく
あの子の命はひこうき雲

高いあの窓で　あの子は死ぬ前も
空をみていたの
今はわからない
ほかの人にはわからない
あまりにも若すぎたと
ただ思うだけ　けれどしあわせ

空に憧れて　空をかけてゆく
あの子の命はひこうき雲

空に憧れて　空をかけてゆく
あの子の命はひこうき雲

ウー　ウー　ウー　ウー

Murashita Kozo - Fuyu Monogatari (冬物語)

When I first heard this song, it was Hong Kong singer Sandy Lamb's (林姍姍) "Maybe we were too young" (也許當時我們年紀小).  I didn't know that it's a Japanese song at that time.  In the past few years, as I listened to more and more Japanese songs, I finally found out that this was from Murashita Kozo (村下孝蔵).  Before I understand the lyrics, even though I could feel that it's a sad song, I didn't realize how sad it was.  Especially the last paragraph, I think it's just too sad.




冬物語

曲，詩：村下孝蔵

時計台の影を踏みながら歩いた
去年の秋と　何も変わらない
あなただけがいない　この街にはいない
今年の秋を　枯葉が埋める

小さな倖せを掴みきれないまま
迷い込んだ心　漂う街角
降り出しそうな空　震えてる小枝が
僕を写している　窓ガラスに爪を立てる

それぞれの風が　胸を凍らせてく
冬物語　静かに始まる
やがて白い雪が　悲しみを被って
洗い流して　春をむかえるよ

掴みきれないもの　それが夢なんだと
わかっていたならば　目かくししたまま
一人部屋の中で　生きていればいいと
なだめているように　時計台が心叩く

A Winter Tale

Composer, Lyrics: Murashita Kozo

Whilst walking I stepped onto the shadow of the clock tower

Nothing has changed since last autumn

Only you are not here

You are nowhere to be found on this street

Withered leaves have buried this year's autumn

Tiny happiness remains out of grasp

My heart, sunk into confusion, is floating around the street corner

Under the sky of looming rain

Small tree branches are shaking

Erecting their claws

In the glass window carrying my reflection

Each and every passing wind continues to freeze my heart

The tale of winter has quietly begun

Soon, white snow will cover the sorrows

Wash them away

And spring will be welcomed

Things that are out of grasp
I think they are my dreams

If I had realized it earlier

I think it would have been best for me

To live alone in a room blindfolded

And as if to soothe me

Let the clock tower strike my heart

村下孝蔵ー冬物語

我第一次聽這首歌，是香港歌手林姍姍的「也許當時我們年紀小」。我當時不知道它是日本歌改遍。近年多聽日本歌後，才發覺這是村下孝藏的名曲。在未明白歌詞之前，我雖感覺到它是一首悲歌，但不知它是那麼悲慘。尤其是最後那一段，我覺得實在太慘了。

 


冬物語

曲，詩：村下孝蔵

時計台の影を踏みながら歩いた
去年の秋と　何も変わらない
あなただけがいない　この街にはいない
今年の秋を　枯葉が埋める

小さな倖せを掴みきれないまま
迷い込んだ心　漂う街角
降り出しそうな空　震えてる小枝が
僕を写している　窓ガラスに爪を立てる

それぞれの風が　胸を凍らせてく
冬物語　静かに始まる
やがて白い雪が　悲しみを被って
洗い流して　春をむかえるよ

掴みきれないもの　それが夢なんだと
わかっていたならば　目かくししたまま
一人部屋の中で　生きていればいいと
なだめているように　時計台が心叩く

冬物語

曲，詞：村下孝藏

步過鐘樓踏著它的影子
跟去年秋天 什麼也沒有改變
唯獨是妳不在 這街中失去了妳
枯葉把今年的秋天埋藏

在完全不能把握小小的幸福中
已然陷入迷失的心在街角漂浮
似要下雨的天空下 抖震的小樹枝
在映照著我的玻璃窗裡 豎起了它的爪

每一陣風 都一直把我的心冷凍
冬天的故事 靜悄悄地掀幕
不久白雪將把悲傷蓋上
把它洗去 然後迎接春天

完全不能把握的東西 我想是我的夢
要是我早察覺的話
我想最好是讓我一直矇著眼睛
獨自一人在房間中存活
像安撫似的 以鐘樓敲擊我心

村下孝蔵ー踊り子（odoriko）

我最初聽村下孝藏的「踊り子」（odoriko），是中森明菜在「歌姬3」大碟裡的翻唱版。之後再聽原唱，覺得兩人的演繹方法很不同。明菜的版本比較幽怨，而村下的版本則是輕快中帶點哀愁。其實我喜歡明菜的版本多一些。村下那輕快的唱法，給我一種沒有所謂，已經放棄的感覺。我覺得跟我腦海中的畫面不符。



踊り子

曲、詩：村下孝蔵

答えを出さずにいつまでも暮らせない
バス通り裏の路地　行き止まりの恋だから
何処かに行きたい　林檎の花が咲いてる
暖かい場所なら何処へでも行く

つまさきで立ったまま君を愛してきた
南向きの窓から見ていた空が
踊り出すくるくると軽いめまいの後
写真をばらまいたように心が乱れる

表紙のとれてる愛だからかくしあい
ボロボロの台詞だけ語り合う日々が続き
坂道を駆ける子供達のようだった
倒れそうなまま二人走っていたね

つまさきで立ったまま僕を愛してきた
狭い舞台の上でふらつく踊り子
愛してる愛せない　言葉をかえながら
かけひきだけの愛は見えなくなってゆく

つまさきで立ったまま二人愛してきた
狭い舞台の上でふらつく踊り子
若すぎたそれだけがすべての答えだと
涙がこらえたままつまさき立ちの恋

女舞者

曲，詞：村下孝藏

不能一直沒有答案走下去
只因這戀愛是巴士經過裏巷之盡頭處
我想到某處地方 若果是蘋果花綻放
溫暖的國度 無論何處我也會去

一直以來我是用腳尖站著去愛妳
從南向窗口看到的天空
像開始起舞 轉著圈 一陣輕輕的暈眩後
散落著一張張照片似的 心亂如麻

因為封面脫落的愛 我們合力去隱藏
以破碎的台詞說話繼續著每一天
像小孩子在斜坡上追逐一樣
我倆一直以來好像邊走邊倒地過來吧

一直以來妳是用腳尖站著去愛我
狹小的舞台上腳步蹣跚的女舞者
徘徊於「我愛你」與「我不能再愛你」之言辭間
我們愈來愈察覺不到這一份只有討價還價的愛

一直以來我倆都用腳尖站著相愛
狹小的舞台上腳步蹣跚的女舞者
如果「只不過是太年輕罷了」是所有答案的話
唯有繼續這忍著淚以腳尖站立的戀愛

Murashita Kozo - Odoriko (踊り子)

When I first heard Odoriko (踊り子), it's Nakamori Akina's (中森明菜) cover version in "Utahime3" (歌姫3).  When I later heard the original version, I realized that they had very different expressions.  Akina's version represents the traditional sorrowful love song, whereas Murashita's version tends to be on the lighter side with a small hint of sadness.  In fact, I like Akina's version more.  Murashita's expression gave me a "don't care", "already given up" kind of feeling, which, in my opinion doesn't fit the picture in my mind.



踊り子

曲、詩：村下孝蔵

答えを出さずにいつまでも暮らせない
バス通り裏の路地　行き止まりの恋だから
何処かに行きたい　林檎の花が咲いてる
暖かい場所なら何処へでも行く

つまさきで立ったまま君を愛してきた
南向きの窓から見ていた空が
踊り出すくるくると軽いめまいの後
写真をばらまいたように心が乱れる

表紙のとれてる愛だからかくしあい
ボロボロの台詞だけ語り合う日々が続き
坂道を駆ける子供達のようだった
倒れそうなまま二人走っていたね

つまさきで立ったまま僕を愛してきた
狭い舞台の上でふらつく踊り子
愛してる愛せない　言葉をかえながら
かけひきだけの愛は見えなくなってゆく

つまさきで立ったまま二人愛してきた
狭い舞台の上でふらつく踊り子
若すぎたそれだけがすべての答えだと
涙がこらえたままつまさき立ちの恋

Dancing Girl

Composer, Lyrics: Murashita Kozo

I cannot go on without an answer indefinitely

Because this love is like a bus 

Passing through the back alleys and coming to a dead end

I want to go somewhere

If there are blossoming apple flowers and warmth

Wherever it is I will go

I have been loving you standing on tiptoe

From the south-facing window

I saw the sky like it's beginning to dance
Spinning and spinning

And after a light dizziness

Scatters pieces and pieces of photographs

My heart is thrown into disarray

Because our love had its cover came off

We are trying to hide it together

Our days continue with conversations in tattered scripts

Like children running on a slope

We two seems to be rushing and falling at the same time, isn't it?

You have been loving me standing on tiptoe

A dancing girl tottering on a narrow stage

In the middle of the varying words 

Between "I love you" versus "I cannot love you anymore"

We are farther and farther away from realizing that only bargains remain with this love

We have been loving each other on tiptoe

A dancing girl tottering on a narrow stage

If "just too young" is all the answer

Holding my tears and continuing this love standing on tiptoe

辛島美登里ー夏色物語

又一首辛島美登里不太為人熟識，比較早期的作品。1991年面世。我非常喜愛它的旋律，不過歌詞比較抽象。我不是日本人，所以不知道他們看到歌詞後怎麼想，不過我可以談一談我自己對這首歌的感覺。

「夏色」令我聯想到「熱情」，「萬物繁榮」，「藍天碧海」。故事發生在夏天，我想它代表一種熾熱的愛吧。夏天過後隨之而來的秋天，給人一種寂寞而蕭瑟的感覺。女主角想把夏天停下來，我想是害怕離別會像秋天一般，必然降臨。

「裸足」令我聯想起「天真無邪」，「坦蕩蕩」或「沒有保留」。所以當我看到「裸足的愛」時，對女主角就有了以上的感覺。

整首歌給我的是「天下無不散之筵席，總要別離」的那一種淒美畫面。



夏色物語

曲，詩：辛島美登里

夏色の物語　ひき潮がつれ去る前に
駆けだしてしまいたい　裸足のままの恋心

月の光が　やけたあなたの　背中をそっと泳いでる
眠れないのは　海鳴りじゃなく　あなたの漏らす吐息のせい

言葉にすれば　何かが　こわれてゆきそう
強く抱いたら　抱くほど
指のすきま　すべり落ちる砂のようね　愛は

夏色の物語　海のインクで書きつづる
潮騒の首飾り　さざ波はもう唄わない

叱って欲しい　どんな私も　見逃さないで　導いて
許して欲しい　どんなあやまちも　包みこむように　見守って

腕を離せば　このまま　会えなくなりそう
だから過ぎゆく季節を
とめて　とめて　ひとりきりで　何処へゆくの　愛は

夏色の物語　ひき潮がつれ去る前に
駆けだしてしまいたい　裸足のままの恋心

裸足のままの恋心

夏色物語

曲，詞：辛島美登里

夏色故事
在海潮把我這份裸足的愛捲走前
我希望我已經起跑

月光在你那曬黑了的背上輕輕暢泳
我未能入睡 非海浪之鳴聲 而是錯在你那遺漏的寢息

如果用語言去表達的話 好像破壞了甚麼似的
所以只好盡量去抱緊
愛 就像指縫間滑落的細沙吧

夏色故事 以海之墨而成書
海濤聲的項鏈 小小波浪已不再唱詠

無論是怎樣的我 希望你斥罵我 引導我讓我不要錯過
無論是甚麼的錯 希望你原諒我 像包裹著我一樣 保護我

如果離開了你的臂彎 這樣下去 好像我們不能再碰面
所以這流逝的季節
懇請你停下來 停下來 隻身的我 愛又何去何從？

夏色故事
在海潮把我這份裸足的愛捲走前
我希望我已經起跑

這份裸足的愛

Karashima Midori - Natsuiro Monogatari (夏色物語)

It's another one of Karahisma Midori's (辛島美登里) song which is not amongst the most popular.  It's also one of the earlier ones in her singing career.  It's released in 1991.  I love its melody, although I find the lyrics a bit abstract.  I am not Japanese, so I don't know what they think when they read the lyrics.  But I can talk about my feeling towards this song.

夏色 ("summer colors") evokes "passion", "prosperity", and "blue sky and ocean" in my mind.  Since the story took place in summer, I think it represents a passionate love story.  However, autumn, which is usually associated with looniness and gloominess, follows summer.  When the female character said she wanted the season to stop, it gave me the feeling that she's afraid of the inevitable departure, like the changing of the season.

When I read the words 裸足のままの恋心 ("loving heart which remains bare footed"), the words 裸足 ("bare footed") evokes adjectives such as "innocent" and "unreserved".  So, it's that kind of love that I am thinking when I'm listening to the song.

All in all, this song gives me a poignant feeling that "all love will eventually be followed by departure."



夏色物語

曲，詩：辛島美登里

夏色の物語　ひき潮がつれ去る前に
駆けだしてしまいたい　裸足のままの恋心

月の光が　やけたあなたの　背中をそっと泳いでる
眠れないのは　海鳴りじゃなく　あなたの漏らす吐息のせい

言葉にすれば　何かが　こわれてゆきそう
強く抱いたら　抱くほど
指のすきま　すべり落ちる砂のようね　愛は

夏色の物語　海のインクで書きつづる
潮騒の首飾り　さざ波はもう唄わない

叱って欲しい　どんな私も　見逃さないで　導いて
許して欲しい　どんなあやまちも　包みこむように　見守って

腕を離せば　このまま　会えなくなりそう
だから過ぎゆく季節を
とめて　とめて　ひとりきりで　何処へゆくの　愛は

夏色の物語　ひき潮がつれ去る前に
駆けだしてしまいたい　裸足のままの恋心

裸足のままの恋心

A Tale of Summer Colors

Composer, Lyrics: Karashima Midori

The tale of summer colors

Before the ebbing tide takes away 

My loving heart which remains bare footed

I wish I would have set out running

Moonlight gently swimming in your suntanned back

I'm not being able to sleep

Not because of the roar of the ocean

But it's due to the fault of your soundly leaking breath

Putting it in words would seem to ruin something

And so I am holding you as tight as possible

Love is like sand slipping through between the gaps of the fingers, isn't it?

The tale of summer colors is written in the ink of the sea

Necklace of the roaring ocean

Already, wavelets are singing no more

Whatever I am, please scold at me

Guide me so I will not miss

Whatever the fault, please forgive me

Protect me as if I was being wrapped

If I leave your arms

And remains like that

It looks like we'll never be able to meet again

Thus, I am begging the passing season

Please stop going

Please stop going

Where else could my love go in complete solitude?

The tale of summer colors

Before the ebbing tide takes away 

My loving heart which remains bare footed

I wish I would have set out running

My loving heart which remains bare footed

Murashita Kozo - Hidamari (陽だまり)

Hidamari (陽だまり) was released in 1987.  It was the theme song of the anime series Maison Ikkoku (めぞん一刻), which was based on the same manga by Takahashi Rumiko (高橋留美子).  I personally haven't watched the anime, nor have I read the manga.  But I vaguely remember that it was on TV (and dubbed in Cantonese) when I was in high school back in Hong Kong.  I also remember some of my classmates would talk about it in class.  Now that I know the song, I am very interested in both the anime and the manga.  I want to read it and watch it when I have time.

Here's Murashita Kozo performing live.



By the way, I've seen some comments from Japanese (or at least I think they're Japanese; on the Internet nobody knows I am actually a cat) that the lyrics was beautifully written.  Given that I've only been studying for a few years, I am afraid I am not qualified to comment.  But I hope the translation would come through.

Enjoy!

陽だまり

曲，詩：村下孝蔵

蝉時雨遥か　すだれごしに
水を打つ夏の夕暮れ
石が川面跳ねるように
ときめいた君を想って

陽炎がゆらめく街
この場所から遠く空を見て
ああ君に会いたい　今すぐに声を聞きたい

きらきら　夕焼けの中　微笑みなげて
望みを祈りにかえたら
一番大事な事忘れずに　輝いていて欲しいよ

早く会いたい　たった一言
心から叫びたいよ
きっといつかはめぐり逢い
結ばれると信じていたと

歩きだせばこの背中を
追いかけてついてきて欲しい
ああ僕は君一人のためだけのひとりぼっちさ

ひらひら　花びらの舞う　春の午後には
祈りを誓いにかえるよ
二人で陽だまりの中　光あつめやさしさを　わかちあえるさ

一番大事な事忘れずに　輝いていて欲しいよ

Sunny Spot

Composer, Lyrics: Murashita Kozo

Beyond the bamboo blind

The chirring of cicadas in chorus from afar

Summer sunset sprinkles onto the water

Like a rock splashing onto a river surface

I am thinking of you who have already flourished

A road in a wavering heat haze

From there I am glancing at the distant sky

Ah!  I want to see you

Immediately I want to hear your voice

I throw a smile at the glistering sunset

If my wish were to become my prayer

I want you to shine without forgetting the most important matter

Just in a single sentence - "I desire to see you soon"

I want to yell it out loud from my heart

That I am sure one day we will serendipitously run into each other

That all along I believe that we will be knotted together

When I start walking

I want you to attach yourself to my back and follow me close

I'm telling you, I am in solitude for you and only you

Fluttering sakura dancing in a spring afternoon

Prayer has turned into vow

Two of us in a sunny spot

Being able to share this tenderness that is filled with light

I want you to shine without forgetting the most important matter

村下孝蔵 ー 陽だまり

「陽だまり」在1987年發表。它是日本卡通片「めぞん一刻」（香港：「相聚一刻」）的主題曲。卡通改編自高橋留美子的同名漫畫。我依稀記得這套卡通在我中學年代曾在電視播出。我也記起當時有些同學曾熱烈討論。我不曾看過卡通，也未看過漫畫。不過現在知道了這首歌之後對它們很感興趣。有時間的話我會看看。

這是村下孝藏的現場版。



我在網上見過一些日本人說它的歌詞很美。我學日文的時日尚短，不敢作評論。不過我希望我的翻譯可以把這首歌的深意傳達。

陽だまり

曲，詩：村下孝蔵

蝉時雨遥か　すだれごしに
水を打つ夏の夕暮れ
石が川面跳ねるように
ときめいた君を想って

陽炎がゆらめく街
この場所から遠く空を見て
ああ君に会いたい　今すぐに声を聞きたい

きらきら　夕焼けの中　微笑みなげて
望みを祈りにかえたら
一番大事な事忘れずに　輝いていて欲しいよ

早く会いたい　たった一言
心から叫びたいよ
きっといつかはめぐり逢い
結ばれると信じていたと

歩きだせばこの背中を
追いかけてついてきて欲しい
ああ僕は君一人のためだけのひとりぼっちさ

ひらひら　花びらの舞う　春の午後には
祈りを誓いにかえるよ
二人で陽だまりの中　光あつめやさしさを　わかちあえるさ

一番大事な事忘れずに　輝いていて欲しいよ

陽光中

曲，詞：村下孝藏

竹簾後的遠方傳來遍遍蟬聲
夏天的夕陽灑落在水面
像石頭投向河面
思念著已變得璀璨的妳

陽炎搖擺的街道
從那裡遙望長空
啊 很想與妳見面 現在馬上想聽到妳的聲音

把微笑投向璨爛的夕陽中
假若我的願望變成禱文
請妳在不忘最重要的事情中閃耀

只有一句說話 「想與妳快快碰面」
有些東西很想從心裡高聲呼喚出來
我肯定有一天我們總會偶遇
我一直相信我們總可以連上

當我出來走路
請妳緊貼我背追隨著我
啊 我只為妳一人而孤獨度日呀

在櫻花漫天飛舞的春天下午
禱告終於變成了誓盟
二人在陽光中 可共享聚集了光的溫柔


請妳在不忘最重要的事情中閃耀

Nakamori Akina - Days

This is my favorite among the "new" songs by Akina.  Well, this song was released in 2003 but I consider it "new" because she hasn't released a lot of new songs in the past 10 years anyway.  Again, Akina wrote the lyrics herself.  Enjoy!

Days

曲：織田哲郎
詩：中森明菜

いつからこんなに　あなたを感じてたのか
溢れるほどの　光に見えて
悲しみが沈むほど

いつでもあなたは　気遣う瞳の中で
苦しみまでも　癒す強さと
やさしさに　包まれ

このまま　このまま
この願いあつめて　苦しい日々に閉ざされてても
今強さに変えてゆく
あの日をくれた　あなたを守りたい

涙が溢れて　言葉出なくなるほどの
やさしい時間が全てを包み
いとしさが強くなる

このまま　このまま
今愛信じて　激しい風にさらされてても
もう迷いはしないわ　生まれ変われた
今なら　こわくない

この願いあつめて　苦しい日々に閉ざされてても
今愛信じて　激しい風にさらされてても
越える強さに変えてゆく
あの日をくれた　あなたを守るため

Days

Composer: Oda Tetsuro

Lyrics: Nakamori Akina

Since when did I have such a feeling about you?
As if being shone upon by an overpowering light
So visible is the extent sorrow has descended upon you

No matter when
Inside your anxious eyes
Even pain is found
Wrapped inside the refuge of your healing strength and your tenderness

And so it goes
And so it goes
I have collected this wish
Even when trapped inside painful times
From now, let that become strength
You who have given me those cherishable days
I desire to guard and protect you

Overwhelming tears have immobilized my words
Wrapping all the fond memories
Let my love become stronger

And so it goes
And so it goes
Now I believe in love
Even though I am exposed under violent winds
Already I am not bewildered
I was able to be reborn
And now I am not frightened

I have collected this wish
Even when trapped inside painful darkness
I now believe in love
Even when exposed under violent winds
Let that become strength to overcome
For the reason of guarding you
Who have given me those cherishable days

中森明菜 ー Days

這是在中森明菜「新曲」裡面，我最喜歡的一首。2003年出版。我覺得它是「新曲」，因為這10年來她也沒有太多的歌。這首歌是她自己填詞。



Days

曲：織田哲郎
詩：中森明菜

いつからこんなに　あなたを感じてたのか
溢れるほどの　光に見えて
悲しみが沈むほど

いつでもあなたは　気遣う瞳の中で
苦しみまでも　癒す強さと
やさしさに　包まれ

このまま　このまま
この願いあつめて　苦しい日々に閉ざされてても
今強さに変えてゆく
あの日をくれた　あなたを守りたい

涙が溢れて　言葉出なくなるほどの
やさしい時間が全てを包み
いとしさが強くなる

このまま　このまま
今愛信じて　激しい風にさらされてても
もう迷いはしないわ　生まれ変われた
今なら　こわくない

この願いあつめて　苦しい日々に閉ざされてても
今愛信じて　激しい風にさらされてても
越える強さに変えてゆく
あの日をくれた　あなたを守るため

Days

曲：織田哲郎
詞：中森明菜

從何時起我對你有這樣的感覺？
就像在溢滿的光線下那麼顯而易見
你往悲傷沈淪的那種程度

一直以來你那憂慮的瞳孔裡
治癒能力與溫柔
竟連苦痛也包含在內

就這樣 就這樣
我集合了這個願望
縱使困在痛苦的日子裡
從今把它續漸轉化成堅強的力量
給予我那一段日子的你 我願去守護

淚水溢滿至無法言語
把所有美好時光包好
讓愛變得更堅強

就這樣 就這樣
如今我相信愛
縱使暴露在狂風中
我已不再迷惑
我已可重生
現在我不害怕

我集合了這個願望
縱使困在痛苦的黑暗中
如今我相信愛
縱使暴露在狂風中
把它們續漸轉化成克服的力量
為了去守護給予我那一段日子的你

中森明菜 － 陽炎

日文「陽炎」是海市蜃樓的一種。當你在公路上望向遠方，近水平線的物體像歪了一樣晃動，這就是「陽炎」現象。

這首歌在1993年推出，安全地帶的玉置浩二作曲，中森明菜自己填詞。那時中森明菜已經跟近藤真彥分手了3年多，我想歌詞是寫她的故事。

從YouTube找到的video裡面，好像明菜每次唱這首歌時都哭了。我想她的情傷很深吧。





日文歌詞原文如下。

陽炎

曲：玉置浩二
詩：中森明菜

ひかる道　彼方　陽炎景色
愛しさを　おいて　今は抜け殻ね
夢を追うことは　誰にも出来ると
強さで守った　笑顔　引きずってた

あんなに　あなた　愛した私
幸せと　思えるの　今でも

かさねゆく　愛を　身に纏いながら
冷めた唇で　探す情熱を
滲むフォトグラフ　二人の笑顔
知る人もなくて　深い海の底へ

あんなに　ふたり　子供のように
あどけない　眼差しの　温もり

全てが輝やき　時を　愛した私
幸せと　思えるの　今でも

我的中文譯本如下。

陽炎

曲：玉置浩二
詞：中森明菜

陽光下道路彼方 一遍陽炎景色
放下愛 如今只剩下軀殼吧
我認為人人皆可追尋夢想
勉強地拖著以堅強保持的笑容

往日那麼愛你的我
縱使如今仍覺幸福

重重的愛 纏繞著身體
同時以冰冷的嘴唇 探索熱情
滲了污跡的相片 二人的笑容
相識的人已去 往海底深處下沈

二人多麼像小孩一樣
以天真無邪的目光送暖

在一遍輝煌的日子愛過的我
縱使如今仍覺幸福

Nakamori Akina - Kagerou (Heat Shimmer or Heat Haze)

Kagerou (English: Heat Shimmer or Heat Haze, Japanese: 陽炎) was released in 1993.  It was composed by Anzen Chitai's (安全地帯) Tamaki Kouji (玉置浩二).  Lyrics was written by Nakamori Akina (中森明菜) herself.  At that time, she has broken up with Kondo Masahiko (近藤真彦) for almost 3 years.  I think the song was about her story.

From the YouTube videos, it looks like she cried every time she sang the song.  It must have hurt too much.





Here's the Japanese original lyrics.

陽炎

曲：玉置浩二
詩：中森明菜

ひかる道　彼方　陽炎景色
愛しさを　おいて　今は抜け殻ね
夢を追うことは　誰にも出来ると
強さで守った　笑顔　引きずってた

あんなに　あなた　愛した私
幸せと　思えるの　今でも

かさねゆく　愛を　身に纏いながら
冷めた唇で　探す情熱を
滲むフォトグラフ　二人の笑顔
知る人もなくて　深い海の底へ

あんなに　ふたり　子供のように
あどけない　眼差しの　温もり

全てが輝やき　時を　愛した私
幸せと　思えるの　今でも

And here's my English translation.  Enjoy!

Heat Shimmer

Composer: Tamaki Kouji
Lyrics: Nakamori Akina

On the other side of a shining road
A scenery of heat shimmer
Putting my love down
I am now only left with a body, isn't it?
I believe everyone can pursue her dream
Dragging along my smiles that was sustained with strength

I who loved you so much
Even now it feels like true happiness

Piles of love layering onto my body
Whilst searching for passion with cold lips
A blotted photograph
Our smiling faces
The person I know is gone
Towards the bottom of the deep ocean

We were so much like children
The warmth of an innocent glare

I who gave my love when everything was shining
Even now it feels like true happiness

辛島美登里－幻

「幻」是辛島美登里一首不太為人熟悉的歌，不過我第一次聽便愛上了它。懂得歌詞意思後更喜歡它。對一些人來說，歌詞可能比較抽象，但我覺得很好。

這是在YouTube找到的。

這是日文歌詞原文。

幻

曲、詩：辛島美登里

急ぎがちに歩くのはなぜ　こんな穏やかな陽射し
子供達は　白いボール追って　芝生を駆ける
”さようなら”と横顔で　あなた　まぶしそうに
心が崩れてゆくけれど　何も動けない

春が空しく　桜を散らすわ
たたずむ私に　何も残さずに
あふれそうなの　笑顔も涙も
あなたを失えば　すべて幻ね

永遠の幸せを　いつも信じていたのね
子供達は　はしゃぎ疲れ　ひざで寝息をたてる
なんとなく　気付いていた　別れの足音に
戯らに　時は過ぎたのね　愛は戻らない

春が秘かに　心を染めるわ
見送るだけなら　憎みたいのに
こわしたくない　笑顔も涙も
私を惑わせる　甘い幻ね

春が空しく　桜を散らすわ
私を惑わせる　甘い幻ね

這是我的中文翻譯。

幻

曲，詞：辛島美登里

為何在這樣沈穩的陽光下趕著走？
孩子們追逐白色皮球 在草地上驅趕著
像一刹眩芒 你以側面跟我說分手
心續漸崩潰 但一切靜止不動

春天把櫻花虛空似的散落
佇立的我 一切不留
無論笑與淚 像溢滿而流瀉
若失去你 一切皆幻像吧

一直以來我相信永遠的幸福
孩子們樂透而倦 抱膝吐出寢息
不知怎樣 我已察覺到離別的腳步聲
遊戲的時間已過了吧 愛一去不返

春天不知不覺把我心染滲
如果你只是來跟我送行的話 我很想去恨你
但無論笑與淚 我都不捨去破壞
惑我者 是這迷人的幻象吧

春天把櫻花虛空似的散落
惑我者 是這迷人的幻象吧

Karashima Midori - Illusion (Maboroshi)

This song is not among the popular songs by Karashima Midori.  But I really love its melody the first time I listened.  I love it more after I've learned the meaning of the lyrics.  It may be too abstract for some people's taste.  But I enjoy it very much.

You can watch it on YouTube.



Here's the original Japanese lyrics.

幻

曲、詩：辛島美登里

急ぎがちに歩くのはなぜ　こんな穏やかな陽射し
子供達は　白いボール追って　芝生を駆ける
”さようなら”と横顔で　あなた　まぶしそうに
心が崩れてゆくけれど　何も動けない

春が空しく　桜を散らすわ
たたずむ私に　何も残さずに
あふれそうなの　笑顔も涙も
あなたを失えば　すべて幻ね

永遠の幸せを　いつも信じていたのね
子供達は　はしゃぎ疲れ　ひざで寝息をたてる
なんとなく　気付いていた　別れの足音に
戯らに　時は過ぎたのね　愛は戻らない

春が秘かに　心を染めるわ
見送るだけなら　憎みたいのに
こわしたくない　笑顔も涙も
私を惑わせる　甘い幻ね

春が空しく　桜を散らすわ
私を惑わせる　甘い幻ね

And here's my English translation.

Illusion

Composer, Lyrics: Karashima Midori

Why hurrying your steps in such calm sunshine?

Kids chasing a white ball

Running around in the lawn 

Like a dazzle, you deliver the break up with your face turning sideways

My heart is collapsing but everything is immobilized

Spring scatters sakura in vain

I am standing still left with nothing

Smiles or tears

They seem to be overflowing

If I lose you everything is an illusion, isn't it?

I used to believe there's happiness forever

Kids tired of frolicking, sleeping by their knees soundly breathing

Somehow I realized the nearing steps of departure

Playful times have past, haven't it?

Love is not going to return

Spring permeates my heart in secrecy

Even though I want to hate you if you're only here to bid goodbye

Smiles or tears

I don't want to ruin

Leading me astray is this alluring illusion, isn't it?

Spring scatters sakura in vain

Leading me astray is this alluring illusion, isn't it?

愛はかげろう（愛是蜉蝣）

愛はかげろう（愛是蜉蝣）是日本二人組合「雅夢」的歌曲，由三浦和人跟中川敏一組成。音樂和歌詞都是三浦和人寫的。1980年5月，當他們還是大學生的時候，這首歌在Yamaha Popular Song Contest裡贏了優秀賞。題外話，辛島美登里3年後在同一比賽中贏了最高賞。

我最初聽這首歌，是中森明菜在歌姬3裡的翻唱版。

2003年，這首歌有一段小插曲。當時日本正在播韓國電視劇「冬日戀曲」。因為主題曲跟「愛はかげろう」很像，懷疑抄襲。我最初聽的時候察覺不到，要很用心聽才聽到相近之處。我覺得並不明顯。

這video是在YouTube上找到的。


以下是日文歌詞原文。

愛はかげろう

曲、詩：三浦和人

窓ガラス流れ落ちてゆく雨を
細い指先で　なぞってみる
くもりとかして　すべる指先に
伝わる冷たさ　心にしみる
忘れ去られた　部屋の片隅
貴方の影　今もゆれてる

愛はかげろう　つかの間の命
激しいまでに　燃やし続けて
別れはいつも　背中合わせに
人の心を　ゆれして

別れ言葉を　口にする貴方は
いつもとちがって　やさしすぎた
はき出すタバコの　煙の影が
教えてくれた　偽り言葉と
あつくいだかれた日々を
倖せと言えば　かなしい

愛はかげろう　さめきった愛の
過ぎ去る後に　残るものは
いつも　女の乾いた涙
さまよい歩く　迷い子

愛はかげろう　つかの間の命
激しいまでに　燃やし続けて
別れはいつも　背中合わせに
人の心を　ゆれして

這是我的中文翻譯。

愛是蜉蝣

歌，詞：三浦和人

玻璃窗上隨隨流落的雨點

修長的指尖 試著畫它的軌跡

化成雲霧 從滑動的指尖

傳過來的冰冷 浸透心窩

被遺忘的房間一角

縱使如今你的影子仍在晃動

愛是蜉蝣 一刹那的生命

激情未盡處 它會繼續燃燒

別離時 卻永遠反目成仇
搖動人心

題出分手的你

跟往常不同 份外溫柔

吐出來的香煙煙影

是你給我一縷一縷虛偽的說話
熱熾抱擁的日子令人幸福

若你這樣說 會很傷悲

愛是蜉蝣 已完全冷卻的愛

事過境遷 殘留下來的

永遠是女方已乾涸的眼淚

徬徨步行 迷失的孩子

愛是蜉蝣 一刹那的生命

激情未盡處 它會繼續燃燒

別離時 卻永遠反目成仇
搖動人心

Ai wa Kagerou (Love is a Day Fly)

Ai wa Kagerou (愛はかげろう) (English Title: Love is a Day Fly) is a song by a Japanese group called Gamu (雅夢), consisting of Miura Kazuto (三浦和人) and Nakagawa Toshikazu (中川敏一).  Music and lyrics were written by Miura Kazuto.  In May 1980, the song won the Award of Excellence in the 19th Yamaha Popular Song Contest, while both men were still university students.  By the way, Karashima Midori (辛島美登里) won the Grand Prize in the same contest 3 years later.

I discovered this song via Nakamori Akina's (中森明菜) cover album Utahime 3 (歌姫3).

There was a little incident around 2003 with regard to this song.  At that time, Korean TV drama Winter Sonata was showing in Japan.  Its theme song was accused of infringing Ai wa Kagerou because they sound very similar.  To be honest, I didn't realized that until I listened very carefully.  I don't think it's obvious.

Anyway, here's a YouTube video of a live performance of the song by Miura Kazuto.



Here's the original Japanese lyrics.

愛はかげろう

曲、詩：三浦和人

窓ガラス流れ落ちてゆく雨を
細い指先で　なぞってみる
くもりとかして　すべる指先に
伝わる冷たさ　心にしみる
忘れ去られた　部屋の片隅
貴方の影　今もゆれてる

愛はかげろう　つかの間の命
激しいまでに　燃やし続けて
別れはいつも　背中合わせに
人の心を　ゆれして

別れ言葉を　口にする貴方は
いつもとちがって　やさしすぎた
はき出すタバコの　煙の影が
教えてくれた　偽り言葉と
あつくいだかれた日々を
倖せと言えば　かなしい

愛はかげろう　さめきった愛の
過ぎ去る後に　残るものは
いつも　女の乾いた涙
さまよい歩く　迷い子
　
愛はかげろう　つかの間の命
激しいまでに　燃やし続けて
別れはいつも　背中合わせに
人の心を　ゆれして

And here's my English translation.  Enjoy!

Love is a Day Fly

Composer, Lyrics: Miura Kazuto

The flow of rain coming down the glass window

My slender finger attempting to trace its route

Turning into mist

Chilliness transmits through my sliding finger tip 

Permeates my heart

In the long forgotten corner in this room

Even to this day your shadow is still wavering

Love is a day fly

It continues to burn through to its climax

Departure always turns lovers against each other
Shaking our hearts

You who delivered the break up

Was unusually kind and tender

The shadows of cigarette smoke coming out from your lips
Are lies that you made up
Happiness were the days I passionately held you in my arms

When you say that it is sorrowful

Love is a day fly

A love completely cooled down

When everything is past and gone

What remains is always the dried tears of a woman

Like a lost child nervously wandering around

Love is a day fly

It continues to burn through to its climax

Departure always turns lovers against each other

Shaking our hearts

My Suspicion Confirmed (果然是這樣)

I found this on the Internet:

http://www.uta-net.com/user/otona/otona_interview/1210karashima1.html

It's an interview with Karashima Midori last year when she released her cover album featuring songs from Oda Kazumasa.

Basically, she told the same story (see my earlier post) about her waiting for her friend at Shibuya station and watching the suddenly falling snow.  In addition, she's saying that on a separate occasion, she had a friend from Osaka telling her that she'd been involved in an extra-marital marriage.  Her friend told her, that "during that time the man would buy anything for her, and was very kind and tender.  But they couldn't meet during important holidays like Obon (盆) and New Year (正月)...plus at times when she needed him most he's not there."  The snow scene in the lyrics was inspired by the snow she saw, and the whole song was inspired by her friend's story.

So, here we are, confirming that Karashima Midori's Silent Eve is indeed a love song about an extra-marital marriage.

The translation has been updated accordingly.

在網上找到了這個：

http://www.uta-net.com/user/otona/otona_interview/1210karashima1.html

這是辛島美登里於去年發表小田和正cover album時做的訪問。

基本上，她講她在涉谷等朋友時看見突然的下雪（請看我之前的post）。之後她說在另一個場合，有一個大阪的朋友跟她說她曾經是婚外情裡的第三者。她朋友說「在那個時候，他怎麼都買給她，對她很溫柔體貼，不過就是不能在大節日見面，例如盂蘭盆節和正月…最需要他的時候也會不在」云云。歌詞的雪景是由涉谷那場雪啟發的，而整首歌的故事就是她朋友所啟發的。

所以，這證實了我先前的想法。Silent Eve是一首談婚外情的戀歌。

我的中譯歌詞也相應地改了。

辛島美登里 － Silent Eve的第二個詮釋

昨天我談過辛島美登里的「Slient Eve」，也附上了中英文歌詞譯本。今天我想說我對這首歌的第二個詮釋。可能有些天馬行空，但我總覺得這是一首談婚外情的歌曲，用情婦作為出發點。

令我有這一個想法的，是以下的兩句歌詞。

”ともたち”っていうルールはとても難しいゲームね

“朋友”這個潛規則的遊戲實在太難呢  

もう二度と二人のことを邪魔したりしない 

以後再也不管我們倆的事

 一個男人稱一個女人為“朋友”，而“朋友”又是一個有它潛規則的遊戲。我的腦海中就是想著“情婦”這兩個字。還有，下一句裡面的「二人のこと」，日文是「兩個人的事」，不過它沒有說明是那兩個人啊！再看下去，日文的「邪魔」是「打擾」，「阻礙」的意思。日本人到人家裡，通常會說「お邪魔します」，就是「打擾了」，「不好意思，阻礙到你們」的意思。所以我可以把整句譯成「以後我再也不會阻礙你們倆（你跟你的妻子）」。歌詞的其他部分，形容婚外情也很貼切，例如「分手的決定 絕不是你的錯」，和「為何在這重要的夜裡你不在旁？」（平安夜，男的要回家陪妻子）。

所以這是一首女生跟男友分手的哀歌也好，情婦跟男人分手的歌也好，兩者皆可斟酌。你覺得如何？

Karashima Midori's Silent Eve, a 2nd Interpretation

Yesterday, I wrote about Karashima Midori's (辛島美登里) famous song "Silent Eve" (サイレントイヴ) (here's the post), and provided the Chinese and English translations of the lyrics.  Today, I want to talk about a second interpretation that I have in mind.  It could be just me being "creative" (i.e. weird) , but I can't help but think that it is a song about extra-marital affairs, from the perspective of a woman intruder.

Specifically, I was led to think about that because of the following 2 lines.

”ともだち”っていうルールはとても難しいゲームね

The rule behind this "game of friend" is really too hard

もう二度と二人のことを邪魔したりしない

Already, I won't bother with the affairs between us two anymore

I'm imagining a man telling a woman that he treats her as a "friend", and then there're rules that govern what a "friend" should conduct and behave.  I don't know about you, but I see an extra-marital affairs coming my way.

In the next line, ”二人のこと” literally means "affairs between two people", but there's no saying which two people!  Going further, ”邪魔” means "to bother", "to interfere", "to intrude".  When you enter a Japanese house, you said "お邪魔します” which means "Sorry to bother you", "Sorry to intrude".  Consequently, I could interpret it as "I won't intrude your family (you and your wife) anymore".  And everything else about extra-marital affairs fit the song well, like "The decision to break up is not your fault at all", and "Why are you not here on this important night? (It's X'mas Eve, so the man has to be with his family)".

So, whether it's a sad love song about a woman who broke up with her lover, or a sad love song about a woman ending an extra-marital affair, I think it's up for interpretation.  What do you think?

辛島美登里－サイレント・イヴ (Karashima Midori - Silent Eve)

It was by serendipity that I discovered Karashima Midori (辛島美登里).  About 3 years ago, I was searching for videos on YouTube.  Specifically, I was looking for Nakamori Akina's (中森明菜) version of Ruri Iro No Chikyuu (瑠璃色の地球), which was originally sung by Matsuda Seiko (松田聖子). Accidentally, I stumbled upon Karashima Midori's cover version as well.  She has a beautiful angle like voice!  I immediately became her fan.  And there goes the story.

Silent Eve was Karashima Midori's break out song.  It was released in 1990.  According to her, the song had already been written when she was still a university student in Nara (奈良).  After graduation, she moved to Tokyo with the goal of becoming a professional musician.  One day, she was waiting for her friend in front of the "Hachiko" (ハチ公), which is THE landmark at Shibuya (渋谷) station.  Suddenly, it snowed.  Male or female, the young or the aged, she saw the snow falling indiscriminately upon everyone at the junction, which led her think that may be her chance had come.  She then wrote the lyrics and the rest is history.

You can see her on YouTube here.

Here is a more recent version.

Original Japanese lyrics:


サイレント・イヴ

曲、詞：辛島美登里

真白な粉雪　人は立ち止まり
心が求める場所を思いだすの
いくつも愛を　重ねても　引きよせても
なぜ　大事な夜にあなたはいないの

さようならを決めたことは　けっしてあなたのためじゃない
不安に揺れるキャンドル　悲しかったから
”ともだち”っていうルールはとても難しいゲームね
もう二度と二人のことを邪魔したりしない

本当は誰もが　やさしくなりたい
それでも　天使に人はなれないから
瞳をそらさずに　想い出はうるむけれど
移りゆく季節が　ページをめくるわ

さようならを決めたことは　けっしてあなたのせいじゃない
飾った花もカードもみんな　Merry Christmas for me
”ともだち”って微笑むより今は一人で泣かせてね
もう一度　私の夢をつかむまで　Silent Night

もう一度　私の夢をつかむまで　Silent Night

This is my English translation.

Silent Eve

Composer: Karashima Midori

Lyrics: Karashima Midori

Pure white powdered snow

People standing there halted

I remember the scenery my heart always desires

No matter how much love I pile up, how much love I draw towards me

Why are you not here on this important night?

The decision to break up is not due to you at all

The candle light is nervously wavering because of sadness

The game with this so called "rule of friendship" is really hard

Already, I won't be intruding you two anymore

Really, everyone wants to become kind and tender

Nevertheless, human can never become angel

My iris clouded with memories will not divert its sight

But the passing season is about to turn the page

The decision to break up is not your fault at all

The decorating flowers, the X'mas cards, are all saying Merry X'mas to me

Instead of showing a "friendly" smile

I'm now weeping in solitude

A silent night until I grasp my dream once more

A silent night until I grasp my dream once more

認識辛島美登里是一個偶然。三年前左右，我在YouTube找中森明菜版本的「瑠璃色の地球」（原唱是她的死敵松田聖子），發現辛島美登里也有翻唱。她的嗓子像天使般美麗，我自己便成為了她的fans。

「Silent Eve」是辛島美登里的成名作。1990年發表。據她說，歌曲在奈良大學時代已經完成。畢業後，她到東京以職業作曲家為目標而工作。一天，在涉谷「忠犬像」等朋友的時候，突然下起雪來。無論男女老幼，她見到同樣的雪不分彼此落在橫過馬路的每個人身上。她想這是否代表機會很快會降臨。之後，她寫了歌詞，往後發生的便成為了歷史。

這是我的中譯歌詞。

Silent Eve

曲，詞：辛島美登里

純白的粉雪 佇立的人群

我想起心目中夢寐以求的情景

無論我累積多少愛 怎樣把愛拉近

為何在這重要的夜裡你不在旁？

分手的決定 絕不是因為你

燭光因悲傷不安地搖動

所謂“朋友”的規則是個極難的遊戲呢 

以後再也不阻礙你們倆的事

說實話 誰也想變得更溫柔體貼

不過 人總不可能變成天使

矇上回憶的瞳孔 沒有轉移過它的視線

但續漸變遷的季節 要揭開新的一頁

分手的決定 絕不是你的錯

無論是裝飾的花 還是聖誕卡 全都在跟我說Merry X'mas

不願作“朋友”的微笑 寧可如今獨自哭泣

直至我再度握緊我夢的平安夜

直至我再度握緊我夢的平安夜

春雨 村下孝藏

「春雨」是我另一首喜歡的日本歌。由唱作人村下孝藏一手包辦作曲作詞。只可惜他在1999年中風離世。享年46歲。

這首歌的主人公是個女生，所以這是「女歌男唱」，我覺得挺特別。


如果你是香港出身，或許會記得80年代初，林志美的名曲「初戀」。它的原曲就是村下孝藏的同名日文歌。

以下是「春雨」的日文歌詞原文。

春雨

曲、詞：村下孝蔵

心の編んだセーター
渡す事もできず
一人　部屋で　解く糸に
思い出を辿りながら

あの人が好きだった
悲しい恋の歌
いつも　一人　聞いた
古いレコードに傷をつけた

繰り返す声が　今も谺のように
心の中で　廻り続ける
電話の度に　サヨナラ　言ったのに
どうして最後は黙っていたの
悲しすぎるわ

あの人を変えた都市
すべて憎みたいわ
灯り消して壁にもたれ
木枯しは愛を枯らす

せめて　もう少しだけ
知らずにいたかった
春の雨に　頬を濡らし
涙を隠したいから

遠く離れた事が　いけなかったの
それとも　夢が　私を捨てたの
もう誰も　私　見ないでほしい
二度と会わないわ
いつかこの街に帰って来ても

電話の度に　サヨナラ　言ったのに
どうして最後は黙っていたの
悲しすぎるわ

以下是我的中文譯本。

春雨

曲、詞：村下孝蔵

編了心的毛衣
就連給你也不可能
獨自在房間中 從解出來的千絲萬縷  
追尋著回憶

我喜歡他
這是一首悲傷的戀歌
一個人去聽這舊唱片 
總是令人受傷

重復的歌聲 縱使如今仍像回音一樣
在心中連續迴響
每次在電話裡頭 儘管已說了再見
為何到最後 你總是沈默片刻
這實在太悲傷

那個改變了他的都市
我很想討厭它的一切
關上燈 靠著牆
寒風把愛枯萎了

寧可遲一點也好
我但願不知道
春雨中 把臉頰沾濕
只因要把眼淚隱藏

過去的事已經不行嗎？
又或許夢想已把我捨棄了嗎？
我已不希望再給任何人見到
我跟你不會再相會
縱使有天我回到這城市

每次在電話裡頭 儘管已說了再見
為何到最後 你總是沈默片刻
這實在太悲傷

Spring Rain by Murashita Kouzou

This is another Japanese song that I love.  It's called "Spring Rain" by singer song writer Murashita Kouzou.  Unfortunately, he died of a stroke in 1999 at age 46.

The protagonist of the song is female.  I think this "female song performed by male" is quite interesting.

For those of you who grew up in Hong Kong, in the early 80s, Samantha Lam (林志美) had a famous song called "First Love" (初戀).  That song's original version was sung by Mr. Murashita.



Here's the Japanese lyrics.

春雨

曲、詞：村下孝蔵

心の編んだセーター
渡す事もできず 
一人　部屋で　解く糸に
思い出を辿りながら

あの人が好きだった
悲しい恋の歌
いつも　一人　聞いた
古いレコードに傷をつけた

繰り返す声が　今も谺のように
心の中で　廻り続ける
電話の度に　サヨナラ　言ったのに
どうして最後は黙っていたの
悲しすぎるわ

あの人を変えた都市
すべて憎みたいわ
灯り消して壁にもたれ
木枯しは愛を枯らす

せめて　もう少しだけ
知らずにいたかった
春の雨に　頬を濡らし
涙を隠したいから

遠く離れた事が　いけなかったの
それとも　夢が　私を捨てたの
もう誰も　私　見ないでほしい
二度と会わないわ
いつかこの街に帰って来ても

電話の度に　サヨナラ　言ったのに
どうして最後は黙っていたの
悲しすぎるわ

And here's my English translation.

Spring Rain 

Composer: Murashita Kouzou 
Lyrics: Murashita Kouzou


A sweater sewn with a heart
Impossible to even pass it to you
Alone in my room
Following the untying threads towards distant memories

I loved him
It was a sad love song
It always hurt 
When I listened to the old record alone

That repeating voice
Even now it seems like an echo
That continues to trumpet my heart
Every time we're on the phone
Even though we've already said goodbye
Why did you become silent in the final moment?
That was really too sad

The city that had changed him
I want to hate everything about it
Turning off the light, leaning against the wall
The cold wintry wind has withered our love

I wish I had not known about it
At least for a bit longer
I soak my cheek in spring rain
Because I want to hide my tears

Has the distant past already gone hopeless?
Or has my dream abandoned me?
Already, I don't want anyone to see me anymore
We'll never meet again
Even if I return to this city one day

Every time we're on the phone
Even though we've already said goodbye
Why did you become silent in the final moment?
That was really too sad