人間の心の中には生まれつきある音楽が流れていてそれに似た曲を人は好きになるんだとか。「自分の曲」は何だろうといつも考えながら歌詞を和訳しています。
I have heard that every one of us has a special music running deep inside our soul and whatever music we love in our lives has something in common with it. I always translate English lyrics into Japanese, wondering what my music sounds like.
歌詞を理解する上でもっとも大きな障害のひとつがメタファーでしょう。これまで歌詞の中で何度もdanceやsingといった単語を見ましたが，ダンス・ミュージックの場合を除くと，それが「規定のまたは即興の動きあるいはゼスチャーを使って音楽に合わせてリスミカルに動く」や「楽音に合わせて一連の言葉や音を口に出す」という意味であったことはほとんどありません。この曲でもdanceとsingが登場しますが，どちらも音楽とは関係がありません。
Probably metaphor is one of the toughest obstacles in understanding song lyrics. I've seen words like 'dance' and 'sing' so many times in many song lyrics. Except for the cases being used in dance music, very few of them mean just "to move rhythmically usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gesture" and "to utter a series of words or sounds in musical tones". In this song, I think neither of them has nothing to do with music. Let The Flames Begin (Paramore)
What a shame we all became such fragile, broken things.
A memory remains just a tiny spark.
I give it all my oxygen,
To let the flames begin
To let the flames begin.
Oh, glory.
Oh, glory.
This is how we'll dance when,
When they try to take us down.
This is what will be oh glory.
Somewhere weakness is our strength,
And I'll die searching for it.
I can't let myself regret such selfishness.
My pain and all the trouble caused,
No matter how long
I believe that there's hope
Buried beneath it all and
Hiding beneath it all, and
Growing beneath it all, and...
This is how we'll dance when,
When they try to take us down
This is how we'll sing it.
This is how we'll stand when
When they burn our houses down.
This is what will be oh glory.
Reaching as I sink down into light.
Reaching as I sink down into light.
This is how we dance when,
When they try to take us down
This is how we'll sing it.
This is how we'll stand when,
When they burn our houses down.
This is what will be oh glory.
この曲を知ったのは下のヴァイオリン・カヴァーのヴィデオを見たから。私の好きなカヴァー・アーティストの一人です。YouTubeではカヴァーする人を結構見かけますが，そのカヴァーの大半はポップソングでラップはあまり多くありません。彼のカヴァーは大部分がR&Bやヒップホップ・ラップなどで，その卓越したヴァイオリンの演奏スキルは言うに及ばず，この点で群を抜いています。
ところで，この歌詞のなかで個人的に気に入っているのが「だけどリサイクルショップにゃ壊れたキーボードなんて訳わかんないもんもある，なのに何故か買っちゃうんだよな，一人エッチ用の毛布とかニーボードまで買っちゃったよ なんでだよ」という箇所。言い得て妙です。
I came to know the song by a violin cover below. He's one of my favorite cover artists. On YouTube many people cover various music and some do cover pop songs but not rap. Most of his covers, however, are R&B, hiphop and rap songs, which makes him stand out from the other not mentioning his impeccable violin skills.
By the way, my favorite line is "They had a broken keyboard, I bought a broken keyboard, I bought a skeet blanket, then I bought a kneeboard." Absolutely right. Thrift Shop (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis)
(Peter Lee Johnson Cover)
Hey, Macklemore! Can we go thrift shopping?
What, what, what, what... [many times]
Bada, badada, badada, bada... [x9]
[Hook:]
I'm gonna pop some tags
Only got twenty dollars in my pocket
I - I - I'm hunting, looking for a come-up *
This is fucking awesome
[Verse 1:]
Nah, Walk up to the club like, "What up, I got a big cock!"
I'm so pumped about some shit from the thrift shop
Ice on the fringe, it's so damn frosty
That people like, "Damn! That's a cold ass honkey."
Rollin' in, hella deep, headin' to the mezzanine, **
Dressed in all pink, 'cept my gator shoes, those are green
Draped in a leopard mink, girls standin' next to me
Probably shoulda washed this, smells like R. Kelly's sheets
(Piiisssssss)
But shit, it was ninety-nine cents! (Bag it)
Coppin' it, washin' it, 'bout to go and get some compliments
Passin' up on those moccasins someone else's been walkin' in
Bummy and grungy fuckin it man
I am stuntin' and flossin' and
Savin' my money and I'm hella happy that's a bargain, bitch
I'ma take your grandpa's style, I'ma take your grandpa's style,
No for real - ask your grandpa - can I have his hand-me-downs? (Thank you)
Velour jumpsuit and some house slippers
Dookie brown leather jacket that I found diggin'
They had a broken keyboard, I bought a broken keyboard
I bought a skeet blanket, then I bought a kneeboard ****
Hello, hello, my ace man, my Mello
John Wayne ain't got nothing on my fringe game, hell no
I could take some Pro Wings, make them cool, sell those
The sneaker heads would be like "Aw, he got the Velcros"
[Hook x2]
[Verse 2:]
What you know about rockin' a wolf on your noggin?
What you knowin' about wearin' a fur fox skin?
I'm digging, I'm digging, I'm searching right through that luggage
One man's trash, that's another man's come-up
Thank your granddad for donating that plaid button-up shirt
'Cause right now I'm up in here stuntin'
I'm at the Goodwill, you can find me in the
I'm not, I'm not stuck on searchin' in that section
Your grammy, your aunty, your momma, your mammy
I'll take those flannel zebra jammies, second-hand, I rock that motherfucker
The built-in onesie with the socks on that motherfucker
I hit the party and they stop in that motherfucker
They be like, "Oh, that Gucci - that's hella tight."
I'm like, "Yo - that's fifty dollars for a T-shirt."
Limited edition, let's do some simple addition
Fifty dollars for a T-shirt - that's just some ignorant bitch (shit)
I call that getting swindled and pimped (shit)
I call that getting tricked by a business
That shirt's hella dough
And having the same one as six other people in this club is a hella don't
Peep game, come take a look through my telescope
Tryna get girls from a brand? Man you hella won't
Man you hella won't
(Goodwill... poppin' tags... yeah!)
[Hook]
[Bridge:]
I wear your granddad's clothes
I look incredible
I'm in this big ass coat
From that thrift shop down the road
I wear your granddad's clothes (damn right)
I look incredible (now come on man)
I'm in this big ass coat (big ass coat)
From that thrift shop down the road (let's go)
この曲This is the title track from Incubusが2010年にリリースしたアルバムIf Not Now, Whenのタイトルトラックですが「2010年にチェックしておくべきだったポップ・ロックアルバムベスト５(5 Incredible Pop-Rock Albums That You Shouldn’t Have Missed In The 2010s）」という記事の１位に選ばれています。歌詞の内容は「勝負に出ること」といったところでしょうか。人生においてそうすべきだと思った時は，失敗を怖れず，勇気を出して打って出ろというのがこの曲のメッセージです。
This is the title track from Incubus's 2010 album "If Not Now, When" which ranked top in a "5 Incredible Pop-Rock Albums That You Shouldn’t Have Missed In The 2010s" list. It's probably about taking chances. The message the song carries is that don't be scared of making mistakes or failing and be courageous enough to take risks in life when you feel you should. If Not Now, When? (Incubus)
I have waited
Dined on ashes
Swung from chandeliers and climbed Everest
And none of it's got me close to this
I've waited all my life
If not now, when will I?
We've been good
Even a blast, but
Don't you feel like something's missing here?
Don't you dare
I've waited all my life
If not now, when will I?
Stand up and face the bright light
Don't hide your eyes
It's time
No umbrellas
No sunglasses
Hailing Hallelujah everyday
I've waited all my life
If not now, when will I?
Stand up and face the bright light
Don't hide your eyes
It's time
マーケティングにおいて，商品の見せ方（パッケージング）は重要な役割を担っています。まずは下のヴィデオ（画像）をご覧ください。ご覧いただいたでしょうか？ではここでお尋ねします。脳裏に何が浮かんだでしょうか？
ここで「ビッグバン理論」だの「北朝鮮と韓国との間の紛争」などと答えようものなら，アナタはウソをついています。え？本当にそうですか？ええい，このウソツキめが！
それはともかく，以前友人が「R&Bの曲を書こうと思ったら，セックスを題材にしなきゃいけない。そういうもんなんだよ」と言っていました。当時はそれを聞いて「いくらなんでもそんなことはないだろう」と思っていたのですが，これまで和訳してきた曲のことを考えると，最近では彼は正しいのではないかと思えてきました。
Packaging plays an important role in marketing. Just take a look at the video/image below. Did you? Well, then what's on your mind?
You'd be lying if you said something like, "It reminds me of "the Big Bang Theory" or "the conflicts between North Korea and South Korea". It does? Oh, you liar!."
Anyway, before one of my friends said, "If you're gonna write an R&B song, you should write about sex. That's the way it goes and it has to be so." I was bit skeptic about it at that time. Considering lyrics of those R&B songs I've translated here so far, now I'm thinking he's right. Body Party (Ciara)
My body is your party, baby
Nobody's invited but you baby
I can do it slow now, tell me what you want
Baby put your phone down, you should turn it off
Cause tonight is going down, tell your boys it's going down
We in the zone now, don't stop
You can keep your hands on me, touch me right there, rock my body
I can't keep my hands off you, your body is my party
I'm doing this little dance for you
You got me so excited
Now it's just me on you
Your body's my party, let's get it started
Boy you should know that your love is always on my mind
I'm not gonna fight it, I want it all the time
Boy you should know that your love is always on my mind
I can't it deny it, I want you, I want you
I can't lie, I won't lie, it's amazing
My faces, the places, you're taking me
Baby take your time now, there's no need to rush
We can go another round, if that's what you want
Cause tonight is going down, yeah you know it's going down
We in the zone now, don't stop
You can keep your hands on me, touch me right there, rock my body
I can't keep my hands off you, your body is my party
I'm doing this little dance for you
You got me so excited
Now it's just me on you
Your body's my party, let's get it started
Boy you should know that your love is always on my mind
I'm not gonna fight it, I want it all the time
Boy you should know that your love is always on my mind
I can't it deny it, I want you, I want you
The things I wanna do to you
My body's calling you
I'm having so much fun with you
Now it's just me on you
When Somebody That I Used To Knowがさまざまな音楽チャートを席捲した時，多くの人がGotye (とこの曲) は「一発屋」だと言う声を多く聞きました。彼のHearts A MessやEyes Wide Openを知っていて，ファンを自認していた私はそれを聞き多少ムッとしたのですが，このところある意味それも正しいのかもと思い始めました。
ただひとつだけハッキリさせておきたいのですが，「一発屋」という言葉の本来の意味は，売れて長く第一線で活躍したいと強く願いながらそれがかなわない人を言うのだと思います。しかし，Thank You For Your Timeやこんな曲を作るところを見る限り，Gotyeがそんなことを望んでいるようには思えません。確かにSTIUTKは彼にとって最初で最後のメガヒットかもしれませんが，彼自身はさしてそのことを気にしていないような気がします。
When his Somebody That I Used To Know swept various music charts, many people said Gotye (and the song) is a "One Hit Wonder." Knowing his "Hearts A Mess" and "Eyes Wide Open" and being a big fan of him, I was bit offended to hear that. Now I start thinking they're right in a way.
I would like to make it clear that I believe the true meaning of the word "One Hit Wonder" is a person (or a group) who strongly wishes to break through as a star and stay music charts for a long time. Gotye, however, doesn't seem to wish such a thing, writing a song like "Thank You For Your Time" and this. It's true that STIUTK may be his first and last monster hit but he doesn't seem to care it very much. State of The Art (Gotye)
When the Cotillion arrived
We threw out the television
Model D 575
Has custom flute presets
And Harmony-Plus in addition
Now for an arm and a leg
We get three half-dozen beats to choose from
So now we can pretend
That there's an orchestra in the loungeroom
I put the Genie Bass on
So my left hand can play the choir
With 16ft Diapason
And Lowrey's patented Orchestral Symphonizer
Banjo's great on repeat
The kids want to play but they'll have to be patient
The wife can't help tapping her feet
It's a genuine home entertainment revelation
State, state, state, state of the art
(State of the art)
(Hold the phone, it's so)
State, state, state, state of the art
(Listen to the difference!)
State, state, state, state of the art
(By use of a computer)
(Oh my God, it's so)
State, state, state, state of the art
Now we don't want to go out
When we could spend the night at home with the Cotillion
Invite the neighbours around
Start the bossanova beat and limbo from the living to the kitchen
Enjoy the state of the art
The Magic Swing Piano really is astounding
Now we can't tell them apart
But these amazing simulations end up sounding even better than the real thing
State, state, state, state of the art
(State of the art)
(Hold the phone, it's so)
State, state, state, state of the art
(Computer controlled tone colour)
State, state, state, state of the art
(The marriage of music to computers is quite natural)
(Oh my God, it's so)
State, state, state, state of the art
(It is time to hear the results)
リード文でも述べたように，Thank You For Your Timeやこの曲を聞くと，Gotyeの「商売っ気のなさ」を感じます。およそ「売れよう」とか「当てよう」とかいう気持ちが感じられません。なんとなく自分のやりたい音楽をやれればそれでいいという彼の欲のなさが伝わってきます。この点「遊び人」を気取る一方で，キッチリ売れそうな曲を出してくる我が師匠とは正反対の立ち位置でしょう。
Give me all, give me all, give me all your attention baby
I got to tell you a little something about yourself
You're wonderful, flawless, ooh you're a sexy lady
But you walk around here like you wanna be someone else
I know that you don't know it, but you're fine, so fine
Oh girl I'm gonna show you when you're mine, oh mine
Treasure, that is what you are
Honey you're my golden star
You know you can make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you
If you let me treasure you
Pretty girl, pretty girl, pretty girl you should be smiling
A girl like you should never live so blue
You're everything I see in my dreams
I wouldn't say that to you if it wasn't true
I know that you don't know it, but you're fine, so fine
Oh girl I'm gonna show you when you're mine, oh mine
Treasure, that is what you are
Honey you're my golden star
You know you can make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you
If you let me treasure you
You are my treasure, you are my treasure
You are my treasure, yeah, you you you, you are
You are my treasure, you are my treasure
You are my treasure, yeah, you you you, you are
Treasure, that is what you are
Honey you're my golden star
You know you can make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you
If you let me treasure you
先日投稿したI Will Always Love Youからの流れです。「あの人の寝言に出てくるの」という箇所から察するに，現在主人公の置かれている状況は次のようなものでしょう。
彼女と恋人とが仲良く幸せに暮らしていたところ，ある日このジョリンという名前のやたらに魅力的な「魔性の女」が突然現れ，恋人がそちらに惹かれていく（あるいは主人公を裏切る）。主人公は，自分が到底ジョリンには敵わないとわかっているので，彼女に恋人を奪わないでくれと必死に頼んでいる。
主人公には気の毒ですが，ジョリンに頼んでも無駄なような気がします。いずれにしろ彼女（ジョリン）は自分の好きなようにしますね。
"I Will Always Love You" brought me to this song. Considering the line, "He talks about you in his sleep", the situation which the protagonist is currently in is like this;
Her boyfriend and she live together in peace and harmony. One day, an extremely attractive girl or femme fatale named Jolene comes into their lives out of nowhere and he starts falling for her (or cheats on the protagonist). The protagonist knows she's no rival to Jolene and desperately asks not to take her love away from her.
I feel very sorry for the protagonist but it doesn't seem to work with Jolene. She will do whatever she likes anyway. Jolene (Dolly Parton)
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene
He talks about you in his sleep
There's nothing I can do to keep
From crying when he calls your name, Jolene
And I can easily understand
How you could easily take my man
But you don't know what he means to me, Jolene
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can
You could have your choice of men
But I could never love again
He's the only one for me, Jolene
I had to have this talk with you
My happiness depends on you
And whatever you decide to do, Jolene
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him even though you can
Jolene, Jolene
「涙がいつも勝つ（Tears Always Win）」というこのタイトルはちょっと誤解を招きませんか？まるで「泣く女には勝てん」的な感じがしますが，実際には「涙がいつも勝つ」相手は主人公自身です。要するに，元彼のことを思い出すたびに，努力の甲斐もなく，いつも主人公が泣いてしまう（＝涙がいつも勝つ）ということです。
それはともかくこの曲，本館ではミダス王として知られているBruno Marsが作曲しているんだとか。確かにミダス王節です。
Isn't the song title a bit misleading? It sounds like a crying woman always wins but actually who "tears always win" over is the protagonist herself. It means every time she remembers her ex., she always cry (=tears always win) even though she tries not to.
By the way, they say the song was written by Bruno Mars who is known here as "King Midas of Pop". It surely sounds like his song. Tears Always Win (Alicia Keys)
Check it out
It feels kinda crazy
These covers
May keep me warm at night
But they can't take your place
Cause they never gonna hold me tight
And these pillows
May let me rest my head
But they can't say good night
And tuck me in before I go to bed
Say now baby girl you're better off
That's what I'm telling myself (over and over)
But I'm lying to myself
Cause I know I don't want nobody else
[Chorus:]
These lips are missing you
Cause these lips ain't kissing you
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
These arms are wanting you
Cause these arms ain't holding you
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
These candles
Light up my room at night
But they can't light the room they way you did
When you walked inside, oh baby
If these walls could sing
About everything they've witnessed
Oh it'd be a sad sad song
And it'll probably sound something like this
Say now baby girl you're better off
That's what I'm telling myself (over and over)
But I'm lying to myself
Cause I know I don't want nobody else
[Chorus:]
These lips are missing you
Cause these lips ain't kissing you
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
These arms are wanting you
Cause these arms ain't holding you
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
Tell me when the hell this loneliness is gonna be over
When everything in this room reminds me of you
Everytime I think, I'm getting closer
Cause tears drown me out, once again I lose
These lips are missing you
These lips ain't kissing you
I put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
These arms are wanting you
These arms ain't holding you
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
Crying like oh oh...
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
Crying like oh oh...
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
These eyes put up a fight
But once again these tears always win
今まで本館で取り上げたAlicia Keysの曲は，No OneとGirl On Fireで，どちらも「強い女」を描いていましたが，この曲の主人公はそれとは対極のところにあるようです。なにしろ，元彼（二人称しか出てこないので別に「元彼女」でも構わないのですが）のことが忘れられずついつい泣いてしまうくらいです。
主人公は歌詞の中で「最初に会った頃，2人ともまだコドモだったよね」と語っています。ということは主人公はもう若くないということですが，個人的にここがこの曲の白眉だと思っています。何故とお考ええしょうか？いいですか・・・。
歌詞を見るとわかるように，主人公はジュリエット（キャプレット）で相手はロメオ（モンタギュー）で，あの有名なシェイクスピア悲劇の主人公ですが，Taylor Swiftが歌詞にこの一文を加えたことで，悲劇がお伽噺に変わっています。主人公2人が「いつまでも幸せに暮ら」せたのは，修道士ではなく，彼女Taylor Swiftのお陰です。
As you see, the protagonist in the lyrics is Juliet Capulet and the second person is Romeo Motague, meaning they both died young in a famous story written by William Shakespeare. Taylor Swift made the tragedy into a fairly tale by adding the line to this song. It was she not a priest (friar) who allows them to lived happily ever after. Love Story (Taylor Swift)
We were both young when I first saw you.
I close my eyes and the flashback starts:
I'm standing there on a balcony in summer air.
See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns.
See you make your way through the crowd
And say, "Hello,"
Little did I know...
That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles,
And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you, "Please don't go"
And I said...
Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess,
It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes".
So I sneak out to the garden to see you.
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes... escape this town for a little while.
Oh, oh.
'cause you were Romeo - I was a scarlet letter,
And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"
But you were everything to me,
I was begging you, "Please don't go"
And I said...
Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess.
It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes".
Romeo, save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel.
This love is difficult but it's real.
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess.
It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes".
Oh, oh.
I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around.
My faith in you was fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town.
And I said...
Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone.
I keep waiting for you but you never come.
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think.
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said...
Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone.
I love you, and that's all I really know.
I talked to your dad ‒ go pick out a white dress
It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes".
この曲のタイトルを見た時，真っ先に浮かんだのがEminemのLose Yourselfで，それから大学時代の合コンのようなどんちゃん騒ぎを思い出しましたが，これはそういう曲ではありません。Ryan Tedder 自身が語るところによると「（この曲は）「今夜はパーっとやろうぜ！」的なお気楽で楽しそうな曲に聞こえるけれど，実は飛行機で墜落するというかなりゾッとする題材を扱っている」らしく，彼の説明によると，歌詞にある「Waking up on an airplane and finding out you're going down」という箇所は「本物のパニックに襲われて（飛行機の）窓の外に目をやると，それまでの自分の人生が走馬灯のようにそこに蘇るけど，自分の右隣に目をやるとそこに大切な人が座っている。それで「まだまだこんなもんじゃない。残りの90秒はかなり怖い思いをすると思うけど，この人が一緒にいてくれたら大丈夫だと気づく」ということなのだとか。
When I saw the title, the first thing that came to me was Eminem's "Lose Yourself" or having a binge, such as a party at college. This isn't that kind. According to Ryan Tedder himself, " despite its euphoric, 'let's go crazy tonight' sentiments, the song actually has the morbid subject of going down in a plane. "Waking up on an airplane and finding out you're going down," he explained, "having that moment of sheer panic, looking out the window, seeing your life pass before you, [but] looking over to your right and seeing the person you love sitting next to you, and realizing 'It could be worse ... the next 90 seconds are going to be pretty thrilling, and this person is with me, so I'm okay" If I Lose Myself (OneRepublic)
I stared up at the sun,
Thought of all of the people, places and things I’ve loved.
I stared up just to see
With all of the faces, you were the one next to me.
You can feel the light start to tremble,
Washing what you know out to sea.
You can see your life out of the window tonight.
If I lose myself tonight,
It’ll be by your side.
I lose myself tonight...
(oh) yeah, yeah, yeah.
If I lose myself tonight,
It’ll be you and I.
Lose myself tonight...
[Instrumental break]
I woke up with the sun,
Thought of all of the people, places and things I’ve loved.
I woke up just to see
With all of the faces, you were the one next to me.
You can feel the light start to tremble,
Washing what you know out to sea.
You can see your life out of the window tonight.
If I lose myself tonight,
It’ll be by your side.
I lose myself tonight...
(oh) yeah, yeah, yeah.
If I lose myself tonight,
It’ll be you and I.
Lose myself tonight...
Whoooooooooo
[Instrumental] (Whoooooooooo)
Take us down and we keep trying,
Forty thousand feet, keep flying.
Take us down and we keep trying,
Forty thousand feet, keep flying.
Take us down and we keep trying,
Forty thousand feet, keep flying.
Take us down and we keep trying,
Forty thousand feet, keep flying.
無論ColdplayのLife In Technicolor同様，こういう文脈（愛する人さえいればそれでいい）の曲というのは，ラヴソングの基本とも言えるものなので，可能性としてはさほど低くはないと思われますが，その場合に曲を書くとしたら，大抵の場合は舞台が戦争などになりそうなものです。ところが，この曲の舞台は飛行機事故・・・・やや特殊に過ぎるように思われるのですがいかがでしょうか？
先日もFall Out BoyのSave Rock and Rollの回で書きましたが，アーティストがイメージの固定を嫌い，新境地を開拓しようとするのはいわば必然ですし，同時にアーティスト自身も必ずしも本当のことを言うとは限りません。
この曲を聴くと，This song reminds me of Foster The PeopleのPumped Up Kicksを思い出します。明るくアップテンポのポップソングに聞こえますが，歌詞はかなり深刻かつ重い（場合によっては戸惑うような）内容です。この曲について，Grimesはインタヴューで以下のように語っているとか：
この曲が面白いのは，その事件の後，主人公は大変怯えているようなのですが，それでもなお相手に逆襲する機会をうかがっているように思えるところです。
This song reminds me of Foster The People's Pumped Up Kicks. Light and upbeat pop sound and fairly serious and heavy (sometimes a bit disturbing) lyrics. They say she (Grimes) said in an interview :
"The song's sort of about being — I was assaulted and I had a really hard time engaging in any types of relationship with men, because I was just so terrified of men for a while."
What makes this song interesting is that the protagonist in the lyrics seems to be scared so much after the incident but still to watch her time to strike back the attacker. Oblivion (Grimes)
I never walk about
After dark
It's my point of view
That someone could break your neck
Coming up behind you always coming and you never have a clue
And now I look behind all the time
I will wait forever
Always looking straight
Thinking counting all the hours you wait
See you on a dark night
And now another clue I would ask
If you could help me out
It's hard to understand
'Cause when you're running by yourself
It's hard to find someone to hold your hand
And now it's gonna be tough for me
But I will wait forever
I need someone now
To look into my eyes and tell me
Girl you know you've got to watch your health
とはいうものの，実際に大変ロマンティックな曲であればいいのかというと，それはそれでまた一歩間違えば「ストカーソング」になると言う危険性を多分に含んでいて，例えば，Jacksons 5のI'll Be Thereやミュージカル「オペラ座の怪人」のAll I Ask of You，そしてNe-YoiのLet Me Love Youなどは冷静に考えればかなり怖い曲でしょう。
おお・・これは予想外でした。私の中ではFall Out BoyとSir Elton Johnの間には毛ほどのつながりもなかったからですが，これが理由でこのヴィデオ（正確には音声ですが）に目が留まりました。Fall Out Boyは，4年間の活動休止を経て，今年新しいアルバムをリリースしましたが，この曲がそのタイトル曲です。
そして，おそらくそのせいだとは思うのですが，個人的にこの曲は彼らがファンに向けたメッセージであり，自分達は昔（活動休止する前ですね）の自分達ではないと言っているような気がします。こう思うのは私だけでしょうか？
Wow...I least expected this. In my mind, Fall Out Boy and Sir Elton John aren't remotely connected. That's why I was hooked by the video (technically audio). After the four-year-hiatus, Fall Out Boy released a new album this year and this is its title track.
Maybe I take the fact too seriously but I have a feeling that the song is a message from the band to their fans, telling them they're not what they used to be. Am I the only one who think this way? Save Rock and Roll (Fall Out Boy ft. Elton John)
I need more dreams
And less life
And I need that dark
In a little more light
I cried tears you'll never see
So fuck you, you can go cry me an ocean
And leave me be
You are what you love
Not who loves you
In a world full of the word yes
I'm here to scream
No, no
Wherever I go, go
Trouble seems to follow
Only plugged in to save rock and roll
Rock and roll, no
Wherever I go, go
Trouble seems to follow
Only plugged in to save rock and roll
Blood brothers in desperation
An oath of silence
For the voice of our generation
How'd it get to be only me?
Like I'm the last damn kid still kicking
That still believes
I will defend the faith
Going down swinging
I will save the songs
That we can't stop singing
No, no
Wherever I go, go
Trouble seems to follow
Only plugged in to save rock and roll
Rock and roll, no
Wherever I go, go
Trouble seems to follow
Only plugged in to save rock and roll
Oh no, we won't go
We don't know when to quit, oh oh
[x4]
You are what you love
Not who loves you
In a world full of the word 'yes'
I'm here to scream
No, no
Wherever I go, go
Trouble seems to follow
Only plugged in to save rock and roll
Rock and roll, no
Wherever I go, go
Trouble seems to follow
Only plugged in to save rock and roll
Oh no, we won't go
We don't know when to quit, oh oh
[x6]
もっと夢が必要なんだ
日常生活を忘れたい
ああいう暗闇が必要なんだ
強すぎる光のなかでは
今まで涙も流したけど，そんなの他人にはわからない
だからうるさい邪魔するな このまま思う存分泣かせてくれよ
本当の自分でいさせてくれ
お前がいいと思うものが今のお前を作ってる
お前がいいと言うヤツがお前を作ってるわけじゃない
だからそいつの顔色なんか窺うな
従うことを求められ
はいそうですって
言わなきゃならない世の中だけど
それでもここで叫んでやる
やだね，そんなの間違ってる
たとえどこへ向かったとしても
何か問題は起きるんだ
だからロックンロールのためじゃなきゃ
わざわざ表舞台には出てこない
たとえどこへ向かったとしても
何か問題は起きるんだ
だからロックンロールのためじゃなきゃ
わざわざ舞台になんか出てくるか！
仲の良かったヤツらはみんな自棄になって
もう何も言わないと決めている
同じ世代の気持ちを語れるのが
自分だけなんて信じられない
最後までたった一人で諦めず
抵抗を続けてる
そんなヤツになった気がするんだ
だからまだ信じてる
これからも信じるもののために戦うよ
そしてこのまま踏ん張り続けて
素晴らしい音楽を救うんだ
いつまでも歌いたくなるそんな曲を
やだね，そんなの間違ってる
たとえどこへ向かったとしても
何か問題は起きるんだ
だからロックンロールのためじゃなきゃ
わざわざ表舞台には出てこない
たとえどこへ向かったとしても
何か問題は起きるんだ
だからロックンロールのためじゃなきゃ
わざわざ舞台になんか出てくるか！
イヤだね，負けたりするもんか
止めることなんて考えてない
（4回繰り返し）
お前がいいと思うものが今のお前を作ってる
お前がいいと言うヤツがお前を作ってるわけじゃない
だからそいつの顔色なんか窺うな
従うことを求められ
はいそうですって
言わなきゃならない世の中だけど
それでもここで叫んでやる
やだね，そんなの間違ってる
たとえどこへ向かったとしても
何か問題は起きるんだ
だからロックンロールのためじゃなきゃ
わざわざ表舞台には出てこない
たとえどこへ向かったとしても
何か問題は起きるんだ
だからロックンロールのためじゃなきゃ
わざわざ舞台になんか出てくるか！
イヤだね，負けたりなんかするもんか
止めることなんて考えてない
（6回繰り返し）
（余談）
これは全くの私見ですが，この曲はFall Out Boyがファンに向けたものではないでしょうか？というのもこのFall Out Boyには4年間の休止期間があり，先日やっと新しいアルバムを発表したから。「今までの自分達とは違う」というメッセージなのかもしれません。
この曲のタイトルがSober（素面）あることを考えると，どうやら主人公と相手は酔っているようです。どこかのバーかックラブで知り合って即恋に落ちたのでしょうが，彼女（主人公）は，自分が酔っており，今の自分の気持ちが本物かどうか確証がもてないため，相手が本当に運命の人なのか決めかねているといった状態です。
個人的には彼女は正しいと思いますね。というのも，映画「スピード（1994）」でSandra Bullock演じるAnnieがこう言っているから。「だってよく言うでしょ？異常な状況下で結ばれた関係は長続きしないのよ」。主人公はきっとこの映画を見てますね。
The song title is 'Sober' implying the protagonist and the second person are under the influence of alcohol. They seem to have met at a bar or club and fell in love with each other instantly. She (the protagonist) isn't sure, however, if the second person is 'the one', thinking she's drunk and what she's feeling for him right now isn't real.
In my opinion, she's right. In a film 'Speed' (1994), Annie (portrayed by Sandra Bullock) says, "'cause you know, relationships that start under intense circumstances, they never last.' I'm sure she's seen the film. Sober (Loreen)
Where we go, I don't care, no.
It's right now and we're right here, oh.
Under the streetlights standing face to face.
I'm losing sense of time and space.
Don't wanna move, why can't I stay?
'cause the chemistry is off the chain.
I'm locked in a box, only you and me.
Wish I could throw away the key.
[Chorus]
I know this moment will be over,
Tomorrow comes when we are sober.
Will we feel the same or let it be? Will you be there?
The night is almost getting over
And I don't want us to turn colder.
I want to wake up with you next to me. Will you be there?
On our way, I can't believe
That I'm kissing you, you're touching me, yeah
I can't imagine to be somewhere else.
I'm all in with no regrets.
So, so here we are but still I can't let go
Of the thought of losing you, no.
I wonder if we're gonna stay this way.
Will you remember what you promised me, oh?
[Chorus]
I know this moment will be over,
Tomorrow comes when we are sober.
Will we feel the same or let it be? Will you be there?
The night is almost getting over
And I don't want us to turn colder.
I want to wake up with you next to me. Will you be there?
The night is almost getting over
And I don't want us to turn colder.
(I want to wake up with) you next to me (will you be there?). Will you be there?
(I know this moment will be over)
...you be there?
(Tomorrow comes when we are sober)
Will we feel the same or let it be?
Will you?..
The night is almost getting over
And I don't want us to turn colder.
I want to wake up with you next to me.
Will you be there?
それにしてもこの主人公「今が何時でどこにいるのか，なにもかもわからなくなる（I'm losing sense of time and space）」と言っていますが，これから推察するとかなり酩酊していると思われます。「街灯の下で見つめ合って立っていると」と語っているので，おそらく徒歩でしょうが，仮に車で検問に引っかかったとすると，酒気帯び運転で免許取り消しと50万円以下の罰金は間違いないところでしょう。
He's wrong! Smoking doesn't help him live longer. It would do otherwise. I think he's already tested his lungs enough and no more test would be necessary.
Anyway, although I don't agree with him on that point, I do on this, "Cause why tip-toe through life, To arrive safely at death". So true.
We easily get discouraged and end up quitting all too often when we start doing something, thinking people would think we're crazy and stupid. Maybe they would but we have one life and it's ours not theirs. As James Morrison says, "You only got one life, So make sure you live it right" Rest of My Life (Ludacris ft. David Guetta & Usher)
If you live for something
You're not
Alone, my friend
So fill up your cup and
Lift your lighter
And toast to life
Luda!
They say what don't kill me
Can make me stronger
So two drinks a night
Should help me live longer
I blow some smoke
Just to give my lungs a test
Cause why tip-toe through life
To arrive safely at death
I'm on a journey
Yeah, I'm on a roll
Sometimes gotta close my eyes
Just to open my soul
And tonight is the night
I gotta feeling that I'm about to act a fool
So if you go fix some drinks
Me and Usher are about to break some rules
That's somewhere to go
But the world is moving slow
I was born for the fast life
I go for broke
A lesson I can't afford
But for what it's worth I'm ready to pay
For the rest of my life
For the rest of my life
[Beat break]
For the rest of my life
If I got one life to live
I'm a party 'til I'm dead
What the hell is a life worth living
If it's not on the edge
Tryna keep my balance I'm twisted
So just in case I fall
Written on my tombstone should say
Women, weed and alcohol
That's somewhere to go
But the world is moving slow
I was born for the fast life
I go for broke
A lesson I can't afford
But for what it's worth I'm ready to pay
For the rest of my life
For the rest of my life
[Beat break]
If you live for something
You're not
Alone, my friend
So fill up your cup and
Lift your lighters
And toast to life
Yeah, I'm stuck in this moment
Freeze the hands of time
Cause I feel inner peace
When I'm outta my mind
And you can call me crazy
But I like to roll the dice
So I'm willing to bet that I'm a be crazy
For the rest of my life
さて歌詞の中で墓碑銘の話が出てきます。元の英語歌詞は「Woman, weed and alcohol」で「女とマリファナとアルコール」としましたが，これだと大変「ロケンロール」な感じがするのに，これが「女と煙草と酒」（←意味はほぼ同じです）だと，いきなり昭和演歌の世界が広がるような気がするのは私だけでしょうか？
したがってその意味で言えば，この世の中には全く合法的な「カクセーザイ」も多数存在するわけです。デス・メタル好きの友人はチルドレン・オブ・ボドム(Children of Bodom)（略してチル・ボド）の曲を聴いて目を覚まし仕事に行くと言っているので，彼にとってはチル・ボドがカクセーザイと言えましょう。
デジャヴでしょうか？下のミュージック・ヴィデオは一方向のOne Thingに似ています。唯一の違いは，こちらのヴィデオに登場する女性の方があちらよりもやや大人なこと。登場するファンの大半がロウ・ティーンのOne Thingと比較すると，おそらく10代後半か20代前半と思われます。
それはともかく，以前BSBのAs Long As You Love Meを取り上げたのは，ピアノデュオのMicheal Henry & Justin Robinetがその曲をカヴァーしていたからですが，今回は彼らではなく，Weird Al Yankovicという人がこの曲をEbay（日本で言えばヤフオク）のパロディソングとしてYouTubeに投稿していたためです。（最後のところにヴィデオをつけました。）
Déjà vu? The music video below looks like that of "One Thing" by One Direction. The only difference is girls appearing in this video seem to be a bit older than those in "One Thing." Probably in late teens or early twenties, compared with those in early teens who are dominant in the "One Thing" video.
Anyway, I posted their "As Long As You Love Me" for my favorite piano duo Micheal Henry & Justin Robinett covered it. This time, however, it wasn't they who brought me to this song. It's 'Weird Al' Yankovic who uploaded "Ebay parody song". (See the bottom of this post.) I Want It That Way (Backstreet Boys)
[Brian:]
You are my fire
The one desire
Believe when I say
I want it that way
[Nick:]
But we are two worlds apart
Can't reach to your heart
When you say
That I want it that way
[Chorus:]
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
[AJ:]
Am I your fire
Your one desire
Yes I know it's too late
But I want it that way
[Chorus:]
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
[Kevin:]
Now I can see that we're falling apart
From the way that it used to be, yeah
No matter the distance
I want you to know
That deep down inside of me...
[Howie:]
You are my fire
The one desire
You are
You are, you are, you are
Don't wanna hear you say
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say (never wanna hear you say)
I want it that way
他の女性ポップシンガーのそれとは異なり，この曲のミュージック・ヴィデオはかなりアーティスティックであるように思えます。黒を着たDemi Lovatoと白を着た彼女はそれぞれ一体何を表現しているんでしょうか？
個人的には，前者は彼女の「本当の姿」，後者は彼女の相手が彼女に求める姿を表していると思います。このため，ヴィデオが進むにつれ，白い衣装の主人公（Demi Lovato) は，黒いペンキで次第に汚れていきます。これは主人公が相手に本当の自分を見せようとする姿なのかもしれません。
ところで，聞けばこの曲は彼女自身が書いたんだとか。だとすれば，Demi Lovato，かなりの才能の持ち主であるように思えます。
Unlike that of other female pop singers, I think the music video below is rather artistic. What does Demi Lovato in black and she in white represent respectively?
I think the former refers to her 'true self' and the latter does who the second person thinks she is. So as the video progresses, the protagonist (Demi Lovato) in white gradually gets smeared with black paint by herself. I guess it represents that she's trying to expressing herself to the second person.
By the way, they say Demi Lovato herself wrote the song. If so, I think she does have something. Heart Attack (Demi Lovato)
Puttin’ my defences up
‘Cause I don’t wanna fall in love
If I ever did that
I think I’d have a heart attack
Never put my love out on the line
Never said yes to the right guy
Never had trouble getting what I want
But when it comes to you, I’m never good enough
When I don’t care
I can play ‘em like a Ken doll
Won’t wash my hair
Then make 'em bounce like a basketball
But you make me wanna act like a girl
Paint my nails and wear high heels
Yes, you make me so nervous
That I just can’t hold your hand
You make me glow, but I cover up
Won’t let it show, so I’m
Puttin’ my defences up
'Cause I don’t wanna fall in love
If I ever did that
I think I’d have a heart attack [x3]
Never break a sweat for the other guys
When you come around, I get paralyzed
And every time I try to be myself
It comes out wrong like a cry for help
It's just not fair
Pain's more trouble than love is worth
I gasp for air
It feels so good, but you know it hurts
But you make me wanna act like a girl
Paint my nails and wear perfume
For you. Make me so nervous
That I just can’t hold your hand
You make me glow, but I cover up
Won’t let it show, so I’m
Puttin’ my defences up
'Cause I don’t wanna fall in love
If I ever did that
I think I’d have a heart attack [x3]
The feelings are lost in my lungs
They’re burning, I’d rather be numb
And there’s no one else to blame
So scared I take off in a run
I’m flying too close to the sun
And I burst into flames
You make me glow, but I cover up
Won’t let it show, so I’m
Puttin’ my defences up
‘Cause I don’t wanna fall in love
If I ever did that
I think I’d have a heart attack [x5]
When I don’t care
I can play ‘em like a Ken doll
Won’t wash my hair
Then make 'em bounce like a basketball
実はこういう例は他にも結構あり「何故ここで突然この単語が？何か特別な意味でもあるのか？」と思う場合は，押韻上の都合である場合が非常に多い。
例えば，一方向のGotta Be Youの第１連に「anoint（聖油で清める）」という単語が登場します。和訳した当時，初めて見た単語で大変な違和感を感じたことを覚えていますが，これもおそらく押韻上の都合かと思われます。というのもその前にdisappointedがあるからです。
Girl I see it in your eyes you're disappointed
'Cause I'm the foolish one that you anointed with your heart
I tore it apart
もう一つ例を挙げましょう。Mat KearneyのShips In The Nightにはこういう箇所が登場します。
先日取り上げたThe Band PerryのBetter Dig Twoつながりです。余談でこの曲のことに言及しました。http://oyogetaiyakukun.blogspot.jp/2013/04/better-dig-two-band-perry.html
ところで，日本ではWhitney Houstonの曲と思われているこの曲ですが，そちらはカヴァーで，原曲は1974年にリリースされたDolly Partonの曲です。
この曲はDolly Parton自身が書いているのですが，それを知るまで，彼女はよくあるわかりやすいカントリーソングを歌うだけの歌手だと思っていました。大変な思い違いでした。お詫びいたします。
'Better Dig Two' I posted the other day brought me to this song. In the postface of the post, I mentioned this song. http://oyogetaiyakukun.blogspot.jp/2013/04/better-dig-two-band-perry.html
Many people in Japan recognize this song as one of Whitney Houston's songs but hers is a cover, not the original. This is the original which was written and sung by Dolly Parton in 1974.
Honestly, before I knew it was she who wrote the song, I regarded her as one of those country singers who just sings an ordinary lovey-dovey song. I was completely wrong. I sincerely apologize to you, Dolly. I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton / Whitney Houston)
(Whitney Houston Cover)
If I should stay
Well, I would only be in your way
And so I'll go, and yet I know
That I'll think of you each step of my way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
Bitter-sweet memories
That's all I have, and all I'm taking with me
Good-bye, oh, please don't cry
'Cause we both know that I'm not
What you need
I will always love you
I will always love you
And I hope life, will treat you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
Oh, I do wish you joy
And I wish you happiness
But above all this
I wish you love
I love you, I will always love
I, I will always, always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
美しい・・・んです。ええ。だけどそれを額面通りに取れない自分が情けない。歌詞で主人公が「この気持ちは変わらないから，これからもずっと想い続けるよ（I will always love you, I will always love you）」と歌い上げるたびに，カウンターパンチのように脳内に炸裂する「諸行無常」を一体どうすればいいのか。
しかもこの曲，Whiteney HoustonがThe Body Guardで歌った時はそれなりに感動できたのですが，あれがあまりに受けすぎたせいか，次第に万葉や古今の扱いとなって散々ギャグにされてしまったため，「エンダ～♪」と聞くともう自動的に口元が緩み，全身がお笑いモードに突入してしまいます。こんなに悲しく切ない曲なのに・・・・。
おそらく正式には「Loveeeee Song」なんでしょう。シングルのジャケットにそう書いてありますから。ただＯの数をいちいち数えるのが面倒なのでこの投稿のタイトルはシンプルに「love song」とします。
I guess officially it should be 'Loveeeee Song' looking at the title on the single jacket reads as such but counting how many o's it contains is a bit annoying. So let me abbreviate the title of the post as simple as 'love song.' Love Song (Rihanna)
I don't wanna give you the wrong impression
I need love and affection
And I hope I'm not sounding too desperate
I need love and affection
Love, love, love, love and affection
Love, love, L-O-V-E-E-E and affection
Oh baby, I'm not asking for the world, maybe
You can give me what I want
Baby, come hold me tight and when I'm drowning save me
Give it to me on a daily
If I'm your girl say my name boy *
Let me know I'm in control **
We both grown so how we feel we can let it show
I I I, won't play around
I I I, I wanna lay you down
I I I, I need you now, I need you now
Oh oh
I don't wanna give you the wrong impression
I need love and affection
And I hope I'm not sounding too desperate
I need love and affection
Love, love, love, love and affection
Love, love, L-O-V-E-E-E and affection
Boy lately, you've been stingy with your time
Got me wondering, I'm wondering if I'm on your mind
Boy I just wanna be in your possession
You say I'm the one you want so come express it
Don't slip, don't slip
Cause a nigga might push up on it
Don't really wanna lose this moment
Why window shop when you own this?
I I I don't put it down
I I I don't fuck around
I I I want you now, I want you now, oh oh whoah
I don't wanna give you the wrong impression
I need love and affection
And I hope I'm not sounding too desperate
I need love and affection
Love, love, love, love and affection
Love, love, L-O-V-E-E-E and affection
Can you love me for poor ?
I'm searching for my soul
Whoever turned you cold
You need to let 'em know
I can work miracles
I work it physical
And when I love you close,
You can feel my heart beating thru my clothes
I don't wanna give you the wrong impression
I need love and affection
And I hope I'm not sounding too desperate
I need love and affection
Love, love, love, love and affection
Love, love, l.o.v.eeeeeee and affection
