I never thought this time would come... but alas, I underestimated the power of subbing. :o If you're here for the fansubs, PLEASE READ (and I apologize in advance for the insane length)!

As of Friday, August 1, Taiji Project fansubs are no longer hosted at this journal. Instead they will be released at Taiji Project's new community, taijiprojectsub.

( Click here for explanations and directions! )

It's been a loooooong time coming, but I finally wrote up a FAQ to keep linked up on the Taiji Project profile. Keep in mind that this is subject to change.

( Massively long, so click here to read )

Got a question that wasn't answered here? Ask away in a comment, and I'll either answer you directly or add it to the FAQ (or both)!

Back to fulfill yet another request I've had sitting around all neglected for ages - and I know at least one person on my list who should be very happy to see me finally posting a Glay translation :3 The song is Coyote, Colored Darkness, and it was one of the most challenging translations I've tried in a while. x.x I think that's why I put off finishing it for so long... there's some pretty ambiguous structures and unusual vocabulary scattered around. Awesome vivid descriptions, though.

Oh, one thing to point out... there isn't a single use of personal pronouns in the song (well, except that one Engrish line, but who knows what they were going for with that *cough*), so it's unclear whether the point of view is coming from "I/me," "you," or someone else. The only thing it ever specifically refers to as actually doing/being anything is the coyote, so since it's also in the title, I dubbed it the "main character." I hope that makes sense...

Glay - Coyote, Colored Darkness

( Romaji )

Armed with spines of sadness, it rides the night on the silver upstream flow
Until the scent of crisis, the slight pulse, and the crimson tracks fade away

You leave me darkness spin me down
The color of sorrow severed by the wind is a deep lead shadow in the moonlight
A pitiful coyote, the color of dead leaves, colors the darkness

It begs the blue sky for love and hate that burn deep red
Dimly glistening fangs sever reality closed off by black
Before the silver afterimage turns to ash
With its claws it carves into a white map the days its fluttering mane left behind
Now, in that place

You leave me darkness spin me down
The color of sorrow severed by the wind is a deep lead shadow in the moonlight
A pitiful coyote, the color of dead leaves, colors the darkness

Blue memories ask of a bloodline flowing with rubia
Within consciousness stained black, it remains in the silver wolf's vision
Dark brown silver salt that shines gold; a sinful life is...

It begs the blue sky for love and hate that burn deep red
Dimly glistening fangs sever reality closed off by black
Before the silver afterimage turns to ash
With its claws it carves into a white map the days its fluttering mane left behind
Now, in that place


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Glay, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm just a fangirl trying to make J-music a little more accessible to English speakers. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue me - I'm already broke. T__T

I've had this request sitting around for AGES and just now picked it up. :\ My pathetic time management failure aside, why now? Because the song is Plastic Cell by Matenrou Opera, and Matenrou Opera is going to be interviewed on the internet radio station Tainted Reality tomorrow night, Thursday Dec. 3, starting at 8pm. Fans of the band or of J-rock in general, be sure to check it out! */shameless plug*

...This song was a piece of cake to understand and translate, but putting it into English is another story. :\ Sometimes I wish Japanese was the universal language so everybody could understand the subtleties and nuances of J-pop and J-rock. But then I'd be out of a job, so oh well. :D;;

Matenrou Opera - Plastic Cell

( Romaji )

I look down to the road at my feet, where your body lies
The pure red blood flowing forth stains the asphalt

I can hear the rain striking the ground

The umbrellas passing through the town stop my feet and I saw your face
Does your heart dance so much at her death?

The town passes by, leaving only me behind
You are not here anymore

Voiceless, the rain continues to fall and my white breath disappears
The emotions left behind are now... so much... so much
Crying out in search of you

At some point the rain stopped and the lights turned on
I'm coming to see you now, I'm sure you'll smile for me

The warm sky will end at twilight and I'll disappear, embraced by the soaking wind
Since I met you, my life learned color, learned meaning
The sky and the light reflected in my eyes

Waver, waver... I'll sleep in my mother's arms
Waver, waver... The red blood that flows forth
Disappear, disappear... Won't take you away from me
Disappear...

This world the two of us knew



Disclaimer: This song belongs to Matenrou Opera and Sherow Artist Society, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm just a fangirl trying to make J-music a little more accessible to English speakers. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue me - I'm already broke. T__T

My next request is, I believe, the last single released by the defunct-but-legendary Kisaki Project - Byousha Kaze. Actually, the last kanji in the title can be read as either "kaze" or "fuu" (both meaning wind), and Google searches turned up a pretty fair number of results for each, so I'm not exactly sure which one is right. Kisaki fans, please correct me if I'm wrong!

Oh, also, "byousha" means depiction or portrayal. Depiction of wind? Wind of depiction? Wind that depicts? Take whatever translation you prefer, guys, 'cause I'm copping out on this one. :D;;

Kisaki Project - Byousha Kaze

( Romaji )

I remember...
The film reel begins to turn with a clatter
The screen behind my eyelids reflects a brilliantly colored kaleidoscope
Scenes from the past gently began to overflow

Back then I carried so much anguish, continuing to endure tears I couldn't show
When things were far more painful than they are now, my dear friends and I supported each other

I remember the wind on the Seine, and from its bridge
I watched the beautiful sunset for so long
Each of our paths is steep, and we will go astray at times
But I'll keep walking on with the desire to go back there

The form of my heart in the rain after the clouds, overflowing with memories, turns to sunshine
I'm alive today because I've overcome things that were far more painful than they are now

In the calm wind on the Seine, I painted my dream in the sky
I'm sure I'll never forget that smile, that laughter
Each of our paths is steep, and we will go astray at times
But I'll keep walking on with the desire to go back there


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Kisaki Project and Under Code Productions, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm just a fangirl trying to make J-music a little more accessible to English speakers. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue me - I'm already broke. T__T

I had a couple of requests for lyrics from visual kei bands in my inbox when I came home from Nekocon last month, and since working with my bands always puts me in a J-rock/V-kei mood all over again, I went ahead with them. There's another one I've had sitting around MUCH longer that I want to get done as soon as possible too, for reasons I'll expound upon when I reach that point, but for now I'll start with those two.

First is Baptism by Juliadoll, an indies band that broke up last year. This one was a challenge because I (and the requester) couldn't find ANY official version of the kanji lyrics on the web, and we had to work with a fan's transcription and my own two ears. I'm pretty satisfied with the end result, but there were a couple parts where it really would've been nice to have official kanji. :\ Oh well... it's a very nice song, anyhow ♥ Enjoy!

Juliadoll - Baptism

( Romaji )

Even the sin of Eve is forgiven
The warmth wavers in confusion
Words predicting the future
Pierce my shattered worth

If I had thrown away the hypocrisy and lies
And looked up at all the stars reflecting the same moon
I wonder if I could have held your hand

The surface of the brilliant snow is cracking
Magic unfolds within my heart
If I can do it over again
I wonder if even I, as I am, could honestly love

The tedium is like a narcotic
A game that never falls silent
Particles of air that know no shame
Lovingly violating my body

Within the torn apart prayer that increases the victims
The voice of their blood echoes again today [1]
Fate gives no answer

The brilliant snow continues to groan
Magic unfolds within my heart
If I can do it over again
I wonder if even I, as I am, could honestly smile

The surface of the brilliant snow is cracking
Magic unfolds within my heart
If I can do it over again
Even I, as I am, want to try and enjoy living

The brilliant snow continues to groan
Magic unfolds within my heart
If I can do it over again
I wonder if even I, as I am, could honestly love


[1] This was one of those lines where I reeeeeeally wished there was official kanji of these lyrics on the web somewhere... In "chi no koe," that little word "chi," depending on how it's written, can mean either blood or earth/land. I think either one would've fit in the context of this song, but the "blood" kanji is what was written in the version I was working with, so that's what I used...


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Juliadoll (and that's all as far as I know, since they were indies), not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm just a fangirl trying to make J-music a little more accessible to English speakers. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue me - I'm already broke. T__T

Nope, I didn't forget the other single included on Arashi's latest release - I think I had even more requests for this one o_o I can understand why, since it's so different from their usual fare and has some pretty ambiguous moments in the lyrics... So here it is, the theme to Ohno Satoshi's story in the recent mini(?) drama series, 0 Goushitsu no Kyaku - Tokei Jikake no Umbrella. Enjoy!

Arashi - Tokei Jikake no Umbrella (The Clockwork Umbrella)

( Romaji )

Nothing but mysteries... what am I supposed to believe?
If you feel lost, just stay by my side

A scene I've never seen before is born from your heart
Rather than doubting, try taking a step forward (past... future... now?)

Ah ah lady come on baby
With the umbrella raised over my heart
Fly me high, do you wanna with me?
Starting here, from zero

I love this clockwork love song
At the romantic moment when the hands on the clock meet, hold me close
As long as you're here I don't need anything
My dream lies on this long detouring path I'm walking with you
My love go on & on Your love go on & on

The fuse burning in my heart
Might as well see what will happen to it
This is as far as I can go
I'm an adult who doesn't know patience (uh, I can't take anymore...)

Somewhere my dream
Is changing the melody I played one day
So that we won't get lost on this journey
We'll put up a sail for the two of us

Not yet... not yet... keep it warm until morning
Sow the seeds of tomorrow... keep them warm with bare skin

An even longer detour
The town changes around us
The sweet story echoes, born from the chrysalis of love

What is the truth? Nobody knows; all that's certain is that you'll start from zero
Even if it's a lie, the truth that will only hurt me
I'll softly put it away deep in my heart

Even if the rain continues to soak us, what's important is that you're here
And so we'll keep warm the many flowers of the future that bloomed for us

Let's softly raise our gentle umbrella and go on

I love this clockwork love song
Don't stop the moment when our kiss is numbed by the electric shock
As long as you're here I don't need anything
My dream lies on this long detouring path I'm walking with you
My love go on & on Your love go on & on

I don't want to let you go in this storm of love
We'll make this graffiti of hope that we've drawn into our map
My love go on & on Your love go on & on


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Arashi Johnny & Associates Johnny Kitagawa, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm just a fangirl trying to make J-music a little more accessible to English speakers. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue me - I'm already broke. T__T

Hey, look, I'm still alive! :D;; Yeah, some of you probably recall that I was out of town for about 6 days, but even I didn't expect the resulting hiatus to drag on for, like, 2 weeks... *fail* I'm very slowly getting back in the game subbing-wise, and besides that I've been working on lots of song translations and re-uploading lots of expired download links for taijiprojectsub, so uh... at least I haven't been completely idle? n___n;

Anyway, when I came home from my Nekocon excursion (which ROCKED, by the way ♥ and I'm working on a report!), my inbox presented me with a handful of requests for Arashi's new double single (I had a brain fart... what does the industry call those things?). And so that is what I bring for you today, starting with the one that's serving as the main theme for Aiba Masaki's new drama of the same name - My Girl ^^

Arashi - My Girl

( Romaji )

What words could we have used to understand each other better?
Your tears were hidden in a smile of false bravado

No matter how we spend the days, if we can keep believing in the now
I'm sure the one path meant just for us will begin

The times when we feel kindness will lead us to happiness
I felt that, if we could laugh together, we could walk forward one tiny step at a time

I want to send my gratitude, softly, to you
Even if we're far apart, I'll head toward a future full of memories
When I close my eyes, the seasons I spent with you come back to my mind
Today again, as our memories join together, I'll softly collect the tiny pieces of warmth

Softly overflowing from the fingertips enveloped in mine
Was your warmth as you swiftly took off running

You carried all the important things by yourself
I still remember the hand that I let go of, unable to say the things I wanted to

I want to say thank you one more time, softly, by your side
I can't go back to yesterday, but I'll welcome tomorrow like saying a prayer
When I stretch out my hand, the door to the season you left behind opens
Since I miss you so much I can't help it, I'm sure I'll remember you again today

The days I spent with you disappear into the distance, second by second
But you're still alive within my heart

I want to send my gratitude, softly, to you
Even if we're far apart, I'll head toward a future full of memories
When I close my eyes, the seasons I spent with you come back to my mind
Today again, as our memories join together, I'll softly collect the tiny pieces of warmth

I'll softly collect the tiny pieces of warmth...


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Arashi Johnny & Associates Johnny Kitagawa, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm just a fangirl trying to make J-music a little more accessible to English speakers. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue me - I'm already broke. T__T

And at last, we come to the last of the new lyrical tracks on Suicide Ali's first full album: Aza -Sailla-. Now, I and the other staff I've talked to really like this song, but the band's US manager hates it. ^^; I'm not saying I agree with him, but I can see why he thinks that, I guess... it's a really cool song, and I love that it has a different sound and expresses some different sensations and aspects of the world in the Suicide Ali novel... but I probably wouldn't use it to promote the band to potential new sponsors or anything. It's not exactly representative of them. Great song though, no matter what Roger says. :3

The title for this one also calls for some explanation, I think. "Aza" usually means bruise or birthmark, so I translated it as "bruise" in the lyrics... but I really think the title of this track translates itself. My theory is that "Sailla," also the name of the virus referred to in the story of this mini-album, is how the word "aza" is translated in the language of Suicide Ali's world. In their story Sailla is a virus that infects people who have fallen in love and are left with its memories, represented by marks left on the body (aza) when it's hit by light (their feelings toward someone that they can't forget). I hope that makes sense... Hiroshi explained it better. ^^; Anyway, here it is...

Suicide Ali - Aza -Sailla-

( Romaji )

Why did you bring me here?
The bond falls apart in the sunlight streaming through the trees

I look at the flowers blooming in the field and smile
Everything I was gazing into is beginning
I'm sure that would be
The bruise you brought forth

Take out your secluded heart
The cowardice is a new symptom
How long must I wait
Before it goes away?
The sound of the bell that I lost sight of
Over there
Over here
Chiming... [1]

My heart continues to be carried away
By the endless pounding

Your kindness leaves me speechless
I find eternity in our touching lips
This is the bruise that made me realize
It must be love

Take out your secluded heart
If the cowardice won't go away
Didn't I tell you that would be goodbye?
The sound of the bell that I lost sight of is still
Over there
Over here
Chiming...

Someday the sadness
Someday the reason I live
Will be matched with my confusion
And when the day comes that I can smile again

The forever changing symptoms
Over here
Over there

[1] "Hyurira" is just a sound effect that represents singing, whistling, music, etc; think along the lines of "di-li-la..." I translated it as "chiming" just because it sounded less... well, silly. ^^; Stupid English...

Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

And now we come to... er... the track which I'm not really sure what to say about, Amphibia. It's cool, I just don't know what to say about it. O_o So... take a look and see for yourself?

Suicide Ali - Amphibia

( Romaji )

In the place that it seems like I can forget but I can't
"That's speaking the obvious"
Could this be the answer?
Time stilled by the alluring waves ceases to move
Singing the "song of love without a home"

Bad dream was known through the word
Only one point is aging
Bad dream was known through the word
Writhing on the underside of the water's surface

In the place that it seems like I can forget but I can't
I found the stage of a parting known as a "bond"
The completion of the ideal form that I could never show
Grows cold like light sunken into a curve

Bad dream was known through the word
Only one point is aging
Bad dream was known through the word
Extreme circumstances back me into a corner
Bad dream was known through the word
Embracing this pitiful child
Bad dream was known through the word
I searched for it on the underside of the water's surface

Come, let's go on to tomorrow
Take hold of my hand
We don't need a reason, don't ask
I'll never stray again
If there's something that will never disappear
Let's vanish into the depths
Of an ocean that nobody knows

Bad dream was known through the word
Embracing this pitiful child
Bad dream was known through the word
I searched for it on the underside of the water's surface

Come, let's go on to tomorrow
Take hold of my hand
We don't need a reason, don't ask
I'll never stray again
Because there's something that will never disappear
As if something was returned
The two of us met each other here


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

And the next new track on Suicide Ali's first full album is Yuukai Gokko. Both the band leaders, Goshi and Hiroshi, have named this their favorite song to perform live - and with darned good reason. It's SO much fun. :D

The title requires a bit of explanation, though. The term "yuukai" actually applies to pretty much any sort of monster, ghost, ogre, goblin, etc... but most commonly refers to well-known beasts of folklore, such as the famous Japanese kappa - or in terms of other countries, things like the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, and Chupacabre. And "gokko" is like, to pretend or put on a play of something. Examples include popular games among little boys in Japan such as "sumo gokko" (playing sumo) and "Dragonball gokko" (pretending to be Dragonball characters). When I was a kid, I remember playing a lot of Ninja Turtles gokko and Sylvester & Tweety gokko with my little buddies... but let's not dwell on that *cough*

Suicide Ali - Yuukai Gokko (Playing Monster)

( Romaji )

For example, if I were to steal you away now
How many sad people would I see?

I'm sure then we would learn the weight of love
Shall we try it?
Starting with the reason you're there

Lit up Lit up Lit up
Dark mind by melancholy size
Lit up Lit up Lit up
Dark distance by meditation time

I spread my arms wide and look up
To the dream that strongly mimics the moonlit night
Tonight I'm going to dream
So I won't measure love

Surely you've thought about it at least once?
We must not let anything remain lost

Lit up Lit up Lit up
Dark mind by melancholy size
Lit up Lit up Lit up
Dark distance by meditation time

I spread my arms wide and look up
To the dream that strongly mimics the moonlit night
Tonight I'll be intoxicated by the dream
So I won't forget love

To think too deeply is to pass it by, so
Don't run away, don't run away

Lit up Lit up Lit up
Dark mind by melancholy size
Lit up Lit up Lit up
Dark distance by meditation time

I spread my arms wide and look up
To the dream that strongly mimics the moonlit night
Tonight I'll be intoxicated by the dream
So I won't forget love


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Once again, another huge moment in Suicide Ali history (I've said that a lot, haven't I? Hey, these guys have come a long way and gone through a lot to get there ♥) - the release of their first FULL album! And what an amazing album it is. *___* The first track is actually Road of the Wing, but I've posted that one already since it was also a live-distributed single, so here's the first NEW track on the album: Aoi Ookami ga Mita Zekkei. This is another one of those songs that I just love more and more each time I hear it. It will also be made into a PV to be released in their first worldwide-distributed DVD coming up next month. :D Yay Suicide Ali!

Suicide Ali - Aoi Ookami ga Mita Zekkei (The Scenery Seen by the Blue Wolf)

( Romaji )

The artwork on the outer wall won't be stained
Just like this is the nature I was born with

I'll fight back, claws poised
I'll fight back, fangs bared
I'll fight back, claws poised
I don't belong here

The scenery I was pushed back into
Bitten off in a chain reaction
All I have to do is throw this body
Into the swirls of pleasure

This superficial impulse won't be halted
Just like I can't be expected to remember

I'll fight back, claws poised
I'll fight back, fangs bared
I'll fight back, claws poised
I don't belong here

The scenery I was pushed back into
Bitten off in a chain reaction
All I have to do is throw this body
Into the swirls of pleasure

Even so, on a night like this
The past I've finally reached
As I count the shards of love
Sluggish sensitivity, the willpower I couldn't throw away
And the unchanging days keep turning

Even now, I'll hold you again
Just as you were on that day
As I collect the shattered fragments
The reason for each one, the reason why they pierce
And the unreachable days keep turning


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

And now we come to another nice trippy song from the Tadashii Mahou no Tsukurikata single - the strange, twisted Hakozume no Doutai. Yum?

Suicide Ali - Hakozume no Doutai (Torso in a Box)

( Romaji )

Bloodshot, the head was severed
As if a heart would appear
Bloodshot, the legs were severed
As if a heart would appear
Bloodshot, the arms were severed
As if a heart would appear
The long night, the long night

As I was intoxicated by a strange psychological process
At dawn, a torso in a box was delivered to me

Maybe I was looking for
An unlimited tolerance
I kept on searching for
Something I could continue to understand
When I read the letter that came with it
It felt as if a heart would appear
The long night, the long night

As I was intoxicated by a strange psychological process
At dawn, I even had a feeling I wasn't alone

What can I see? What can I see?

As I was intoxicated by a strange psychological process
At dawn, a torso in a box was delivered to me
As I was intoxicated by a strange psychological process
At dawn, I even had a feeling I wasn't alone

What can I see? What can I see?


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Now we come to another big moment in Suicide Ali history - their first maxi single released worldwide! This one actually features some... pretty trippy songs. You'll see what I mean once you read them, I think. o_o (It also includes a re-recording of Ningen no Kaname, just for your reference)

So first we have the title track, a crazy but fun little number known as Tadashii Mahou no Tsukurikata. The chorus of this song is such a blast, especially in concerts. La la lalalala la la. :D

Suicide Ali - Tadashii Mahou no Tsukurikata (How to Make Magic Correctly)

( Romaji )

If you listen closely
You can hear approaching footsteps
What kind of dream
Will he show us today?

He deceives and laughs from his isolated cell
The depraved ones flock to his hierarchy

For example, if in many different settings
Only one is a different person
The subject won't notice
So shall we secretly switch places?
With light steps, the wizard...
La la lalalala la la

If possible, I want to
Leave it in someone else's hands
Maybe I don't need
This body anymore

He deceives and laughs from his isolated cell
The depraved ones flock to his hierarchy

For example, in many different settings
Shall I stumble and throw away
The horrendous crime built of death
And awakened by isolation?
With light steps, the wizard...
La la lalalala la la

Compassion and kindness
I'm already used to knowing
The husks of words that you give away
But it's so unbearable that I have to embrace
The final smile
This sad murder way


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Now at last we come to the last (so far) Suicide Ali single to be sold at live venues only - Road of the Wing. They made the very wise decision to include this track on their first full album in September 2009 as well, because according to the radio request counts at Tainted Reality, this is by far Suicide Ali's most popular song yet. As of this past September, anyway; that might have changed now that more fans have copies of their full album. I doubt it though, because this is seriously an awesome song that deserves the honor.

Suicide Ali - Road of the Wing

( Romaji )

A creaking sound is heard on the horizon as the steam train carries us along
When, after which meeting, did things become so complicated?

To scenery never before seen
People set off on their journeys
Each to their own destinations

The transient lost path and the transient span of life
When I exposed my deepest ego in search of eternity
This almost ceasing breath looked like a stranger disappearing into the distance

If I can gently place a paintbrush line in the window
I wonder who, and where, painted the faraway sky?

To scenery never before seen
People set off on their journeys
Each to their own destinations

The transient lost path and the transient span of life
Because you gave me a setting that never changes and a place to return to
This almost ceasing breath was able to live on, bit by bit

Forever and always
You will remain by my side
Goodbye...

The transient lost path and the transient span of life
Because I decided to spell out this mild fever
With this newly running breath, my strong, elegant wings dance up to heaven

To become a wind that will rock the skies


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

The next new track on Suicide Ali's second mini-album, and another one illustrating a bit more of the fantasy world in which the story of Suicide Ali takes place, is the very interesting Revandish Ring. Interesting tidbit: this is bassist Kozi's favorite song to perform live. ^_^

Oh, and a note: my romanization/translation of the title is honestly just a guess. The only way the band has ever written it has been in katakana or completely un-romanized romaji (I'm talking "rebandesshu ringu" or something like that). I decided to go with an English spelling that sounded appropriate to the atmosphere of the world portrayed in the Suicide Ali novel (and "Revandish" does make sense, considering Kozi's character name is Ravishan - and that IS an official English spelling). So, you know. Take it loosely!

Suicide Ali - Revandish Ring

( Romaji )

Inside this cage is the labyrinth I'm trapped in
With my back turned to the king and the ring he holds out

Corpses pile up, the future rots away
It hurts the more I speak on this stage of ancient times

Dying...

A silent tale, conveying nothing
Not accompanying the king who seeks an oath

Corpses pile up, the future rots away
It hurts the more I speak on this stage of ancient times

Dying...

Feelings sprout forth until
I start to strongly oppose my pale self
Even if I'm filled with malice
That would make anyone want to look away
It should be all right this way
So let me hear everything, with no truths left out

One, two, so many I grow to hate
One, two, so many kicked away
One, two, so many betrayed
One, two, so many wiped out

Born as if to illuminate the frozen night
I lost the faintest hints of love before I came here
Before I could tell it to anyone
No matter what I oppose
It should be all right this way
So I'll follow my true heart and walk on


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Now we move on to Suicide Ali's second mini-album released for worldwide distribution, Uketsugareta Yubiwa - and one of my personal all-time favorite songs of theirs, Hakugai no Asa. I'm not exactly sure why, but I just find this song incredible both musically and lyrically. *_* Maybe because this was one of the first songs where you can really hear the story of the Suicide Ali novel coming into play... yes, this band has an awesome concept in which they're all travelers led by Bit el Bedi, the role played by vocalist Goshi, who was meant to be born in heaven but ended up awakening on a sort of parallel Earth somewhere, and so he has to travel through the world writing the novel called "Suicide Ali" in order to get back into heaven someday. Their images and songs all accompany this story. These guys are amazing. ♥

Anyway, enough rambling... enjoy!

Suicide Ali - Hakugai no Asa (Morning of Persecution)

( Romaji )

Clad in the night, as if to confirm
The things I can't see, I connect the stars

If it has been created from the beginning
Where can I begin to erase it?

I keep pounding on the door to the empty room
And wait for an answer

If it was already doomed to end from the start
Where can I escape to?

Without even the skill to break through the pouring rain
I look up to the heavens and take in the sound of my destiny

If it was already doomed to end from the start
Where can I escape to?

Without even the skill to break through the pouring rain
I look up to the heavens and take in the sound of my destiny
Without even the skill to throw away the past that led me here
The morning of persecution dawns through the breaks in the clouds


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

YAY. This just might be my favorite Suicide Ali song EVER. The definitive track from their first mini-album Sarau Fue to Yakusoku, and also one of the top two or three most requested Suicide Ali songs ever on Tainted Reality - the amazing Fuefuki Douji! The flute-y intro to this song is my ringtone right now and it ROCKS. 8D This is also the song where, during concerts, Goshi does that kitty paw thing during the flute-y bits. I swear, KITTY PAWS. He is so freaking awesome. ♥

Suicide Ali - Fuefuki Douji (The Boy Who Plays the Flute)

( Romaji )

With disheveled hair
The boy plays his flute
As if he invites them through his melody
He takes the sad people away

Even though I realized the feeling
It was all over
Even though I realized the feeling
I can't go back

When the sky clears, even this time (feeling) [1]
Will be forgotten, so come this way
When the sky clears, you will
Smile in a tomorrow of seven colors

With disheveled hair
You are overcome with depression
Seeing the same ending again
You're stopping your heart

In the dream you showed me
I couldn't be honest
In the dream you showed me
I was afraid

When the sky clears, I'll take you
To a brand new world
When the sky clears, I'll say goodbye
With no chance of remembering again

I'll wipe it out for you, I can't give it back
See my hand waving, now come... sleep... sleep

Why won't you come here?
Why won't you..

I've cried so many times
I've cried until I was hoarse
I've cried enough tears to carve through my skin
So I won't cry anymore

I won't ever forget
The memories of my life
The strength to come through the sadness
I'm glad I met you

I don't need this flute
I don't need it anymore

And a bit of a technical footnote...

[1] Where it says "kankaku/feeling" in parentheses, "kankaku" is written in the lyrics, but Goshi sings "toki" (time).


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Yes, one of Suicide Ali's oldest favorites made a comeback with some new lyrics in their first mini-album... and so I present the second version of the ever-popular CHAINSAW (yeah, I'm not sure if the difference in capitalization and spacing was really "official," but I'm keeping it since it helps to distinguish the two versions)!

Suicide Ali - CHAINSAW

( Romaji )

In the womb I was given a dazzling chain saw
My first choice to make in search of my own will

Within a fountain of blood and someone's sadness
I am always in the middle

The body which undulates.
I am a chain saw.
The fact which isn't changed.
I am a chain saw.

Still lacking my own personality
I can't erase the feeling of being torn apart

Within a fountain of blood and someone's hatred
I am always in the middle

The body which undulates.
I am a chain saw.
The fact which isn't changed.
I am a chain saw.

My distorted self, this distorted love
My distorting self, this distorting love
I'll give... to you... resounding...


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Now we come to another huge step in Suicide Ali history - their first mini-album released for worldwide distribution, Sarau Fue to Yakusoku. Six tracks, three of them being brand new and another one being a remake of an older one that's different enough to post a version 2 here! But we'll start with the first song, somewhat appropriately titled for the opening track of the release that would prove to be a major new beginning for my boys: Tobira. Enjoy!

Suicide Ali - Tobira (The Door)

( Romaji )

If I draw my knees to my chest and murmur alone
The hands of the clock nod in agreement
It's beautiful, it won't break
It's all right
Expanding darkness of the night
Don't open the door

As I sip down the last of the murky water
Like a withered flower
I have nothing left to wish for

I thought it would be all right this way

In the descending night where nothing is visible
The sound of the bell of time fills my ears
At the end of my pursuit of the fever
That colored my hair, I found the sun

Like being pushed deeply, deeply
Toward a place far, far away

I thought it would be all right this way

Will I ever bloom into something beautiful?
I bend to the rustling wind

Within me, where I was to conceive
A descending night where nothing is visible
Walking barefoot down the thorny path
You were always arriving

Grown accustomed to endless cruelty
Softly I placed my hand on the ancient door


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Now, at last, we come to the first Suicide Ali single that was distributed to more than just live show attendees (and very quickly sold out) - Representa. Another huge step for Suicide Ali, and released a full year after This New Order, this one has stayed steadily on top of the all-time favorite Suicide Ali songs among fans. Awesome song that still seems to get better and better the more I hear it.

Suicide Ali - Representa

( Romaji )

Skin and hands to conceal
Joints and words to connect
The truth is that I want to try and expose
My disconnected, tragic self

A brain and clothing to soil
Shoulders and tears to let fall
I'll collect the carelessly scattered trash
Expose it and take it all in

I am not brought to life
I am not manipulated
I am not forced
My freedom is arbitrary

A basket and a coffin to retain the memories
0s and 1s granted to me
I'll pass through the endlessly recurring light and dark
Expose it and create it anew

I am not brought to life
I am not manipulated
I am not forced
My freedom is arbitrary

In all people's hearts, there are shadows they don't want to admit
As heavy as the weight of time
No matter how weak and small the voice
Surely someone, someday,
Will notice and reach out to touch it

Drawing... drawing...

I am not brought to life
I am not manipulated
I am not forced
My freedom is arbitrary

In all people's hearts, there are shadows they don't want to admit
As heavy as the weight of time
No matter how dark and stagnant the upbringing
Even if I could see the end of everything from here onward

I exist in a place that has never been reflected in your eyes
And that's why
I'll go on living
I'll go on living
I can go on living

Taking you with me, forever


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Now we're up to the single that was only sold to attendees of Suicide Ali's 1st anniversary one-man live: the elusive (it eluded me for the longest time, anyway) Enzai. Not much else to say about this song, really...

Suicide Ali - Enzai (False Charges)

( Romaji )

It's fun to drive in the nails
Back to the usual park again today
Where is the lost child?
Is it all right that I'm alive?

It's fun to watch this bitterness
From within that peaceful place
I'm afraid of the scorn
Is it all right that I'm alive?

Even though it's so sad, I'm not sad
Even though it's so sad, my heart is laughing

Weaving through false charges, a small sandstorm
Weaving through false charges, a frothing, shouting voice

Even though it's so sad, I'm not sad
Even though it's so sad, my heart is laughing

Weaving through false charges, a small sandstorm
Weaving through false charges, a frothing, shouting voice

You know nothing...
You know nothing...
You know nothing...
Of my rotting form...


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

The next of Suicide Ali's live-distributed singles was Sekidou, but that song doesn't have lyrics, so instead I shall present the translation of its second track - the ever popular Ningen no Kaname. Ah, yes... fast tempo, lots of screaming and crazy guitars, yet a surprisingly harmonious chorus... this track has become quintessential Suicide Ali.

Suicide Ali - Ningen no Kaname (The Core of Humanity)

( Romaji )

I had never even known suspicion
The irritating portrait reflected in the mirror
Never leaves me, and I lose my destination

At some point my wings were joined together
In the blink of an eye I fell to the depths of hell
Believing that one day the scenery would change

Invalids are forging
truth life sucked SAD
The best human cipher

As if nothing ever happened
You'll still smile at me like always
A vow to the eternity I can never part from

Invalids are forging
truth life sucked SAD
The best human cipher
Ah, I want to blast through the night

One look closed off the core of humanity
I'll never hear that young girl's breath again
The exchanged tragedy
That I traded my heart for
You protected this world, and you're right there now

Abandon faith

Someone release me from here
Quickly, my eyelids... [1]

Invalids are forging
truth life sucked SAD
The best human cipher
Ah, I want to blast through the night

One look closed off the core of humanity
Gazing at the sky I can never return to
The exchanged tragedy
That I traded my heart for
You protected this world, and one day you will...

The breath of the young girl who took flight
Accepting the deceit closed off by the unstoppable night
Embraced by the morning light, if I could have said goodbye
Your core, the only one in this world, would shine

A technical footnote...

[1] This two-line verse appears in the version of this song recorded on the live-distributed single Sekidou; it's not included in the Tadashii Mahou no Tsukurikata re-recording, but it's still printed in the lyrics booklet, so I kept it here.


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

And the next live-distributed release by Suicide Ali was this track, Doumyaku. You know what I love most about this song? Simple: only Goshi would write a hard, broody J-rock song about ICE CREAM. XD Seriously, even the cover art for the single features a smooth, melty, tasty-looking scoop of ice cream well, except that it's supposed to represent frozen blood, but ignore that detail. Read on and be enlightened!

Suicide Ali - Doumyaku (Artery)

( Romaji )

Coursing throughout my limbs
Pipes trying to live
To my senses, it's nothing more than
Bitterly cold, red gelato
Maddening... maddening
Red gelato... red gelato

It should have been precious
But my modest little world
Is beginning to break down
As if it were killed by the sun

Why do you have so much
That you can't carry it all?
Left behind for me is only
Bitterly cold, red gelato
Maddening... maddening
Red gelato... red gelato

It should have been precious
In my modest little world
Darkness spreads
As if I accepted a deadly weapon

The day dissolves away without being known
Within the uninterrupted circulation
The day I first knew the real me
Was the day I gave up

I refuse the hand that reaches out
Throw away all connections
Dressed in unsightly clothes
Even if I lose everything

The day dissolves away without being known
Still an answer can be sought
Until the day when the me that lived up to yesterday
Is called up to the heavens


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

The next official release by Suicide Ali was another live-distributed single called Seimeisen, but unfortunately I never got my hands on a copy of the lyrics to that song, so I'll skip ahead to its "B-side" track: Boku to Iu Yuugai na Youso. Bizarre this song may be, but it just might take the prize for the funnest concert furitsuke ever. :3

Also, um, please take the translation of the title loosely. Some things just weren't meant to be said in English. ¬_¬

Suicide Ali - Boku to Iu Yuugai na Youso (The Malignant Element That I Am)

( Romaji )

Deformed slime with eyes
From a harlot mother and her lukewarm boyfriend...
Wordless and discarded to the water's surface
Cyanotic, looking at the sky

Oh hey madam, just try and whisper
I bet I'll softly break down
Oh hey madam, just try and accept
The malignant element that I am

Deformed slime with eyes
I still don't have a name, so give me one
Long black hair that frolics with the wind
Cyanotic, just like Mama

Oh hey madam, just try and whisper
I bet I'll softly break down
Oh hey madam, just try and accept
The malignant element that I am

Look at my eyes, look at my eyes...

The blue marble that Mama gave to me
The hours of emptiness that I've earned
I can't move, I can't move...
Look at my eyes, look at my eyes...

Oh hey madam, just try and whisper
I bet I'll softly break down
Oh hey madam, just try and accept
The malignant element that I am

Oh hey madam, just try and whisper
I bet I'll softly break down
Oh hey madam, just try and accept
The malignant element that I am

Look at my eyes, look at my eyes...
I'm the deformity mud hated by Mother.


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

Now we come to Suicide Ali's first official single, This New Order, which came out one year after their official website opened with the mp3 uploads of the original five tracks that I previously posted. Actually, it might be more accurate to just say it was the first release they printed, since it was only available for purchase at their live shows in Japan (which would be the same for all the "singles" they released over the next year). Still, This New Order was a huge step forward for Suicide Ali, and it remains one of the all-time fan favorites in their arsenal.

Suicide Ali - This New Order

( Romaji )

An enormous demon draws his bow
The earth creaks as it is trampled down
Smoke coils about his steel arms
The figure of an approaching power

Facing his tremendous aggression
I watched his show of resolute force
Cruel arrows of fire are lodged
In the window as it trembles and rattles

This new order
This sudden plunder
Give me back my world, there is nowhere lower than here

Showered by the sparks that rain down
With shards of glass laying around me
I pierced the sky and severed with my own hands
The continuation of this uninvited dream

What could have gone wrong?
The crystal clear landscape
Will never again appear before me
Even now my field of vision is ablaze

Showered by the sparks that rain down
Everything around me falls apart
Until it vanishes even from memory
As his wounded figure watches me

slowly... slowly... slowly in the dark


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

And the last of the first five Suicide Ali tracks that started it all is another that remains a fan favorite, and one that the band loves playing around with too, if the THREE later re-releases of it are any indication: Kaze no Slave. This one's a little closer to the mellow end of the musical spectrum, so it's a good one for those of you who aren't quite ready for the jackhammering rhythms and insane arrangements of some of their harder tracks. :P

Suicide Ali - Kaze no Slave (Slave of the Wind)

( Romaji )

The trees whisper to me
In the lightless morning
"We will give you the wind in exchange for your memories"

If I cross the red brick road
slave...

Time goes on
More cruelly than anything
Perhaps I'll erase it all
Even one so meaningless as me

If I cross the red brick road
slave...

I've become a slave of the wind
Only I can be me
So I will walk on, seeking above all
To never hurt those who stay by my side

Though I am so slight in stature and heart
And so small
Why do I lose my way
Carrying anxiety that I can't grasp in my hands?

(I will cross the red brick road
slave...)

I've become a slave of the wind
Only I can be me
So I will seek above all
To gently embrace the weakness of those who stay by my side

Don't think so highly of me
I am so... so...

If I cross the red brick road....

I want to protect myself
I just want to protect myself
Even though I am so worthless
I want to protect myself

I whisper to the trees
In the cloudless morning
Perhaps I'll erase it all
Even one so meaningless as me

In the middle of the red brick road
brave...


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

The next of the original five Suicide Ali songs is another that remains a fan favorite, especially at concerts with its awesomely fun furitsuke (choreographed arm movements that the audience follows) - Chain Saw. Now, this one was released again later in their first mini-album with some different lyrics, so I will be posting that version separately when I get to it... but for now, enjoy the original lyrics of this slightly psychotic, but strangely fun classic!

Suicide Ali - Chain Saw

( Romaji )

In the womb I was given a dazzling chain saw
My first choice to make in search of my own will

Clinging to that limitless freedom
I bade farewell and dropped, tearing open warm flesh

My screams pour from the opening I've torn out
Looking up into a spiral of light, my existence has become ripe

Within a fountain of blood
And someone's sadness
I am always in the middle

The body which undulates.
I am a chain saw.
The fact which isn't changed.
I am a chain saw.

Still lacking my own personality
I can't erase the feeling of being torn apart

Within a fountain of blood
And someone's hatred
I am always in the middle

The body which undulates.
I am a chain saw.
The fact which isn't changed.
I am a chain saw.


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

The third of Suicide Ali's first five tracks is one that remains a favorite to this day among both the fans and the members themselves - the appropriately titled Favorite Song. Crazy and insane and known to give the band's translator months' worth of headaches when she first tried to translate it *cough*, this song earned a bit of a boost as it was released on the first omnibus album by the Japanese label/distribution company Darkest Labyrinth, which is run by the former leader of BLOOD, one of the pioneering bands of indies J-rock throughout the world. But I ramble. :D Here you go...

Suicide Ali - Favorite Song

( Romaji )

The first overflowing sexual urges, your sigh makes my eardrums dance
As I bite my beautiful beloved's fingertips, the blood trickling forth is delicious
Let's sing a favorite song, and go to the hell.

This abnormal malice filling me is incredible as I cut your bare body with a knife
My slut's obscene melody, is our compatibility a fantasy?
Let's sing a favorite song, and go to the hell.

I want someone to decide
Whether I, who couldn't change a thing, should be here
Walking this path where I can't turn back, even if I get tired
Everything before me remains unseen

Now I can silently feel
Your presence, grasping meaningless freedom
Walking this path where I can't turn back
The memories running around in my mind are all glittering

At least, let's sing our favorite song until our voices go hoarse
Forget who we are, forget time, until our voices break
Let's sing a favorite song...

Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D

The second song I present from the original five released on Suicide Ali's website back when they first formed is Ai Subeki Shikeidai. We don't hear much of this song anymore, but it did get the re-recording treatment and made an appearance on their first live-distributed single a year later...

Suicide Ali - Ai Subeki Shikeidai (Beloved Gallows)

( Romaji )

Oh gallows, take away my misery
Expose my heart as my stilled body glows in the sunset
I am cruelly hanged
Envisioning my own corpse
Caught by no one, led nowhere
Only... only... closing my eyes

Our meaningless souls
Still wander in sorrow

The sound of an ancient recorder is forced into my ears
They envied me, though I knew nothing

Our meaningless souls
Are searching for something

What are you thinking about in this world?
Are you thinking about a future?
What do you want to be?
Where do you want to go?
fucker!!

Our meaningless souls
Are still sad
Our meaningless souls' deep sorrow
Now becomes clear....

Knowing nothing but what I feel right now
I'm drowning in unspeakable agony
Counting how many nights I cried alone
Someone please embrace me before I destroy something


Disclaimer: This song belongs to Suicide Ali, not me. I only take credit for the romaji and translation. I'm not really worried about them suing me since I'm their official translator anyway, but the disclaimer still needed to be said. :D