MASA Works DESIGN

スターライト || STAR LIGHT

releskaLeave a comment

スターライト
sutaaraito
STAR LIGHT

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
PV Release Date: June 2, 2019

Requested by: shishikusas
Watch the official video here!

You’d think that this track would be really easy to translate because it’s so short, but it was actually deceptively difficult. Like always, the way you fill in the gaps and string the lines together is what creates meaning in the text, and nobody will interpret it the same way.

Take, for example, the first stanza. There’s nothing there that /says/ that the shadow is the happiness the speaker saw, but I see it as Masa introducing an idea (happiness) in the first two lines, which is then developed upon. Going one step further, I think the speaker’s lover is their happiness – they exist as both shadow and light, illuminating the speaker’s bare skin. They, in effect, are the ‘STAR LIGHT’.

ベッドの中に
幸せを見た
暗い部屋の中
月明かりの影  

beddo no naka ni
shiawase o mita
kurai heya no naka
tsukiakari no kage

In my bed
I witnessed happiness.
It was the moonlight’s shadow
In my dark room…

深い瞳              
甘い冬の日
あなたの鼓動が響いた
In the STAR LIGHT

fukai hitomi
amai fuyu no hi
anata no kodou ga hibiita
In the STAR LIGHT

Your eyes were deep
during that sweet winter day.
Your heartbeats echoed
in the STAR LIGHT.

ベッドの中に
幸せを見た
窓際に座り
素肌を照らした

beddo no naka ni
shiawase o mita
madogiwa ni suwari
suhada o terashita

In my bed
I witnessed happiness.
Sitting at my window,
It illuminated my bare skin.

乱れた髪と
涙の痕
星の声が
響く真夜中

midareta kami to
namida no ato
hoshi no koe ga
hibiku mayonaka

With hair all messed up
and bearing traces of tears,
The voices of the stars echoed
in the dead of night.

深い瞳              
甘い冬の日
あなたの鼓動が響いた
In the STAR LIGHT

fukai hitomi
amai fuyu no hi
anata no kodou ga hibiita
In the STAR LIGHT

Your eyes were deep
during that sweet winter day.
Your heartbeats echoed
in the STAR LIGHT.

私ト一ツノ心臓ヲ || A Single Heart and I

releskaLeave a comment

私ト一ツノ心臓ヲ
watashi to hitotsu no shinzou o
A Single Heart and I

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Album: ADULT
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: March 5, 2016

Requested by: Deu
Watch the official video here!

Like the other tracks in this series, the title is incomplete. Something is going to happen to the single heart and I, but we don’t know what it is.

Putting that aside, the interpretative footholds (I totally just made that phrase up) feel a lot stronger in this song than the last song in the series. It’s as if the tracks become harder to decipher as the protagonist descends further into madness…

墓石ニ両手ヲ合ワセ
卒塔婆ニ残シタ名前

boseki ni ryoute wo awase
sotoba ni nokoshita namae

I put my hands together in front of the tombstone.
A name was left behind on its wooden tablet.

二ツデ一ツノ活花ハ
七ツノアノ夜ニ無クナッタ
幾晩数エタイロハニホヘトデ
切リ取ッタ華ハココニアル
イツデモ二人デ居タケレド
七ツノアノ日ニ無クナッタ
幾番数エタ華ノ摘ミ方ハ
貴女デ試シテ独リキリ

futatsu de hitotsu no ikebana wa
nanatsu no ano yo ni nakunatta
ikuban kazoeta irohanihoheto de
kiritotta hana wa koko ni aru
itsu demo futari de ita keredo
nanatsu no ano hi ni nakunatta
ikuban kazoeta hana no tsumikata wa
anata de tameshite hitori kiri

A pair of ikebana, together as one,
Passed away on the night of their seventh birthday.
I count the nights, saying “I, ro, ha, ni, ho, he, to…” (1)
The cut flower is right here with me.
We were always together,
But on the day we turned seven, you died.
I counted the numbers of ways to pick a flower.
All alone, I test it with you.

蝕ンダ身体ニ愛ヲ入レテ欲シイト
慣レナイ産声ヲ上ゲタ

mushibanda karada ni ai wo irete hoshii to
narenai ubugoe wo ageta

Wanting to put some love into your worm-eaten body,
I let out my first cry, one I’m not used to.

嗤ウ喜ビ　涙ノ姉妹
貴女ハ私デ私ハ貴女
自責ノ念ハイツシカ消エテ
死ンデモ綺麗ナ貴女ガ欲シイ

warau yorokobi, namida no shimai
anata wa watashi de, watashi wa anata
jiseki no nen wa itsu shika kiete
shindemo kirei na anata ga hoshii

Sneering with happiness, we are tearful sisters.
You are me and I am you.
My guilty conscience will disappear before I know it.
I want you, who are so beautiful even though you’re dead.

誰ニ聞カレテモ知ラヌト通シテ
劇クレ騙シテ嗤ッテタ
最後モ二人デ居タケレド
赤袖青袖チンチロリン
赤色ニ染マル美シイ君ハ
誰ニモ見セヌト切リ取ッタ

dare ni kikaretemo shiranu to tooshite
geki kure damashite waratteta
saigo mo futari de ita keredo
akasode aosode chinchirorin
akairo ni somaru utsukushii kimi wa
dare ni mo misenu to kiritotta

No matter who asked me, I told them I didn’t know—
I acted, I deceived them, and I sneered.
We were together during those last moments,
Red sleeves, blue sleeves, *chirp chir-chir-chirp* (2)
I cut off beautiful you, stained red,
So nobody else would see.

切リ取ッタ蕾ニ愛ヲ入レタ欲シイト
恐ロシイ産声ヲ上ゲタ

kiritotta tsubomi ni ai wo irete hoshii to
osoroshii ubugoe wo ageta

Wanting to put some love into the bud I cut off,
I let out a terrifying first cry.

オ花ミタイネ貴女ト私
二人デ抱キ合イ朝マデ啼イタ
自責ノ念ハイツシカ消エテ
死ンデモ綺麗ナ私デイタイ

ohana mitai ne anata to watashi
futari de dakiai asa made naita
jiseki no nen wa itsu shika kiete
shindemo kirei na watashi de itai

You and I are like flowers.
We hugged each other and wept until dawn.
My guilty conscience will vanish before I know it.
I want to remain beautiful, even after I die.

イツシカ一ツノ活花ハ
一昨日ノ夜ニコンニチワ
最後ニ数エタイロハニホヘトデ
誕生ヲ祝イサヨウナラ

itsu shika hitotsu no ikebana wa
ototoi no yoru ni konnichiwa
saigo ni kazoeta irohanihoheto de
tanjou wo oiwai sayounara

The ikebana who became one, unawares,
Say hello to the night before last.
In the end, I counted, saying “I, ro, ha, ni, ho, he, to…”
Celebrating our birthday, I said farewell.

コレデ終リネ般若ノ姉妹
血染メノ頭デ産声上ゲタ
自責ノ念ハ歓喜ニ変ワリ
死ンデモ綺麗ナ貴女ニ
「サヨウナラ」

kore de owari ne hannya no shimai
chisome no atama de ubugoe ageta
jiseki no nen wa kanki ni kawari
shindemo kirei na anata ni
“sayounara”

This is the end of the Hannya sisters, isn’t it?
With a bloodstained head, I let out my first cry.
My guilty conscience will become delight.
To you, who remain beautiful though you are dead, I say
“Farewell…”

(1) This is a reference to the Japanese いろは (iroha) poem, which contains all of the Japanese syllables.
(2) チンチロリン (chinchirorin) apparently refers to the chirping of a pine cricket. This could be a reference to a children’s song – for more information, please consult this resource.

私ハ二人ノオ祝イニ || I, Upon the Pair’s Celebration

releska2 Comments

私ハ二人ノオ祝イニ
watashi wa futari no o-iwai ni
I, Upon the Pair’s Celebration

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Album: ADULT
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: March 5, 2016

Requested by: shishikusas
Watch the official video here!

I’ll explain the title first, since it’s a bit different to what we’re used to. I interpret the meaning behind it to be something like “For the pair’s [birthday] celebration, I will do something.” We can fill ‘something’ in with… anything, really – I will be there, I will give a gift, I will destroy one of them, etc. オ祝イ looks like it’s used as a verb, so I interpret it as ‘celebration’ rather than ‘to celebrate’. (Like always, please leave a comment if you’d like to hear more about why I chose certain translations!)

Other than that, we have masa’s usual masaness. And, as is the norm for me, I’ve joined this series at the very end (^_^); So I’ve missed a lot of stuff. Regardless, I hope it can be used as a stepping stone to help us get closer to the heart of the song.

All instances of anata (貴女 – you) are female. Just watch out, because a 君 (kimi – you) is thrown in towards the end.

産マレタ般若ト 抱キシメタ華ハ
私ヲ返シテト 涙ヲ流シタ
十九ノ夜ニ コンニチワ
無クシタ夜ガ蘇エル

umareta hannya to dakishimeta hana wa
watashi o kaeshite to namida o nagashita
juukuu no yoru ni konnichiwa
nakushita yoru ga yomigaeru

A Hannya that was born, and a flower held close
shed tears: “Return me!”
Hello to the 19th night!
A lost night is resurrected.

預ケタ身体ト活花二ツ
アノ日ノアノ場所 忘レタ活花
七ツノオ祝イニ コンニチワ
無クシタ夜ニ戻リマショ

azuketa karada to ikebana futatsu
ano hi no ano basho wasureta ikebana
nanatsu no oiwai ni konnichiwa
nakushita yoru ni modorimasho

My entrusted body, and two ikebana—
Forgotten ikebana from that day, from that place…
Hello to the 7th birthday celebration!
Let’s return to a lost night.

預ケタ身体ト活花二ツ
アノ日ノアノ場所 コンニチワ
アナタ二ツ ワタシ千切ル
ナミダ エガオ 墓ノ前
壊レカケノ器ニ浮ブ
心臓ノ持主ハ

azuketa karada to ikebana futatsu
ano hi no ano basho konnichiwa
anata futatsu watashi chigiru
namida egao haka no mae
kowarekake no utsuwa ni ukabu
shinzou no mochinushi wa

My entrusted body, and two ikebana—
Hello to that place, from that day!
I will tear you in two.
I cry and smile before the tomb.
A heart floats in a half-broken container.
The owner of that heart is—

産マレタ般若ト 抱キシメタ華ハ
私ヲ返シテト涙ヲ流シタ
二人ノ般若ト抱シメタ夜ハ
私ヲ愛シテト瞳ニ浮カベタ

umareta hannya to dakishimeta hana wa
watashi o kaeshite to namida o nagashita
futari no hannya to dakishimeta yoru wa
watashi o aishite to hitomi ni ukabeta

A Hannya that was born, and a flower held close
shed tears: “Return me!”
Two Hannya and the night they embraced—
“Love me!” was expressed in their eyes.

貴女ハ私デ 私ハ貴女

anata wa watashi de watashi wa anata  

You are me, and I am you.

貴女ノ問イカケニ コンニチワ
隠シタ蕾 戻シマショ
一人デ呟ク 貴女ハ私
私ハ私ダアイツハ死ンダ
ワタシアナタ 一ツ誤解
ナミダ エガオ 「ハヤクオイデ」
何モ知ラヌ器ニ浮ブ
心臓ハ限界ダ

anata no toikake ni konnichiwa
kakushita tsubomi modoshimasho
hitori de tsubuyaku anata wa watashi
watashi wa watashi de aitsu wa shinda
watashi anata hitotsu gokai
namida egao “hayaku oide”
nani mo shiranu utsuwa ni ukabu
shinzou wa genkai da

Hello to your questions!
Let’s return the hidden buds.
I mutter alone. You are me.
I am me! They died.
Me, you, and a single misunderstanding.
Tears and smiles… “Come here, quickly!”
A heart floats in an ignorant vessel.
It’s at its limit!

憎ンダ二人ノ抱キシメタ愛ハ
嘘ダト 殺セト 涙ヲ流シタ
愛シタ般若ト 泣イテイタ君ハ
私ヲ返シテト貴女ニ映ッタ

nikunda futari no dakishimeta ai wa
uso da to korose to namida o nagashita
aishita hannya to naite ita kimi wa
watashi o kaeshite to anata ni utsutta

As for the love embraced by the pair I loathed,
“It’s a lie,” “Kill!” I shed tears.
I loved the Hannya, and you were crying.
“Return me!” Saying that, I appeared on you.

月夜ノ晩ニ 姉妹ノ踊リ
鏡ニ映ル私達ハ一ツ
血デ染メ抜イタ世界ニ二人
最後ニ誓ウ姉妹ノ愛ヲ

tsukiyo no ban ni shimai no odori
kagami ni utsuru watashitachi wa hitotsu
chi de somenuita sekai ni futari
saigo ni chikau shimai no ai o

During a moonlit night, we danced our sisterly dance.
Reflected in the mirror, we are one.
We are together in a world pattern-dyed with blood.
We will pledge our sisterly love in our last moments.

二ツノ命ノ素敵ナ最期ハ
私ト貴女デ愛ヲ歌ッタ

futatsu no inochi no suteki na saigo wa
watashi to anata de ai o utatta

During this, a splendid conclusion to two lives,
We sang about love together.

私ト貴女デ愛ヲ歌ッタ

watashi to anata de ai o utatta​

We sang about love together.

秘密ノ終ワリニ祝福ヲ || A Blessing on the Secret’s End

releska4 Comments

秘密ノ終ワリニ祝福ヲ
himitsu no owari ni shukufuku o
A Blessing on the Secret’s End

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Album: ALCATRAZ
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: December 1, 2017

Requested by: Vaati
Watch the official video here!

As is the case with most of Masa’s songs, this one includes themes such as violence and gore, so keep that in mind before you read this translation!

Interestingly, the speaker uses キミ (kimi) and 貴女 (anata – [feminine] you). The second one refers specifically to a female, but I wonder who the first one is referring to…? The underlined parts are written entirely in katakana, which gives it a little bit of an unnatural, otherworldly feel.

I wrote recently about how interesting things are capable in Japanese because it’s a subject-object-verb language. We see the same thing here in the sentence 観える 二人 消えた箱の中身は. It’s not specifically stated whether two people are in the box, or whether the contents are something else. Instead, it changes based on your interpretation. My choice to put a semicolon in there [I can see two people; the contents of the vanished box…] is an attempt to have it both ways.

You see similar things elsewhere, with verbs that either continue on from the previous line or are linked to the nouns that come after. And, if that isn’t enough, you have to choose whether you want to interpret 秘密 (himitsu – secret) as a noun or an adjective!

その箱の事を知っていますか？
秘密の名前を知っていますか？
誰も知らないさその箱の在処を
「え？何？知りたいの？」
何故私に聞くのかしら

sono hako no koto o shitte imasu ka?
himitsu no namae o shitte imasu ka?
daremo shiranai sa sono hako no arika o
“e? nani? shiritai no?”
naze watashi ni kiku no kashira

Do you know about that box?
Do you know its secret name?
And as for the unknown location of that box…
“Hm? What? You want to know?”
I wonder why you’re asking me.

聴こえる　感じる
ここに触れる全てを
観える 二人 消えた箱の中身は

kikoeru kanjiru
koko ni fureru subete o
mieru futari kieta hako no nakami wa

I can hear and feel
everything that touches me.
I can see two people; the contents of the vanished box…

飲んで 溶けて 研いで 削いで 詰めて 素敵ね
一人 二人 飛んで 四人 合わせて見せて

nonde tokete toide soide tsumete suteki ne
hitori futari tonde yonnin awasete misete

Drink. Melt. Whet. Sharpen. Cram it in. How splendid!
One, two, zero, four people. All together, show me! (1)

私の深みと約束の日は
赤い指先に愛の形を
キミガ キミガ ヒトリデキエタ
キミガ キミガ ヒトリデキエタ

watashi no fukami to yakusoku no hi wa
akai yubisaki ni ai no katachi o
kimi ga kimi ga hitori de kieta
kimi ga kimi ga hitori de kieta

Into my depths, and into that promised day,
I carve the shape of love with my red fingertips.
You disappeared, you disappeared all alone.
You disappeared, you disappeared all alone.

貴女の想いを
詰めに詰めた私は
濡れる 二人 箱に秘めた秘密は

anata no omoi o
tsume ni tsumeta watashi wa
nureru futari hako ni himeta himitsu wa

I stuffed your feelings
so tightly in.
Two people get wet; the secret hidden in the box…

貴女 私 あの子 二人 合わせて一人
君と深み 愛と私 合わせて魅せて

anata watashi ano ko futari awasete hitori
kimi to fukami ai to watashi awasete misete

You, me, and those two. Put us all together, and there’s one person.
You and the depths. Love and I. Put them together and fascinate me.

貴女の心と私の身体
闇で交われば秘密の終わり
キミガ キミガ ヒトリデキエタ
キミガ キミガ ヒトリデキエタ

anata no kokoro to watashi no karada
yami de majiwareba himitsu no owari
kimi ga kimi ga hitori de kieta
kimi ga kimi ga hitori de kieta

Your heart and my body—
If we come together in the dark, it will mean the end secrets.
You disappeared, you disappeared all alone.
You disappeared, you disappeared all alone.

見せて 隠して消えた君は
私の中で目覚める
見せて 隠して消えた君は
私の中で目覚める

misete kakushite kieta kimi wa
watashi no naka de mezameru
misete kakushite kieta kimi wa
watashi no naka de mezameru

Show me—you, who disappeared after I hid you away,
Awaken inside me.
Show me— you, who disappeared after I hid you away,
Awaken inside me.

二人の身体と秘密の金魚
魅惑の瞳と血だらけの手は
消えた私と貴女
全て忘れ一つに
箱についた名前は
昔の物語さ

futari no karada to himitsu no kingyo
miwaku no hitomi to chi darake no te wa
kieta watashi to anata
subete wasure hitotsu ni
hako ni tsuita namae wa
mukashi no monogatari sa

The bodies of two people and the secret goldfish…
Captivating eyes and gory hands…
You and I, who had vanished,
Forget everything and become one.
The name given to the box
is a tale from long ago.

私の深みと約束の日は
赤い指先に愛の形を
キミガ キミガ ヒトリデキエタ
キミガ キミガ ヒトリデキエタ

watashi no fukami to yakusoku no hi wa
akai yubisaki ni ai no katachi o
kimi ga kimi ga hitori de kieta
kimi ga kimi ga hitori de kieta

Into my depths, and into that promised day,
I carve the shape of love with my red fingertips.
You disappeared, you disappeared all alone.
You disappeared, you disappeared all alone.

(1) When counting in Japanese, 飛んで (tonde) can be used to indicate spaces where a 0 is inserted. This could explain why 三人 (sannin – three people) is missing from the sequence. An alternative interpretation separates one and two and adds “fly away” instead of zero, using the literal meaning of the word.

ギャングアタック || Gang Attack

releska2 Comments

ギャングアタック
gyangu atakku
Gang Attack

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Album: ADULTRAZ
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: February 1, 2018

Requested by: Masa Fan
Watch the official video here!

This track seems to be about a pair (or gang) of bikers. Masa says in the song comment that he wrote a song about the heroes of the Showa era. I assume these heroes are motorbikes…

Finding all the bike references was a bit of a challenge, but I got there in the end (fingers crossed). For a change, I don’t think there are any suggestive elements in this song?

稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
この先いつでもそれは変わらない

Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai ja nakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Kono saki itsu demo sore wa kawaranai

Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
That won’t ever change.

平凡！退屈な日々に革命が起きたあの音は
地面を揺らしてビルに跳ね返り心臓と耳を魅了した

Heibon! Taikutsu na hibi ni kakumei ga okita ano oto wa
Jimen o yurashite biru ni hane kaeri shinzou to mimi o miryou shita     

How mediocre! A revolution awoke those sounds during boring days.
They shook the ground, rebounded off the buildings, and charmed my ears and heart.

集合、四発、吸い込み、パラレル
革命が起きたあの音は
バケモノみたいなサンパチ腹下
あいつの怒号に憧れた
世間のゴミだとわかっていたけど
生まれた時から変わらない
今度は俺らが伝統引継ぎ
今は無き夜に蘇る

Shuugou, yon patsu, suikomi, parareru
Kakumei ga okita ano oto wa
Bakemono mitai na sanpachi harashita
Aitsu no dogou ni akogareta
Seken no gomi da to wakatte ita kedo
Umareta toki kara kawaranai
Kondo wa orera ga dentou hikitsugi
Ima wa naki yoru ni yomigaeru

Meeting, four engines, inhale, parallel…
That sound, caused by a revolution,
Came from the underbelly of a GT380. (1)
I was attracted by its angry roar.
I understood that I was society’s trash,
But I haven’t changed since I was born.
This time, we will take over the traditions.
Now lost, they will rise again in the night.

I Can night Lets go カンカラ
ビンビンに唸る集合管
I Can night Lets go カンカラ
オイルを飛ばしてデッパツだ

I Can night Lets go kankara
Bin bin ni unaru shuugou kan
I Can night Lets go kankara
Oiru o tobashite deppatsu da

I can night. Let’s go. Clank!
The exhaust groans, throbbing.
I can night. Let’s go. Clank!
It’s time to depart, sending oil flying!

稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
いつもの場所からブン、ブン、ブン！
稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
この先いつでもそれは変わらない

Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka waru ka wa mondai janakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Itsumo no basho kara bun, bun, bun!
Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai ja nakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Kono saki itsu demo sore wa kawaranai

Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
From the usual spot, I go vroom, vroom, vroom!
Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
That won’t ever change.

ハイ、表参道直進中。
国道を抜けて産業道路へ
四号、七号、九号車、
海公の前で挟みます。

Hai, Omotesandou chokushin chuu.
Kokudou wo nukete sangyou douro e
Yon gou, nana gou, kyuu gou sha,
Umikou no mae de hazamimasu.

Okay, I’m going straight down the path in front of the shrine.
I leave the national highway, heading to the industrial road.
Train cars four, seven, and nine
are between the space in front of the Marine Park. (2)

集合、四発、吸い込み、パラレル
革命が起きたあの音は
昭和の英雄ヨンフォア、ヨシムラ
あいつの怒号に憧れた

Shuugou, yon patsu, suikomi, parareru
Kakumei ga okita ano oto wa
Shouwa no eiyuu yonfoa, yoshimura
Aitsu no dogou ni akogareta

Meeting, four engines, inhale, parallel…
That sound, caused by a revolution,
Came from the hero of Showa, CB400F, Yoshimura. (3)
I was attracted by its angry roar.

I Can night Lets go カンカラ
ビンビンに唸る集合管
I Can night Lets go カンカラ
オイルを飛ばしてデッパツだ

I Can night Lets go kankara
Bin bin ni unaru shuugou kan
I Can night Lets go kankara
Oiru o tobashite deppatsu da

I can night. Let’s go. Clank!
The exhaust groans, throbbing.
I can night. Let’s go. Clank!
It’s time to depart, sending oil flying!

稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
いつもの場所からブン、ブン、ブン！
稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
この先いつでもそれは変わらない

Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai ja nakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Itsumo no basho kara bun, bun, bun!
Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai ja nakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Kono saki itsudemo sore wa kawaranai

Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
From the usual spot, I go vroom, vroom, vroom!
Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
That won’t ever change.

ハイ、表参道直進中。
国道を抜けて産業道路へ
四号、七号、九号車、
海公の前で挟みます。

Hai, Omotesandou chokushin chuu.
Kokudou o nukete sangyou douro e
yon gou, nana gou, kyuu gou sha,
umikou no mae de hasamimasu.

Okay, I’m going straight down the path in front of the shrine.
I leave the national highway, heading to the industrial road.
Train cars four, seven, and nine
are between the space in front of the Marine Park.

俺らの思いを代弁するため
ビンビンに唸る集合管
怒りや悲しみ楽しさの中で
お祭り騒ぎで吹き飛ばせ
集合、四発、吸い込み、パラレル
革命が起きたあの音は
昭和の英雄GS、ヨシムラ
あいつの怒号に憧れた

Orera no omoi o daiben suru tame
Bin bin ni unaru shuugou kan
Ikari ya kanashimi tanoshisa no naka de
Omatsuri sawagi de fukitobase
Shuugou, yon patsu, suikomi, parareru
Kakumei ga okita ano oto wa
Shouwa no eiyuu GS, yoshimura
Aitsu no dogou ni akogareta

So it can act for our feelings,
The exhaust groans, throbbing.
While feeling rage, sadness, and delight,
We’ll blow it away with our revelry.
Meeting, four engines, inhale, parallel…
That sound, caused by a revolution,
Came from the hero of Showa, GS, Yoshimura. (4)
I was attracted by its angry roar.

稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
いつもの場所からブン、ブン、ブン！
稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
この先いつでもそれは変わらない

Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai janakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Itsumo no basho kara bun, bun, bun!
Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai janakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Kono-saki itsudemo sore wa kawaranai

Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
From the usual spot, I go vroom, vroom, vroom!
Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
That won’t ever change.

集合、四発、吸い込み、パラレル
革命が起きたあの音は
バケモノみたいなサンパチ腹下
あいつの怒号に憧れた

Shuugou, yon patsu, suikomi, parareru
Kakumei ga okita ano oto wa
Bakemono mitai na sanpachi harashida
Aitsu no dogou ni akogareta

Meeting, four engines, inhale, parallel…
That sound, caused by a revolution,
Came from the underbelly of a GT380.
I was attracted by its angry roar.

集合、四発、吸い込み、パラレル
革命が起きたあの音は
昭和の英雄ヨンフォア、ヨシムラ
あいつの怒号に憧れた

Shuugou, yon patsu, suikomi, parareru
Kakumei ga okita ano oto wa
Shouwa no eiyuu yonfoa, yoshimura
Aitsu no dogou ni akogareta

Meeting, four engines, inhale, parallel…
That sound, caused by a revolution,
Came from the hero of Showa, GS, Yoshimura.
I was attracted by its angry roar.

稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
いつもの場所からブン、ブン、ブン！
稲妻飛び交う怒涛の参上
正義か悪かは問題じゃなくて
楽しい事には妥協はしないさ
この先いつでもそれは変わらない

Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai ja nakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Itsumo no basho kara bun, bun, bun!
Inazuma tobikau dotou no sanjou
Seigi ka aku ka wa mondai ja nakute
Tanoshii koto ni wa dakyou wa shinai sa
Kono saki itsu demo sore wa kawaranai

Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
From the usual spot, I go vroom, vroom, vroom!
Lightning flies about and the surging waves come calling.
It isn’t a question of right or wrong.
I don’t compromise when it’s something fun.
That won’t ever change.

(1) サンパチ (sanpachi, lit. ’38’) likely refers to the Suzuki GT380, a model of motorbike that was popular in the 80’s. For a Japanese reference, consult this site.
(2) 海公 (umikou) is likely to be a contraction of 海の公園 (umi no kouen – Marine Park)
(3) ヨンフォア (yonfoa, lit. ’44’) likely refers to the Honda CB400Four, a model of motorbike that was popular in the 70’s. For a Japanese reference, consult this site. ヨシムラ (Yoshimura) doesn’t appear to refer to a specific model, but the company manufacutres motorbikes.
(4) GS could be a reference to the Suzuki GS400.

ブラスノイズフラメンコ || Brass Noise Flamenco

releska2 Comments

ブラスノイズフラメンコ
burasu noizu furamenko
Brass Noise Flamenco

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Album: ALBINO
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
PV Release Date: November 20, 2018

Requested by: shishikusas
Watch the official video on Youtube!

This took me longer than I anticipated. It’s Masa, so we have lots of explicit content – you are warned! As another note, censoring in the lyrics was present in the original lyrics.

Sometimes translation feels like rock climbing. You cling to various footholds and work your way up. This presented some challenges in interpretation – is it sung from the perspective of one person, or more than one? Do Miku and GUMI represent different people?

In constructing an interpretation, I used その, この, 君 and 私 as my guides. It seems like parts are from the customer’s point of view, and parts are from the dancer’s point of view. I’d be interested to see if there are other interpretations!

砂に塗れた机と椅子
とへこんだブラスの音
下着と日銭を確認中
さっさとケツと金を出しな！
砂の中踊るフラメンコ
君のその名前を連呼
飲んで食ってお楽しみ
食事と女を注文です！

suna ni mamireta tsukue to isu
tohekonda burasu no oto
shitagi to hizeni o kakuninchuu
sassa to ketsu to kane o dashi na!
suna no naka odoru furamenko
kimi no sono namae o renko
nonde kutte otanoshimi
shokuji to onna o chuumon desu!

The desk and chairs are covered in sand
and overwhelming brass sounds resound.
I check my underwear and my daily wage.
Show me your rear and your cash!
You dance the flamenco in the sand
and I call that name—your name—over and over.
Eat, drink, and enjoy…
My order: food and women!

席に着きましたハイ！乾杯！
ちょっと見えてるよそのおっ〇い！
下着に挟んだ札びら揺らして
今夜も商売大繁盛！
砂に塗れた机と椅子
とへこんだブラスの音
チキンをしゃぶって酒飲んで
さっさとケツと金を出しな！

seki ni tsukimashita hai! kanpai!
chotto mieteru yo sono oppai!
shitagi ni hasanda satsu bira urashite
koyoi mo shoubai daihanjou!
suna ni mamireta tsukue to isu
tohekonda burasu no oto
chikin o shabutte sake nonde
sassa to ketsu to kane o dashi na!

I’ve taken my seat. Yes! Cheers!
Y’know, I can kinda see your t*ts!
Shaking the bills stuffed in your underwear…
Tonight, trade is thriving!
The desk and chairs are covered in sand
and overwhelming brass sounds resound.
I chew at my chicken and drink my alcohol.
Show me your rear and your cash!

フラメンコ踊る私のために
この足舐めてよ！1ドルの踊り子

furamenko odoru watashi no tame ni
kono ashi namete yo! 1 doru no odoriko

Flamenco! For the sake of I, who dance,
Lick my feet! I’m a $1 dancing girl!

フラメンコ踊る私のために
この足舐めてよ！1ドルの踊り子

furamenko odoru watashi no tame ni
kono ashi namete yo! 1 doru no odoriko

Flamenco! For the sake of I, who dance,
Lick my feet! I’m a $1 dancing girl!

乾きが人間の本能
酒より水よりまず女
両手に広げた濡れた華
さっさとケツと金を出しな！
砂の中踊るフラメンコ
私のその名前を連呼
飲んで食ってお楽しみ
カーテンの裏でチュッ！

kawaki ga ningen no honnou
sake yori mizu yori mazu onna
ryoute ni hirogeta nureta hana
sassa to ketsu to kane o dashi na!
suna no naka odoru furamenko
watashi no sono namae o renko
nonde kutte otanoshimi
kaaten no ura de chu!

A human’s instinct is to thirst.
Before alcohol or water, they thirst for women!
A wet flower lay spread out in my hand.
Show me your rear and your cash!
I dance the flamenco in the sand
and they call that name—my name—over and over.
Eat, drink, and enjoy…
We kiss behind the curtains!

席に着きましたハイ！乾杯！
めっちゃ濡れてるよそのお〇ぱい！
下着に挟んだ札びら揺らして
今夜も商売大繁盛！

seki ni tsukimashita hai! kanpai!
meccha nureteru yo sono oppai!
shitagi ni hasanda satsu bira yurashite
kon’ya mo shoubai daihanjou!

I’ve taken my seat. Yes! Cheers!
Your t*ts are soaking wet!
Shaking the bills stuffed in your underwear…
Tonight, trade is thriving!

砂に塗れた机と椅子
とへこんだブラスの音
チキンをしゃぶって酒飲んで
さっさとケツと金を出しな！

suna ni mamireta tsukue to isu
tohekonda burasu no oto
chikin o shabutte sake nonde
sassa to ketsu to kane o dashi na!

The desk and chairs are covered in sand
and overwhelming brass sounds resound.
I chew at my chicken and drink my alcohol.
Show me your rear and your cash!

フラメンコ　

furamenko

Flamenco!

フラメンコ

furamenko

Flamenco!

今夜はいい女がいるよ！
身体も踊りも一流さ！
下着と日銭を確認中
さっさとケツと金を出しな！
男の中踊るフラメンコ
君のその名前を連呼
飲んで食ってお楽しみ
食事と女を注文です

kon’ya wa ii onna ga iru yo!
karada mo odori mo ichiryuu sa!
shitagi to hizeni o kakuninchuu
sassa to ketsu to kane o dashi na!
otoko no naka odoru furamenko
kimi no sono namae o renko
nonde kutte otanoshimi
shokuji to onna o chuumon desu

There’s a good woman out tonight!
Her body and her dancing are all top class!
I check my underwear and my daily wage.
Show me your rear and your cash!
Dancing the flamenco in a man,
I call your name over and over.
Eat, drink, and enjoy…
My order: food and women!

席に着きましたハイ！乾杯！
ちょっと見えてるよその〇っぱい！
下着に挟んだ札びら揺らして
今夜も商売大繁盛！
砂に塗れた机と椅子
とへこんだブラスの音
チキンをしゃぶって酒飲んで
さっさとケツと金を出しな！

seki ni tsukimashita hai! kanpai!
chotto mieteru yo sono oppai!
shitagi ni hasanda satsu bira urashite
koyoi mo shoubai daihanjou!
suna ni mamireta tsukue to isu
tohekonda burasu no oto
chikin o shabutte sake nonde
sassa to ketsu to kane o dashi na!

I’ve taken my seat. Yes! Cheers!
Y’know, I can kinda see your t*ts!
Shaking the bills stuffed in your underwear…
Tonight, trade is thriving!
The desk and chairs are covered in sand
and overwhelming brass sounds resound.
I chew at my chicken and drink my alcohol.
Show me your rear and your cash!

ゴッドオブマリー || God of Marie

releska2 Comments

ゴッドオブマリー
goddo obu marii
God of Marie

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Album: ADULT
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: March 5, 2016

Requested by: Masa Fan
Watch the official video on Youtube here!

I’ve got to give a bit of a content warning! This is a song about religion and drugs mixed together, so it’s likely to be pretty offensive.

アーメン　あぁん！　シスターお願いします！　Yeah!
アーメン　神様飛びます　ブッ飛んじゃいます　水炊きで。　Yeah!
フワフワになった神への信仰　僕等は純粋！マリーのファンです。
悪い事なんか何もしないよ！　え？君もマリーファンなの？

Aamen aan! shisutaa onegai shimasu! Yeah!
Aamen kamisama tobimasu buttonjai masu mizutaki de. Yeah!
Fuwa fuwa ni natta kami e no shinkou bokura wa junsui! marii no fan desu.
Warui koto nanka nanimo shinai yo! e? Kimi mo marii fan na no?

Amen. Oh! Sister, please! Yeah!
Amen. God’s high. They’re sky high from mizutaki. Yeah!
This is our creed, aimed at a God that’s gone all floaty. We’re pure! We’re fans of Marie.
We’re not doing anything wrong! Hm? Are you a fan of Marie, too?

アーメン　あぁん！　シスターお願いします！　Yeah!
アーメン　神様飛びます　ブッ飛んじゃいます　紙巻で。　Yeah!
ラリッてシ○ッてマリーの信仰　感覚変われば世界もハッピー。
悪い事なんか何もしないよ！　グワングワンで　パ！

Aamen aan! shisutaa onegai shimasu! Yeah!
Aamen kamisama tobimasu buttonjai masu kamimaki de. Yeah!
Raritte shikotte marii no shinkou kankaku kawareba sekai mo happii.
Warui koto nanka nanimo shinai yo! guwan guwan de pa!

Amen. Oh! Sister, please! Yeah!
Amen. God’s high. They’re sky high from cigarettes. Yeah!
Getting intoxicated and stiffening up is Marie’s creed. Alter your senses and the world will be happy, too.
We’re not doing anything wrong! My head spins, then *pa*!

あー、キマッたワンパケ　マリーの救いは　腐った世界が一瞬で！ (ポン！)
ダメダメ！兄さん　邪道よ純トロ　僕等のマリーにYEAH!AA!MEN! (ポン！)
キマッたワンパケ　マリーの救いは　腐った世界が一瞬で！ (ポン！)
ダメダメ！兄さん　邪道よ純トロ　僕等のマリーにYEAH!AA!MEN! (ポン！)
パチクリ、充血　トロトロの明日に　濡らしたパンツに馬鹿笑い (ポン！)
懺悔でキマッて　ハイになっちゃって　煙りに隠れてもう一回 (ポン！)
パチクリ、充血　トロトロの明日に　濡らしたパンツに馬鹿笑い (ポン！)
懺悔でキマッて　ハイになっちゃって　煙りに隠れてもう一回 (ポン！)

Aa, kimatta wan pake marii no sukui wa kusatta sekai ga isshun de! (pon!)
Dame dame! Niisan jadou yo jun toro bokura no marii ni YEAH!AA!MEN! (pon!)
Kimatta wan pake marii no sukui wa kusatta sekai ga isshun de! (pon!)
Dame dame! Niisan jadou yo jun toro bokura no marii ni YEAH!AA!MEN! (pon!)
Pachikuri, juuketsu torotoro no asu ni nurashita pantsu ni bakawarai (pon!)
Zange de kimatte hai ni nacchatte kemuri ni kakurete mou ikkai (pon!)
Pachikuri, juuketsu torotoro no asu ni nurashita pantsu ni bakawarai (pon!)
Zange de kimatte hai ni nacchatte kemuri ni kakurete mou ikkai (pon!)

Ah, I got high off one packet. In an instant, Marie’ssalvation will change this rotten world. (*puff*)
No, no! Bro, it’s heresy! You’re a sinner! To our Marie, you’ve gotta say YEAH!AMEN! (*puff*)
Ah, I got high off one packet. In an instant, Marie’s salvation will changethis rotten world. (*puff*)
No, no! Bro, it’s heresy! You’re a sinner! To our Marie, you’ve gotta say YEAH!AMEN! (*puff*)
I blink, and my eyes are bloodshot. A sleepy morning after, I guffaw at my wetpants. (*puff*)
As penance, I get high. Hidden in the smoke, I’ll go again! (*puff*)
I blink, and my eyes are bloodshot. A sleepy morning after, I guffaw at my wetpants. (*puff*)
As penance, I get high. Hidden in the smoke, I’ll go again! (*puff*)

神様飛びます　ブッ飛んじゃいます。　ポン中？アル中？真最中？
※自粛※　上物吹かして　グワングワン！ (ポン！)
フワフワになった神への信仰　僕等は純粋！マリーのファンです。
悪い事なんか何もしないよ！　え？君もマリーファンなの？

Kamisama tobi masu buttonjai masu. pon chuu? aru chuu? Massaichuu?
※Jishuku※ joumono fukashite guwan guwan! (pon!)
Fuwa fuwa ni natta kami e no shinkou bokura wa junsui! marii no fan desu.
Warui koto nanka nanimo shinai yo! e? Kimi mo marii fan na no?

God’s high. They’re sky high. A drug addict? An alcoholic? Atthe height of it?
*Self-control.* I smoke quality goods and my head spins! (*puff*)
This is our creed, aimed at a God that’s gone all floaty. We’re pure! We’refans of Marie.
We’re not doing anything wrong! Hm? Are you a fan of Marie, too?

ハジケて来ました！瞳孔開いて　空(そら)のツーリング YEAH!AA!MEN!
あぁん！我等が主(しゅ)のそのありがたい言葉　貴方に売ります　ワンパケで
教えて下さい　神の施しを　シスターレクチャー MARIJUAN! (アーメン！)
あぁん！我等が主のそのありがたい言葉　神よマリーに感謝しまぁす

Hajikete kimashita! Dōkō aite sorano tsūringu YEAH! AA! MEN!
Aa~n! Warera ga shu no sono arigatai kotoba anata ni urimasu wanpake de
Oshiete kudasai kami no hodokoshi wo shisutaa rekuchaa MARIJUAN! (aamen!)
Aan! Warera ga shu no sono arigatai kotoba kami yo marii ni kansha shimasu

It burst open! I open my eyes and tour the sky. YEAH! AMEN!
Aah! We’ll sell the grateful words of our Lord to you in a single packet.
Please, tell us about God’s charity! Sister, lecture, MARIJUAN! (Amen!)
Aah! These are the grateful words of our Lord. Oh God! We give thanks to Marie!

(チャ、チャ、チャ)
神父様は見て見ない振りだけど　錯乱、淫乱　大パーティー (ポン！)
マリーのためならフルオープンです　ニッチもサッチもビッチもねぇ！ (ポン！)
ラリッた姉ちゃん　欲求不満で　誰でもいいから　満開です！ (ポン！)
大艦隊と性感帯は　正攻法で落とします (ポン！)

(Cha, cha, cha)
Shinpu sama wa mite minai furi dakedo sakuran, inran dai paatii (pon!)
Marii no tame nara FURU OPUUN desu NICCHI mo SACCHI mo BICCHI mo nee! (PON!)
Raritta nēchan yokkyū fuman de dare demo īkara mankai desu! (Pon!)
Dai kantai to seikan-tai wa seikōhō de otoshimasu (Pon!)

(Cha, cha, cha)
The Reverend looks, though he pretends he isn’t. We have a deranged, debauched party! (*puff*)
If it’s for Marie’s sake, I’ll open everything up! There’s no way out! (*puff*) (1)
Hey, stoned lady, I can’t get what I want, anyone’s fine, so I’m all open foryou! (*puff*)
I’ll sink your naval fleet and sweet spot with a frontal attack! (*puff*)

神父様は見て見ない振りだけど　錯乱、淫乱　大パーティー (ポン！)
マリーのためならフルオープンです　ニッチもサッチもビッチもねぇ！ (ポン！)
ラリッた神父と　イカレた信者は　煙に巻かれた　大聖堂 (ポン！)
降りてきました　最高の神が　ガンジャに感謝致します (ポン！)

Shinpu sama wa mite minai furi dakedo sakuran, inran dai paatii (pon!)
Marii no tame nara furu oopun desu nicchi mo sacchi mo bicchi mo nee! (pon!)
Raritta shinpu to ikareta shinja wa kemuri ni makareta taiseidō (pon!)
Orite kimashita saikō no kami ga ganja ni kansha itashi masu (pon!)

The Reverend looks, though he pretends he isn’t. We have aderanged, debauched party! (*puff*)
If it’s for Marie’s sake, I’ll open everything up! There’s no way out! (*puff*)
The stoned Reverend and his crazy worshippers are surrounded by smoke in thecathedral (*puff*)
The highest god has come down. We give thanks to ganja! (*puff*)

神様飛びます　ブッ飛んじゃいます。　ポン中？アル中？真最中？
※自粛※　上物吹かして　グワングワン！ (ポン！)
フワフワになった神への信仰　僕等は純粋！マリーのファンです。
悪い事なんか何もしないよ！　え？君もマリーファンなの？

Kamisama tobi masu buttonjai masu. pon chuu? aru chuu? Massaichuu?
※Jishuku※ joumono fukashite guwan guwan! (pon!)
Fuwa fuwa ni natta kami e no shinkou bokura wa junsui! marii no fan desu.
Warui koto nanka nanimo shinai yo! e? Kimi mo marii fan na no?

God’s high. They’re sky high. A drug addict? An alcoholic? Atthe height of it?
*Self-control.* I smoke quality goods and my head spins! (*puff*)
This is our creed, aimed at a God that’s gone all floaty. We’re pure! We’refans of Marie.
We’re not doing anything wrong! Hm? Are you a fan of Marie, too?

ガン決まっちゃって瞳孔開いて　無理矢理キスして YEAH!AA!MEN!
あぁん！我等が主のそのありがたい言葉　貴方に売ります　ワンパケで
咥えて下さい　神の水パイプ　上物、上物 MARIJUAN! (アーメン！)
あぁん！我等が主のそのありがたい言葉　神よマリーに感謝しまぁす

Gan kimacchatte doukou hiraite muriyari kisu shite YEAH!AA!MEN!
Aan! Warera ga shu no sono arigatai kotoba anata ni urimasu wan pake de
Kuwaete kudasai kami no mizu paipu jōmono, uwamono MARIJUAN! (AAMEN!)
Aan! Warera ga shu no sono arigatai kotoba kami yo marii ni kansha shimasu

I decide upon my wish and open my eyes. I kiss you againstyour will. YEAH! AMEN!
Aah! We’ll sell the grateful words of our Lord to you in a single packet.
Please, put God’s bong in your mouth. Oh, such high quality MARIJUAN! (AMEN!)
Aah! These are the grateful words of our Lord. Oh God! We give thanks to Marie!

神父様は見て見ない振りだけど　錯乱、淫乱　大パーティー (ポン！)
マリーのためならフルオープンです　ニッチもサッチもビッチもねぇ！ (ポン！)
ガン決まっちゃって瞳孔開いて　無理矢理キスして YEAH!AA!MEN!
あぁん！我等が主のそのありがたい言葉　貴方に売ります　ワンパケで

Shinpu sama wa mite minai furi dakedo sakuran, inran dai paatii (pon!)
Marii no tame nara furu oopun desu nicchi mo sacchi mo bicchi mo nee! (pon!)
Gan kimacchatte doukou hiraite muriyari kisu shite YEAH!AA!MEN!
Aan! Warera ga shu no sono arigatai kotoba anata ni urimasu wan pake de

The Reverend looks, though he pretends he isn’t. We have aderanged, debauched party! (*puff*)
If it’s for Marie’s sake, I’ll open everything up! There’s no way out! (*puff*)
I decide upon my wish and open my eyes. I kiss you against your will. YEAH!AMEN!
Aah! We’ll sell the grateful words of our Lord to you in a single packet.

神父様は見て見ない振りだけど　錯乱、淫乱　大パーティー (ポン！)
マリーのためならフルオープンです　ニッチもサッチもビッチもねぇ！ (ポン！)
教えて下さい　神の施しを　シスターレクチャー MARIJUAN! (アーメン！)
あぁん！我等が主のそのありがたい言葉　神よマリーに感謝しまぁす

Shinpu sama wa mite minai furi dakedo sakuran, inran dai paatii (pon!)
Marii no tame nara furu oopun desu nicchi mo sacchi mo bicchi mo nee! (pon!)
Oshiete kudasai kami no hodokoshi wo shisutaa rekuchaa MARIJUAN! (aamen!)
Aan! Warera ga shu no sono arigatai kotoba kami yo marii ni kansha shimasu

The Reverend looks, though he pretends he isn’t. We have aderanged, debauched party! (*puff*)
If it’s for Marie’s sake, I’ll open everything up! There’s no way out! (*puff*)
Please, tell us about God’s charity! Sister, lecture, MARIJUAN! (Amen!)
Aah! These are the grateful words of our Lord. Oh God! We give thanks to Marie!

(1) The phrase ニッチもサッチもビッチもねぇ (nicchi mo sacchi mo bicchi mo nee) is a play on the common phrase にっちもさっちも (roughly meaning ‘in no way’), except the word ‘bitch’ (ビッチ) is added. Unfortunately, the nuance can’t really be translated into English.

明鏡鬼童 || The Demon Child in the Clear Mirror

releska2 Comments

明鏡鬼童
meikyou oni warabe
The Demon Child in the Clear Mirror

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: Masa (まさ)
Composed by: Masa (まさ)
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: March 29, 2012

Requested by: Masa Fan
Watch the official video here!

You’re probably here because you know all about Masa, but just in case, be careful! This song includes dark subject matter like gore and animal abuse.

This is very typical of Masa, though. You’ve got Japanese mythology mixed in with some sort of overarching narrative. This song also makes reference to the Hannya 般若, a common mask in Noh theatre and a type of oni. The Hannya is a woman who has transformed into a demon after being consumed by jealousy.

As always, Masa’s lyrics are an intriguing tangled web. One part, つぐわの下僕, proved absolutely inscrutable. Is Tsuguwa (つぐわ) a person’s name? Is it grammatical (i.e. 注ぐ我)? Perhaps we will never know the answer…

Also, one interpretation of kagome (かごめ) from Kagome Kagome is ‘pregnant woman’ (籠女).

おいで　おいで　鬼童
重し責め　石抱きを　抱いて

oide oide oni warabe
omoshi seme ishidaki o daite

Come, come, demon child—
Embrace your heavy persecution, your trial by stone. (1)

めんこい笑顔で　皆、欺いた
般若の小娘　鬼の背面は
豚の腹を裂き　猫の首を刈り
楽しく踊れば　明日も笑える

menkoi egao de minna azamuita
hannya no komusume oni no haimen wa
buta no hara o saki neko no kubi o kari
tanoshiku odoreba asu mo waraeru

She deceived everyone with a charming smile
but a demon lay within the young hannya.
She tears through the pig’s stomach, cuts the cat’s throat,
And when she dances joyfully, she can smile again tomorrow.

小太鼓片手に　畜を呼び寄せて
般若の小娘　隠れた娯楽は
鼠磨り潰し　雀を砕いて
楽しく食べれば　明日も笑える

kodaiko katate ni chiiku o yobiyosete
hannya no komusume kakureta goraku wa
nezumi suri tsubushi suzume o kudaite
tanoshiku tabereba asu mo waraeru

With a small drum in hand, she calls the livestock over.
The young hannya hid her pleasures—
She pulverises rats, smashes up tree sparrows,
And when she joyfully consumes them, she can smile again tomorrow.

血に染めた　その手に　啼いた 嘘の私
肉の山　食べ尽くし　次は 明日

chi ni someta sono te ni naita uso no watashi
niku no yama tabe tsukushi tsugi wa ashita

My false self made animal noises in her bloodstained hands.
She consumes a mountain of meat—the next time is tomorrow.

た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
鬼　鬼　鬼姫　後生の頼みだ
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
哀れな家畜に極楽浄土を
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
首　首　首無し　舞姫迎えて
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
終わりは始まり　無常の世界へ

ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
oni oni oni hime goshou no tanomi da
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
aware na kachiku ni gokuraku joudo o
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
kubi kubi kubinashi maihime mukaete
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
owari wa hajimari mujou no sekai e

Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
The demon princess follows the afterlife’s request.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
She grants the pitiful livestock paradise. (2)
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
Headless dancing girls are the ones she welcomes.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
The end begins. Now, to a transient world—

絞柱に括り　血を　流す
歓楽母親　死ぬ　赤子

kouchuu ni kukuri chi o nagasu
kanraku hahaoya shinu akago

Hung at the gallows, blood flows.
The happy mother’s children die.

丑三つの前さ　女は語る
般若の母親　最後の話しは
子供が出来たと　お腹を擦ると
安酒を浴びた　つぐわの下僕

ushimitsu no mae sa onna wa kataru
hannya no haha ya saigo no hanashi wa
kodomo ga dekita to onaka o sasuru to
yasuzake o abita tsuguwa no geboku

A woman speaks in the dead of night— (3)
It is the hannya’s mother, telling the last tale.
Upon becoming pregnant, she scrubbed at her stomach
and was flooded with sake poured by her servant.

腐りきった　その面　見ると 抑えきれず
三日月の　形した　刃物 握る

kusari kitta sono tsura miru to osae kirezu
mikatsuki no katachi shita hamono nigiru

When you gaze upon her rotten face, she is uncontrollable.
She grasps her tool, shaped like a crescent moon.

かごめかごめ　籠の中の鳥は
いついつ出やる　後ろの正面だあれ？

kagome kagome kago no naka no tori wa
itsu itsu deyaru ushiro no shoumen daare?

Kagome kagome! O bird, locked in your cage—
When will you come out? Who’s behind you now?

あ

a

Ah.

た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
墓前の黒猫　母親を喰らう
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
哀れな下僕に　極楽浄土を
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
鬼　鬼　鬼姫　後生の頼みだ
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
暗闇の中で　意識を閉じる

ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
bozen no kuroneko hahaoya o kurau
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
aware geboku ni gokuraku joudo o
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
oni oni oni hime goshou no tanomi da
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
kurayami no naka de ishiki o tojiru

Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
The black cat in front of the grave eats its mother.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
It grants the pitiful servants paradise.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
The demon princess follows the afterlife’s request.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
In the darkness, she loses consciousness.

かごめかごめ　籠の中の鳥は
いついつ出やる　後ろの正面

kagome kagome kago no naka no tori wa
itsu itsu deyaru ushiro no shoumen

Kagome kagome! O bird, locked in your cage—
When will you come out? Who’s behind you now?

た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
鬼　鬼　鬼姫　後生の頼みだ
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
哀れな家畜に　極楽浄土を
た　た　たたた　た　た　たたた
両手を合わせた　着物の少女は
たたたたたたたたたた
狐の祭壇　化け猫の祈り

ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
oni oni oni hime goshou no tanomi da
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
aware na kachiku ni gokuraku joudo o
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
ryoute o awaseta kimono no shoujo wa
ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
kitsune no saidan bakeneko no inori

Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
The demon princess follows the afterlife’s request.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
She grants the pitiful livestock paradise.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
The girl in her kimono placed her hands together.
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-rat-a-tat.
At the altar of the kitsune, she prayed to the bakeneko.

(1) 石抱き (ishidaki) is a form of torture where you kneel on triangular slabs and heavy stones are placed in your lap.
(2) 極楽浄土 (gokuraku joudo) is a ‘Pure Land’ in Buddhist mythology.
(3) 丑三つ (ushi mitsu) is a time between 2 and 2:30 am, and is poetically referred to as the ‘dead of night.’

ロンドンスラッグパーティハイ || London Slag Party High

releska1 Comment

61eyqrvoswl-_ss500ロンドンスラッグパーティハイ
rondon suraggu paati hai
London Slag Party High

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Album: ALCATRAZ
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: December 1, 2017

Requested by: Vaati

Watch the official video on Youtube here!

I don’t know why, but whenever I listen to masa’s music, I imagine feudal Japan. He does a great job at mixing that aesthetic up with modern music!

In the album, this track goes by the name ‘RONDON SLAG PATHY HI.’ It goes by the name ‘RONDON SLAG PARTY HI’ in the official video. It’s also worth mentioning that the ‘yous’ (貴女 – anata) refer specifically to a female.

美しく高貴な街　時計の針を気にして
掃除、洗濯、家事をこなして
奴隷の様に働く

utsukushiku kouki na machi tokei no hari o ki ni shite
souji, sentaku, kaji o konashite
dorei no you ni hataraku

I work like a slave in this beautiful and noble city
doing cleaning, washing and housework,
All the while worrying about the ticking of the clock.

踊れ ドナドナ 朝が来るまで
夜の ドナドナ 使いは
霧に ドナドナ 消えた街角
闇の ドナドナ 音楽

odore donadona asa ga kuru made
yoru no donadona tsukai wa
kiri ni donadona kieta machikado
yami no donadona ongaku

Dance (donna, donna) until morning comes. (1)
The night (donna, donna) messenger
disappeared (donna, donna) into the misty street corner.
The music (donna, donna) of darkness echoes.

君はこの街が好きか？
僕は大好きさ！最高さ！
霧が出てからが本番なんだよ
聴こえてるんだろ？あの音が
(私もそこへ行けますか？)
モチさ！これは君へのご褒美さ
明日また夜にここで会おうか
僕は正直さ！本当さ

kimi wa kono machi ga suki ka?
boku wa daisuki sa! saikou sa!
kiri ga dete kara ga honban nan da yo
kikoeteru ndaro? ano oto ga
(watashi mo soko e ikemasu ka?)
mochi sa! kore wa kimi e no go-houbi sa
ashita mata yoru ni koko de aou ka
boku wa shoujiki sa! hontou sa

Do you like this town?
I love it! It’s the best!
After the fog rolls in, that’s when the performance is.
I wonder, can you hear them? Those noises?
(Can I head over there too?)
Of course! This is your reward.
Shall we meet again here tomorrow night?
I’m not lying! Really!

ちょっと！貴女何をやってるの！？
掃除終わったらすぐ洗濯！
洗濯終わったらすぐ買出し！
買出し済んだら料理作って！
待ってる間にお風呂沸かして！
息子の着替えも準備した？
本当にグズだね！何も出来ないの！？

chotto! anata nani o yatteru no!?
souji owattara sugu sentaku!
sentaku owattara sugu kaidashi!
kaidashi sundara ryouri tsukutte!
matteru aida ni ofuro wakashite!
musuko no kigae mo junbi shita?
hontou ni guzu da ne! nani mo dekinai no!?

Hold it! What are you doing?!
After you’ve finished cleaning, you’ve got to do the laundry!
After doing the laundry, you’ve got to go shopping!
When you’re done shopping, you have to cook!
And while you’re waiting, boil the bath water!
Is my son’s change of clothes ready?
You’re such a fool! Can’t you do anything?!

黒い霧の街角　マスクの下の笑顔
心臓揺らす音で　踊れ騒げ朝まで

kuroi kiri no machikado masuku no shita no egao
shinzou yurasu oto de odore sawage asa made

At a street corner in the thick fog, people smile beneath their masks.
With these sounds, which unsettle hearts, dance and make merry until dawn!

踊れ ドナドナ 朝が来るまで
夜の ドナドナ 使いは
霧に ドナドナ 消えた街角
闇の ドナドナ 音楽

odore donadona asa ga kuru made
yoru no donadona tsukai wa
kiri ni donadona kieta machikado
yami no donadona ongaku

Dance (donna, donna) until morning comes.
The night (donna, donna) messenger
disappeared (donna, donna) into the misty street corner.
The music (donna, donna) of darkness echoes.

静かな街中進めば聴こえてくるはずあの音が
マスクを着けなきゃ聴こえない音が
黒い霧の先響いてる
(ようこそ！今日もいらっしゃいました
割れた低音でお出迎えすれば)
ぶっ飛んだ音でぶっ飛んだ時は
常識野郎が非常識！

shizuka na machinaka susumeba kikoete kuru hazu ano oto ga
masuku o tsukenakya kikoenai oto ga
kuroi kiri no saki hibii teru
(youkoso! kyou mo irasshai mashita
wareta teion de odemukae sureba)
buttonda oto de buttonda toki wa
joushiki yarou ga hijoushiki!

You must be able to hear those sounds when you advance down silent downtown.
If you don’t have a mask on, you can’t hear them.
They resound beyond the thick fog…
(Welcome! Thank you for coming again today.
When I welcome you with my cracked, low voice…)
Rational fools will become irrational
When surprised by those surprising sounds!

貴女のご主人お疲れのようで
貴女が誘えば喜びます
いやいや！いいんです特別ですから
疲れちゃいますよこの街は
そうそう！名前を教えてなかった
ロンドンスラッグパーティハイ！
霧の音楽で貴女を癒す
疲れちゃいますよこの街は

anata no goshujin otsukare no you de
anata ga sasoeba yorokobimasu
iyaiya! iin desu tokubetsu desu kara
tsukarecha imasu yo kono machi wa
sousou! namae o oshiete nakatta
rondon suraggu paati hai!
kiri no ongaku de anata o iyasu
tsukarecha imasu yo kono machi wa

Your master appears tired.
If you invite them, they’ll be happy.
No, no! It’s fine, since you’re special.
I’m tired of this city.
Yes, yes! I didn’t tell you its name:
London Slag Party High!
I’ll heal you with the mist’s music.
I’m tired of this city.

君はこの街が好きか？
僕は大好きさ！最高さ！
霧が出てからが本番なんだよ
聴こえてるんだろ？あの音が
(私もそこへ行けますか？)
モチさ！これは君へのご褒美さ
明日また夜にここで会おうか
ロンドンスラッグパーティハイ！

kimi wa kono machi ga suki ka?
boku wa daisuki sa! saikou sa!
kiri ga dete kara ga honban nan da yo
kikoeteru ndaro? ano oto ga
(watashi mo soko e ikemasu ka?)
mochi sa! kore wa kimi e no go-houbi sa
ashita mata yoru ni koko de aou ka
Rondon suraggu paati hai!

Do you like this town?
I love it! It’s the best!
After the fog rolls in, that’s when the performance is.
I wonder, can you hear them? Those noises?
(Can I head over there too?)
Of course! This is your reward.
Shall we meet again here tomorrow night?
London Slag Party High!

踊れ ドナドナ 朝が来るまで
夜の ドナドナ 使いは
霧に ドナドナ 消えた街角
闇の ドナドナ 音楽

odore donadona asa ga kuru made
yoru no donadona tsukai wa
kiri ni donadona kieta machikado
yami no donadona ongaku

Dance (donna, donna) until morning comes.
The night (donna, donna) messenger
disappeared (donna, donna) into the misty street corner.
The music (donna, donna) of darkness echoes.

(1) ドナドナ (dona dona) could refer to Donna Donna, a well-known song about a calf being led to slaughter.

エルゴノミックヒーロー || Ergonomic Hero

releska2 Comments

エルゴノミックヒーロー
erugonomikku hiiroo
Ergonomic Hero

Vocals: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), GUMI,
Lyrics: masa (まさ)
Composed by: masa (まさ)
Circle: -MASA Works DESIGN-
Release Date: November 30, 2016

Requested by: Vaati
Watch the official video here!

This appears to be part of a trilogy of videos about Miku, a religious warrior, and GUMI, a revolutionary. If ergonomic means “designed for comfort,” then perhaps this song sets up a dichotomy between ‘structured’ religion and ‘free’ rebellion…

山の神々と反逆因子は
信仰の違いで表裏が変わる
槍、弓、石斧、刺青を背負って
外からの風を断絶してきた
信仰、生贄、食事に健康、
家族、規則、罰
仔細のお告げに背いた移民は
山の神々の元へ還すだけ

yama no kamigami to hangyaku inshi wa
shinkou no chigai de hyouri ga kawaru
yari, yumi, ishiono, irezumi o seotte
soto kara no kaze o danzetsu shitekita
shinkou, ikenie, shokuji ni kenkou,
kazoku, kisoku, bachi
shisai no otsuge ni somuita imin wa
yama no kamigami no moto e kaesu dake

Both the mountain gods and the rebels
change through differences in faith.
Bearing spears, bows, axes, and tattoos,
They came to sever the wind coming from outside.
Faith, sacrifice, wholesome diets,
Family, rules, punishment…
The immigrants who disobeyed the oracles
were just returned to the mountain gods.

मैं नृत्य करना चाहते हैं

main nrty karana chaahate hain

I want to dance.

武力で解決強者が勝者だ
死人に口無し亡者の戯言
大きな変化は暴力が作る
殴って殺してそれが人間だ
愛だの慈悲だの正義だ悪だの
笑わせる為の言葉の押し付け
大きな変化は暴力が作る
殴って殺してそれが人間だ

buryoku de kaiketsu gosha ga shousha da
shinin ni kuchinashi mouja no tawagoto
ooki na henka wa bouryoku ga tsukuru
nagutte koroshite sore ga ningen da
ai da no jihi da no seigi da aku da no
warawaseru tame no kotoba no oshitsuke
ooki na henka wa bouryoku ga tsukuru
nagutte koroshite sore ga ningen da

The strong, settling disputes with force, are the victors.
Dead men tell no tales. This is the dead’s mischief.
Violence creates grand changes.
Such is humanity—they strike and kill.
Love, mercy, justice, evil…
They’re commands from laughable words.
Violence creates grand changes.
Such is humanity—they strike and kill.

司祭の言葉は命より重い
約束の時が我らに近づく

shisai no kotoba wa inochi yori omoi
yakusoku no toki ga warera ni chikazuku

The words of a priest are more important than life.
The promised time approaches us.

山ノ神？その掴みいらなくね？
どうせ最後は死ぬだけだ
感情論その時の信仰で
目の色すら変わる人
人の皮？鬼の顔？
その内に秘める残酷さが明るみに
都合の良い信仰論
ガタガタの信仰を、今
叩き潰すんだ

yama no kami? sono tsukami iranaku ne?
douse saigo wa shinu dake da
kanjouron sono toki no shinkou de
me no iro sura kawaru hito
hito no kawa? oni no kao?
sono uchi ni himeru zankoku sa ga akarumi ni
tsugou no yoi shinkouron
gatagata no shinkou o, ima
hataki tsubusun da

The mountain god? You don’t need such a firm grip on them, right?
After all, you’ll just end up dying.
When making emotional arguments, momentary faith
will make some people go into a frenzy.
Human skin? The face of demons?
Sooner or later, hidden cruelty will come to light.
What a convenient faith-based argument.
Now, I’m gonna crush
that decrepit faith!

मैं नृत्य करना चाहते हैं

main nrty karana chaahate hain

I want to dance.

武力で解決強者が勝者だ
死人に口無し亡者の戯言
大きな変化は暴力が作る
殴って殺してそれが人間だ
愛だの慈悲だの正義だ悪だの
笑わせる為の言葉の押し付け
大きな変化は暴力が作る
殴って殺してそれが人間だ

buryoku de kaiketsu gosha ga shousha da
shinin ni kuchinashi mouja no tawagoto
ooki na henka wa bouryoku ga tsukuru
nagutte koroshite sore ga ningen da
ai da no jihi da no seigi da aku da no
warawaseru tame no kotoba no oshitsuke
ooki na henka wa bouryoku ga tsukuru
nagutte koroshite sore ga ningen da

The strong, settling disputes with force, are the victors.
Dead men tell no tales. This is the dead’s mischief.
Violence creates grand changes.
Such is humanity—they strike and kill.
Love, mercy, justice, evil…
They’re commands from laughable words.
Violence creates grand changes.
Such is humanity—they strike and kill.