She attempted suicide in July 1989 in her then-boyfriend 近藤真彦 (Masahiko Kondo)'s apartment after discovering that 松田聖子 (Seiko Matsuda), her main competition, and her boyfriend were having an affair together. Afterward, she disappeared from the public eye and is rumored to have spent her days drinking heavily in Hawaii. Her career since her suicide attempt has never regained the popularity she experienced in the early- to mid-1980s. But she kept performing even after 1996. Her performances before Japanese audiences continue to be of high quality. Her 2000, 2002 and 2003 concerts attracted large numbers of fans. She still performs and releases original songs (as of 2005). She is also on the New Year’s TV show Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
舟唄
中森明菜 Lyrics
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肴はあぶった イカでいい
女は無口な ひとがいい
灯りはぼんやり ともりゃいい
しみじみ飲めば しみじみと
想い出だけが 行き過ぎる
涙がポロリと こぼれたら
歌いだすのさ 舟唄を
いとしあの娘とヨ 朝寝する
ダンチョネ
店には飾りが ないがいい
窓から港が 見えりゃいい
はやりの歌など なくていい
ときどき霧笛が 鳴ればいい
ほろほろ飲めば ほろほろと
心がすすり 泣いている
あの頃あの娘を 思ったら
歌いだすのさ 舟唄を
ぽつぽつ飲めば ぽつぽつと
未練が胸に 舞い戻る
夜更けてさびしく なったなら
歌いだすのさ 舟唄を
ルルル......
The lyrics to 中森明菜's song "舟唄" evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing while describing a setting in which the singer finds solace. The song opens with the preference for lukewarm sake and grilled squid as a companion, creating a cozy atmosphere. The mention of desiring a quiet woman and dimly lit surroundings further emphasizes the desire for a calm and introspective setting. As the singer drinks deeply and reflects, memories begin to overwhelm them, leading to tears and a sudden urge to sing the boat song.
The song continues with the request to let the seagulls far out in the sea get drunk and to sleep in the morning with the beloved girl. These lines suggest a desire for escape and an intimate connection with someone dear. The absence of decorations in the bar and the view of the harbor from the window further reinforce the simplicity and tranquility sought by the singer. The mention of occasionally hearing the foghorn adds a sense of melancholy and a reminder of the passing of time.
The second verse describes a heart that is deeply moved as it drinks, with the memories of a certain girl resurfacing. As the singer continues to drink, feelings of lingering attachment and longing emerge. When the night grows late and loneliness sets in, the boat song is sung again, providing solace and catharsis.
Overall, "舟唄" portrays a yearning for a peaceful and introspective environment, accompanied by the nostalgia and emotions that arise when reminiscing about the past and longing for a lost love.
Line by Line Meaning
お酒はぬるめの 燗がいい
I prefer warm sake that is not too hot
肴はあぶった イカでいい
Grilled squid is the perfect accompaniment
女は無口な ひとがいい
I prefer a woman who is quiet
灯りはぼんやり ともりゃいい
Dim light is enough to illuminate
しみじみ飲めば しみじみと
If you drink deeply, you'll truly understand
想い出だけが 行き過ぎる
Only memories keep passing by
涙がポロリと こぼれたら
When tears fall, overflowing
歌いだすのさ 舟唄を
I start to sing a boat song
沖の鴎に 深酒させてヨ
Intoxicate the seagulls at sea
いとしあの娘とヨ 朝寝する
With that beloved girl, let's sleep in the morning
ダンチョネ
Dancho-ne
店には飾りが ないがいい
It's fine that the shop has no decorations
窓から港が 見えりゃいい
As long as I can see the harbor from the window
はやりの歌など なくていい
I don't need popular songs
ときどき霧笛が 鳴ればいい
Sometimes, it's nice to hear the foghorn
ほろほろ飲めば ほろほろと
If you drink gently, it will make you feel nostalgic
心がすすり 泣いている
My heart sips and cries
あの頃あの娘を 思ったら
When I think of that girl from those days
歌いだすのさ 舟唄を
I start to sing a boat song
ぽつぽつ飲めば ぽつぽつと
If you drink little by little, gradually
未練が胸に 舞い戻る
Regrets dance back into my heart
夜更けてさびしく なったなら
If it becomes late at night and gets lonely
歌いだすのさ 舟唄を
I start to sing a boat song
ルルル......
Lululu...
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: 阿久悠
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind