時代遅れのRock’n’Roll Band – Bilingual Lyrics Japanese/English

• By: 桑田佳祐, 佐野元春, 世良公則, Char, 野口五郎

Lyrics & Translation

Learning Japanese through 'Jidai Okure no Rock’n’Roll Band' offers a unique opportunity to connect with the heart of Japanese rock and pop history. The lyrics, penned by the iconic Keisuke Kuwata, are both poetic and direct, touching on universal themes of peace and responsibility. The song features a collaboration of legendary artists, each with their own distinct vocal style, providing a rich listening experience. By studying the lyrics, you can learn expressions of hope, concern, and encouragement, all while being immersed in a classic rock sound. This song is special not only for its powerful message but also for the historic gathering of these celebrated musicians, making it a cultural touchstone.

[English]

Lately, the word "peace"

seems to fade and blur.

Even its meaning echoes hollowly.

Before lamenting the world,

before pretending not to know,

it’s better to raise your voice honestly.

At the end of the journey, the sky is far away,

still with dreams unfulfilled.

Repeating detours,

One Day Someday.

Before I know it,

like a drama, the times have changed.

Facing the events before us,

let's embrace them together,

sing Rock'n'Roll Band!!

Even if we are gone,

the everyday life of this world

won't change at all.

Among such insignificant beings,

let's bring out each other's good points

and head towards tomorrow, Twist and Shout, C'mon!!

…Shake It Up, Baby!!

With all their might,

adults protect children's lives.

That is the pride called freedom.

No More No War.

Sadness,

the black clouds cover the Earth,

but those who are weak

even say they refuse

to dream?

One Day Someday.

When will it be

that this contradictory race ends?

In this world,

each and every one is important,

sing Rock'n'Roll Band!!

Illuminating the darkness,

a cheesy Rock'n'Roll Band!!

[Japanese]

この頃「平和」という文字が

朧げに霞んで見えるんだ

意味さえ虚ろに響く

世の中を嘆くその前に

知らないそぶりをする前に

素直に声を上げたらいい

旅路の果ては空遠く

まだ夢叶わずに

回り道を繰り返して

One Day Someday

いつの間にか

ドラマみたいに時代は変わったよ

目の前の出来事を

共に受け止めて

歌え Rock'n'Roll Band!!

我々が居なくなったって

この世の日常は何ひとつ

変わりはしないだろう

そんなちっぽけな者同士

お互いのイイとこ持ち寄って

明日に向かってTwist and Shout, C'mon!!

…Shake It Up, Baby!!

子供の命を全力で

大人が守ること

それが自由という名の誇りさ

No More No War

悲しみの

黒い雲が地球を覆うけど

力の弱い者が

夢見ることさえ

拒むと言うのか？

One Day Someday

いつになれば

矛盾だらけの競争(レース)は終わるんだろう？

この世に大切な

ひとりひとりが居て

歌え Rock'n'Roll Band!!

闇を照らす

ダサい Rock'n'Roll Band!!

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
平和 /へいわ/ B1	noun - peace
夢 /ゆめ/ A2	noun - dream
声 /こえ/ A2	noun - voice
力 /ちから/ A2	noun - power/strength
悲しみ /かなしみ/ B1	noun - sadness
大切 /たいせつ/ B1	adjective - important/precious
変わる /かわる/ B1	verb - to change
歌う /うたう/ A2	verb - to sing
道 /みち/ A2	noun - road/path
雲 /くも/ A2	noun - cloud
競争 /きょうそう/ B2	noun - competition
自由 /じゆう/ B1	noun - freedom
空 /そら/ A1	noun - sky
日常 /にちじょう/ B2	noun - everyday life
者 /もの/ B1	noun - person

Key Grammar Structures

• この頃「平和」という文字が

  ➔ The particle 「が」 indicates the subject of the sentence.

  ➔ It marks 「平和」 (peace) as the subject of the sentence.

• 意味さえ虚ろに響く

  ➔ The 「さえ」 particle emphasizes even the smallest or least expected element.

  ➔ It emphasizes that even the meaning is hollow and echoes without substance.

• 世の中を嘆くその前に

  ➔ The 「を」 particle marks 「世の中」 as the direct object of the verb.

  ➔ It indicates that 「世の中」 (the world) is the object of the verb 「嘆く」 (to lament).

• 知らないそぶりをする前に

  ➔ The phrase 「そぶりをする」 means to pretend or act as if.

  ➔ It expresses the act of pretending or acting as if certain feelings or situations are not present before a certain action.

• 回り道を繰り返して

  ➔ The verb form 「繰り返して」 is the te-form of 「繰り返す」 expressing continuous or repeated action.

  ➔ It indicates a repeated or ongoing action of going in circles or taking detours.

• 未来に向かってTwist and Shout, C'mon!!

  ➔ The phrase 「に向かって」 indicates direction or target toward which an action is directed.

  ➔ It shows movement or intention headed toward the future.

• 子供の命を全力で

  ➔ The phrase 「全力で」 uses the noun 「全力」 with the particle 「で」 to indicate performing an action with full effort.

  ➔ It means doing something with maximum effort or full strength.