上海胡蝶飯店
shanhai kochou hanten
Shanghai Butterfly Restaurant
Vocals: めらみぽっぷ (Meramipop)
Lyrics: Azuki
Arranged by: カズトラ (Kaztora)
Album: Doppel
Circle: 森羅万象 (Shinra-Bansho)
Event: Autumn Reitaisai 1 [ARTS1]
Original theme: Diao ye zong (Withered Leaf) [ティアオイエツォン]
More Shinra-Bansho. And more of Azuki’s awesome lyrics. Having translated a few of their tracks, I’m starting to see some patterns and recurring phrases emerging in the lyrics. One such phrase is ‘The theory of happiness’ (幸福論, koufukuron), which refers to the writings of philosophers such as Carl Hilty. As you can probably tell, these books deal with happiness – what it is and how to achieve it. I get the feeling that the search for happiness is one of the main themes of Shinra-Bansho. Or, at least, I feel like it comes through very strongly in this album.
非公式の英訳/Unofficial translation
That pipeline, soaring above the Millennial Village,
Is just like no-man’s-land – there’s no returning from it.
Though the time after you lost your way may not be ideal,
We won’t let you regret it! (Welcome!)
You’ll become happy, right?
Next to those tea utensils, which you chose with such care,
A sweet dream of fascination shall unfold, as you’re hit by the acid rain.
This is the paradise you searched for – welcome! Come in! (1)
Because there aren’t any wicked cats here anymore…
Drink! Make merry! Embrace! Go mad!
Bid farewell to that boring world of the present,
And aim for the world of a dream you cannot awaken from.
You stick out your wagging tongue, and demand more and more.
You’re not satisfied? That’s perfect!
Though the first time is chance, and the second time is fate,
The third time onwards is out of the question! (The riffraff – they’re at a loss!) (2)
But, I’ll show you even more of the depths of lust…
“Show me the face of the liar – the one who said they got lost!”
I coax in a wheedling voice, wagging my upside-down tail…
Aah, the theory of happiness that comes from yearning for someone… you had a good dream, didn’t you?
From the happiness that rains down…
You struggle. You’re snatched away. You cry. You’re thrown away.
Those that pass through this door have hopes.
This never-ending feast continues…
Though I may never meet you,
Who smiled at that time, again,
I cling to your legs. I won’t forget you ever again!
If you’re dreaming, what if I made it just my own world?
You reached the limits of paradise – you’re being scattered about by everyone, right?
It’s like having your hair pulled from behind…
Cling! Breathe! Go mad! You can’t stop them.
I wonder what happiness is? I continue to wonder.
In this vague, decadent dream,
Those joined-up red neon lights dance around.
Aah, all that’s left in the end is the theory of happiness.
Its virtue is left as it stands…
Translator’s notes
(1) The word ‘paradise’ (桃源郷, tougenkyou) used here is a generic reference to Arcady/Shangri-La/Eden.
(2) This is a corruption of the phrase ‘The first time is chance, the second time is a miracle, and the third time is fate.’ (一度目は偶然、二度目は奇跡、三度目は運命)
Releska 
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