Ikimono Gakari いきものがかり ; Amazing lyricist

From left Yoshiki Mizuno, Kiyoe Yoshioka, Hotaka Yamashita

 

 

There’s something about Ikimono Gakari music, besides the incredibly infectious melody, meaningful lyrics. Their music tend to resonate with me, sometimes when I read through the song translation. I have a big doubt, whether their songs can be sung in another language. I guess some things are better left being said in its own language. They like to use the word “kotoba”/ 言葉 in their songs,  which literally means “word” in English, but the way they use in their songs as if words are like a gifts to another person.

Most songs are written by the lead guitarist/group leader Mizuno Yoshiki, there’s a lot of deep philosophical thoughts and poetic elements have been put in creating his songs. Often times he uses nature as a medium to express an idea or an image, its the exact same feeling when you listen to Bob Dylan songs. Sometimes it occurred to me, “Why I never thought of that?”


Nukumori /ぬくもり

あの日 きみがくれたその言葉が いつの日でも僕を支えていて
The words you uttered have supported me all this while

さり気なく手を振るその背中を もう少しだけ見ていたいと思った
I nonchalantly waved my hand and gazed a little longer as I watched you leave

ふるさとに咲くはずの淡い花 何故だろうその花の匂いがした
The pale flower that blossoms in my hometown, why is it that I smell its fragrance now

確かなことなど何もないから 不確かな明日を信じてみるよ
I try to believe to uncertain tomorrow, because there is nothing such a sure thing




そう 遠く聞こえたのは変わらないメロディー いつでも
From a distance I hear, a melody that never changes

言葉に出来ないほどの強い愛が 僕の胸のうちを駆け抜けてく
A strong love which can’t be put into words overwhelms my heart

どうして なんで 怖くて目を背けた 泣いたっていいんだよ それも僕らなんだよ
Why was I scared Why did I turn away? It's alright to cry because it’s still us

愛するものを守りたくて 暗闇をひたすらに駆けてゆく
I want to protect the things I love and run away from the darkness




忘れないで 僕がまだここにいる ぬくもりの中に見つけた「ありがとう」
Don't forget that I am still here for you. Inside warmth, thank you for finding me

あの街を出て行くと決めたのは 飾らない優しさのきみの言葉
The reason I decided to leave was your kindness

遠く離れてつま弾いた日々に 一抹の希望を重ねてみるよ
Leaving for a place far away I try to gather a glimmer of hope

そう 強く信じたのはあたたかい未来 今でも
Yes, I strongly believe in a future filled with hope~even now



心に抱えた孤独や虚しさと 誰も笑顔の裏闘ってる
Behind the smiles, everyone is silently battling the loneliness and emptiness in their hearts

そうしてないと壊れてしまいそうで 強くなくていいんだよ それが僕らなんだよ
If you don't do so, you will break into pieces. It's okay not to be strong all the time because it's us

愛する意味をまた求めて きみのその面影に触れてみる
I am still seeking the meaning of love I want to reach out and try to touch your shadows once again 

忘れないよ 僕らなら歩けるよ この日々の中に答えはあるだろう
Do not forget, that if it’s us we will be able to move on there is sure to be an answer in the days to come