Translation Trashbin - 18. “Suzhou Nocturne”

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Performance Translation of:

Suzhou Nocturne

By Hattori and Saijo

The story of this torch song centers around a young Chinese woman from the city of Suzhou, known as the Venice of the East, who met, fell in love with, and was left behind by a Japanese sailor. She simultaneously experiences the new-come spring in her hometown while remembering the one she and her sailor shared in the past.

Musically speaking, this is a Japanese take on Chinese music. For most Westerners, perhaps the differences are not noticeable, but the continued popularity of this song -- despite 'the history' of its composition -- speaks to how appealing it is to both cultures. Needless to say, the music and lyrics are beautiful to everyone  

Follow along with the youtube links provided below. Musical timing information refers to the Ann Sally recording.

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“夜来香”[1]

作詞:西条八十

作曲:服部良一

君がみ胸に抱かれてきくは

夢の船歌恋の唄

水の蘇州の花散る春を

惜しむか柳がすすり泣く

花を浮べて流れる水の

明日の行方は知らねども

今宵うつした二人の姿

消えてくれるないつまでも

髪にかざろか口づけしよか

君が手折りし桃の花

涙ぐむよなおぼろの月に

鐘が鳴ります寒山寺

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“Suzhou Nocturne”

Lyrics: Yaso Saijo

Music: Ryoichi Hattori

(0:25) In my memory's embrace, it's you, young man, I still hear

Across the ocean billows, shipboard with your singing;

And Suzhou's waters enlace with spring blossoms clear,

While the birds in the willows for beauty are weeping.

(1:25) These flowers now adrift don't see their connection,

Giving no thought to the tides to which they are clinging;

But don't betray the couple standing in reflection

Whose tomorrows only deserve tender safekeeping.

(3:22) How you'd kiss the blossoms plucked sweetly for my hair,

Young man, when you saw the flowers of peach swinging;

But now the moon tearful becomes, waning softly in the air,

Claiming the far temple's small hours and its bell unsleeping.

Ann Sally (full song):

Yamaguchi (only first and last stanzas): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1NiP0ihPUs

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