Lyrics & Translation
Dive into the powerful world of Japanese hip-hop with ZORN's "戦争と少女" (War and a Girl). This song is a unique blend of ZORN's compelling lyricism and the iconic, globally beloved sound of Nujabes, marking the first official Japanese rap collaboration with his estate. Through its raw and honest portrayal of wartime experiences, particularly the Tokyo Air Raids, the song offers a window into Japanese history and culture. By exploring its deep message and evocative lyrics, you can gain a rich understanding of nuanced Japanese expressions and the art of storytelling in rap. Its direct language and emotional depth make it a compelling piece for language learners seeking to connect with profound narratives in Japanese.
That was our last conversation.
Late that night, a thunderous sound.
Bombs poured down over Tokyo.
Fire and angry shouts at Kameido Station.
Cries of "Dad! Mom!" fill the air.
Planes above, a sea of fire below.
Let go of the bucket, they call you a traitor.
All alone, running in panic.
An eight-year-old girl saw it all.
A baby burning on its mother's back.
And still, no feeling of pity came.
When I noticed, morning brought only silence.
Floral plates and a field scorched black.
Near the path where I parted from my friend.
Survived by hiding under dead bodies.
"Give me chocolate."
The real war began after the fighting.
War orphans searching for parents by the river.
Caught in a roundup, shoved naked into a cage.
Living with a stranger, some other woman.
A girl and her brother with swollen cheeks.
Abandoned on the deck of a ship.
Begging my way to Ueno Station.
Scraping leftovers every day.
Getting punched for stealing at the black market.
Sleeping at the edge of an underground tunnel.
Next to kids who starved to death.
Little hands torn apart.
Seven and four separated for good.
Ten years later, I went to see him.
Her brother had forgotten his sister.
I don’t care about war.
A heavy topic—I change the channel.
Indifference drops bombs.
Indifference feeds scraps.
A girl left with burns that never fade.
I imagine if she were my own daughter.
It’s not a difficult thing.
It hurts just thinking about it.
You can shout about world peace.
But you can't even stop a fight at home.
Still, we pass on these unheard voices.
An 80-year mic relay.
Rain must fall before the rainbow comes.
We’re all the youngest in history.
Kids laughing together in the neighborhood.
I hear, "See you tomorrow, then."
Key Vocabulary
| Vocabulary | Meanings |
|---|---|
|
会話 /かいわ/ B1 |
|
|
爆弾 /ばくだん/ B2 |
|
|
炎 /ほのお/ B1 |
|
|
怒号 /どごう/ C1 |
|
|
飛行機 /ひこうき/ A2 |
|
|
少女 /しょうじょ/ B1 |
|
|
燃える /もえる/ B1 |
|
|
静けさ /しずけさ/ B2 |
|
|
死体 /したい/ C1 |
|
|
戦争 /せんそう/ B2 |
|
|
孤児 /こじ/ C1 |
|
|
檻 /おり/ B2 |
|
|
物乞い /ものごい/ C1 |
|
|
餓死 /がし/ C2 |
|
|
想像 /そうぞう/ B2 |
|
|
夫婦喧嘩 /ふうふげんか/ C1 |
|
|
無関心 /むかんしん/ C2 |
|
|
残飯 /のこめ/ B1 |
|
Do you remember what “会話” or “爆弾” means in "戦争と少女"?
Hop into the app to practice now – quizzes, flashcards, and native-like pronunciation are waiting!
Key Grammar Structures
We're updating this section. Stay tuned!
