Japanese Songs

I was browsing through my Gmail account today (yes, I was that bored) and I stumbled upon one of my very first few e-mails. It was from Rasyiq. Dated nearly a year ago. Exactly on Valentine's Day. I didn't even realise he sent it on Valentine's till today. Yes, I'm that blur sometimes. But maybe it was a coincidence? I don't know.

He gave me the lyric to Life Is Like A Boat by Rie Fu. It's from the famous Japanese anime, Bleach. I've never watched it cause well, who would want to watch something called Bleach anyway. I fell in love with the song the very first time I heard it. The song is played at the first ending theme.

Here's the lyric and translation.

Life Is Like A Boat
Rie Fu

Nobody knows who I really am
I never felt this empty before
And if I ever need someone to come along
Who’s gonna comfort me and keep me strong?

We are all rowing the boat of fate
The waves keep on coming and we can’t escape
But if we ever get lost on our way
The waves would guide you through another day

tooku de iki o shiteru toomei ni natta mitai
(Each breath escaping my body becomes transparent and goes far away)
kurayami ni omoe dakedo mekaku shisareteta dake
(And even when I think everything’s dark, I’m only blindfolded)

inori o sasagete atarashii hi o matsu (Offering a prayer, I wait for a new day to come)
asayaka ni hikaru umi sono hate made
(Until the reflection of the sunrise sparkling on the sea disappears completely)

Nobody knows who I really am
Maybe they just don’t give a damn
But if I ever need someone to come along
I know you would follow me and keep me strong

hito no kokoro wa utsuriyuku mukedashiteku naru
(People’s hearts are constantly changing, peeling away fresh layers)
tsuki wa mada atarashii shuuki de mune o tsureteku
(with each new phase of the moon)

And every time I see your face
The ocean heaves up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars, and soon
I can see the shore

Oh, I can see the shore
When will I see the shore?

I want you to know who I really am
I never thought I’d feel this way towards you
And if you ever need someone to come along,
I will follow you, and keep you strong

tabi wa mada tsuzuiteku odayakana hi mo
(And still, the journey goes on, even on these calm days)
tsuki wa mada atarashii shuuki de mune o terashidasu
(And still, each new phase of the moon reflects its light onto my heart)

inori o sasagete atarashii hi o matsu
(Offering a prayer, I wait for a new day to come)
asayaka ni hikaru umi sono hate made
(Until the reflection of the sunrise sparkling on the sea disappears completely)

And every time I see your face
The ocean heaves up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars, and soon
I can see the shore

unmei no hune o ko gi nami wa tsugi kara tsugi e to
(We are all rowing the boat of fate)
watashi-tachi o shou kedo
(The waves keep on coming and we can’t escape)
sore mo suteki na tabi ne
(Even that is a beautiful journey)
dore mo suteki na tabi ne
(Even anything is a beautiful journey)

Isn't it just so beautiful? I just love Japanese songs. They sure can write meaningful and beautiful lyrics. Like Mirai e by Kiroro. Take this for an example. It's actually in Japanese though.

Bit by bit my heart is charmed
With that dazzling smile
Let's flee from the endless darkness, hold my hand

You see, when I met you
I remembered the view which I had treasured when I was a child
Won't you dance with me?
It's a winding road of light and shadows
Even now, you're dreaming of him?
There are times when it seemed like I wanted to turn back but
Holding love, courage, and pride, I shall fight

Bit by bit my heart is charmed
A piece of hope in this world
Anyone surely wants to have eternity in his hands
Even if you pretend not to mind at all
Hey I love you
Let's flee from the endless darkness, I’ll hold your hand

I also like you, even with that face, tired from anger
I wonder if it's all right to live such a life, being blown away
As for me... I'm just spun around by casual gestures sea side blue
Or are you still dreaming of him
I had something more I wish to ask but
Our conversation just goes on like the sound of car wheels dancing around

Bit by bit my heart is charmed
It's amazing even to myself but
Something is there I suddenly feel like calling you
Even if you pretend not to mind at all
In the end all I see is you
Let's flee towards the sea, hold my hand

That's actually from DragonBall GT... The music was so catchy that I never thought it was a love song.

Do you have a favourite Japanase song?