Gomenasai – English Lyrics

• By: t.A.T.u
• Album: Dangerous And Moving

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the tender emotions of t.A.T.u.'s "Gomenasai," a poignant pop ballad that uses the Japanese phrase for "I'm sorry" to convey deep regret and a plea for forgiveness. This song offers a unique opportunity to learn a fundamental Japanese apology expression and understand its cultural nuances, all while appreciating a softer, more reflective side of the iconic duo's musical style. Its straightforward message and accessible lyrics make it an excellent entry point into the language, highlighting the power of sincere apologies in any culture.

[English]

What I thought wasn't mine

In the light

Was a one of a kind

A precious pearl

When I wanted to cry

I couldn't 'cause I

Wasn't allowed

Gomenasai, for everything

Gomenasai, I know I let you down

Gomenasai 'til the end

I never needed a friend like I do now

What I thought wasn't all

So innocent

Was a delicate doll

Of porcelain

When I wanted to call you

And ask you for help

I stopped myself

Gomenasai, for everything

Gomenasai, I know I let you down

Gomenasai 'til the end

I never needed a friend like I do now

...

What I thought was a dream, a mirage

Was as real as it seemed: a privilege

When I wanted to tell you

I made a mistake, I walked away

Gomenasai, for everything

...

Gomenasai (gomenasai)

Gomenasai, I never needed a friend like I do now

Gomenasai, I let you down

...

Gomenasai (gomenasai)

Gomenasai 'til the end

I never needed a friend like I do now

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
thought /θɔːt/ B1	verb - to have an opinion or belief
mine /maɪn/ A2	pronoun - belonging to me
light /laɪt/ A2	noun - the brightness from the sun or fire adjective - not heavy
precious /ˈprɛʃəs/ B2	adjective - being of great value; not to be wasted
cry /kraɪ/ A2	verb - to produce tears from the eyes, especially when upset
allowed /əˈlaʊd/ B1	verb - permitted or authorized
know /noʊ/ A2	verb - to have information or understanding about something
let /lɛt/ A1	verb - to allow or permit
end /ɛnd/ A2	noun - the final part of something verb - to bring to a close
need /niːd/ A2	verb - to require something because it is essential
dream /driːm/ B1	noun - a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep verb - to imagine dreams while sleeping
need /niːd/ A2	verb - to require something because it is essential

Key Grammar Structures

• What I **thought** wasn't mine

  ➔ Past Simple (thought) + Subjunctive mood (implied)

  ➔ The verb "thought" uses the Past Simple tense. The sentence structure implies a situation contrary to reality, suggesting a subjunctive mood (e.g., "I **wish** what I thought wasn't mine").

• When I **wanted** to cry

  ➔ Past Simple (wanted) + Infinitive (to cry)

  ➔ The sentence uses Past Simple tense for the action of wanting, and then uses the infinitive form of "cry" to describe what was desired.

• Gomenasai, for **everything**

  ➔ Prepositional phrase (for everything)

  ➔ The preposition "for" introduces a noun phrase "everything" to indicate the scope of the apology. It uses a general term.

• Gomenasai, I **know** I let you down

  ➔ Main clause (I know) + Subordinate clause (I let you down)

  ➔ This sentence features a main clause expressing knowledge, and a subordinate clause functioning as the object of the verb "know".

• I **never needed** a friend like I do now

  ➔ Past Simple (never needed) + Present Simple (do)

  ➔ This sentence combines a past simple form for the past and a present simple form to compare the present situation with the past.

• What I thought **was a dream**, a mirage

  ➔ Past Simple (was) + Noun phrase (a dream)

  ➔ The verb "was" connects a thought to a description – "a dream". The sentence uses Past Simple for this linking.

• Was as real as it seemed: a **privilege**

  ➔ Linking verb (was) + Noun (privilege) + Comparison

  ➔ The sentence uses a linking verb ("was") to equate something with a "privilege." The comparison "as real as it seemed" adds to the description.

• I made a **mistake**, I walked away

  ➔ Past Simple (made, walked)

  ➔ Simple use of Past Simple tense to describe actions in the past.